The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1878-08-31
HIRAM LYNDE'S EXPERIMENT.
I" Full many shaft at random sent,
Finds mark the archer little meant"

would have been amply satisfied with
his position rs gardener and hostlcr for
Mark Harrington, Esq, which yielded him
good wages. But he was a staunch North
ern Vermonter, who found it hard to realize
there is a wide social distinction between
the employer and employee in the suburbs
of New York. To be considered an upper
kitchen with Bridget Malone and Ann
McCarty chafed his pride terribly.
Every Sunday Hiram Harnessed pair
of superb black horses in a costly, soft
cushioned carriage, and drove the Iiar-
riugton family to church. While they
were worshiping within, lie waited out
side or rode slowly around the streets to
pass away the time, but was always
promptly back when the congregation dis
persed, to take them home.
Month after month went by. Bitter feel
ings in the meantime had gained mastery
in Hiram Lyndes heart, and angry NUT
terings were often on his lips, which he
found hard to suppress.
One iiue morning he drove with the Har-
riugtons to church as usual. AS they
slowly assembled the steps, and disappeared
within the sanctuary, strange light shone
in his eyes, and shaking his hand fiercely
after them, he exclaimed:
Proud hypocriies! There they go to
worship God and advertise their fine for
tune, through their velvets, silks and faces.
They put money into the contribution box
for the poor with jeweled hands; but nary
n farthing do they care for the souls of one
of them. Nearly a year | brought them
regularly to church, but nobody has said a
word about my going in. If preaching is
good for them, why isn't it for me, too?
All, I'll try an experiment. I'll bring
their fashionable religion out in strong
light, or prove it all sham. Ha. IA. yes,
will"
Four days passed. \ purpose had ripen-
ed in Hiram breast, and he longed to put
it into execution.
One morning as he was wedding in Mr..
Harring,on's garden, he saw Joe Phelps
leaning against the gate.
Hello, Joe! come here" he called
pleasantly.
Joe skipped up the gravelwalk to his
side. His mother was hard-toiling widow
who earned scanty livelihood for herself
and six children by washing. ,Ioe's
clothes were so worn that great patches
covered his knees and elbows, and only
81 Ill in, al HI
them together. Hiram surveyed him
closely.
" Pretty poor clothes you wear; hardly
fit for pauper," he remarked sneeringiy
"They are the best have, replied Joe,
the hot blood mounting to his face from
wounded pride.
want chance TO earn 4 new suit in
an easy way, in one hour >" asked Hiram.
Yes indeed" answered Joe ioyfully.
Joe, II make you fair, square offer
Next Sunday morning, if you'll wear these
same old clothes and be barefooied just as
you are now, and 90 into the church Just
after the Harringtons get in, and take
seat in their pew with them-its number is
AN' " So Va bbS OSoN Suib VI
clothes in Darrow's Store
"Oh, you are fooling," laughed Joe.
Never was more serious in my life
said Hiram earnestly. - | want to mortify
these puIse-proud Christians. | want to
see how these big feeling people vii! act, to
be in row with poor boy, half-covered
with patches and darns."
"Oh, don't want to 20 into their pew
said Joe quickly. ''Tisn't using them well;
it's mean
AS you please" replied Hiram indiffer-
emily. There's plenty of other boys
who'd jump at my offer
Joe reflected moment "Yes, I'll do
it," he said decidedly. Mother would
have to do great deal of washing to get
me Summer suit. I'll do it to save her:
but hate to awfully.''
When Sunday came. Joe waited till lie
saw the elegant carriage of Mark harring-
ton go by, and then followed hard after it.
he reached the churcts just after the family
had entered it. Hiram was holding the
horses in front Of the steps Giving the
reins to friend standing by, he and Joseph
made their way through the vestibule, up
the stairs to the inner door. Here Hiram
waited and watched, with chuckling heart,
the boy as he timorously went through the
broad aisle till he came to the pew lO5.
Mr.. Harrington was sitting at the foot, and
Joe slipped in by him. and sat down be-
l.; II
the faces of both showed great surprise.
That was capitally DONE thought
Hiram oxultingly. Joe is trump any
where. Vow the rich and poor are side by
side, and in Gods eyes one is no better
than the other
On their way home, the odd incident of
Joseph Phelps sitting unlimited in their
pew was gibly discussed by the Harring
tons.
- Poor boy" said Miss Helen, pityiugly.
I" it is plain his starved soul is reaching ont
for something higher. We must encourage
and help him"
But it was so funny to see him pop
down by you. thought | should laugh
outright" said Miss Fannie.
Hiram listened in astonishment. No
word Of indignation or modification came
from the lips of those ne had called fash
ionable Christians. His plan to humble
their pride had failed
On Monday Joseph came around to re-
ceive the promised remuneration for his
service. Hiram was true to his word, and
gave him good Summer suit of clothes.
which made him very happy Towards
evening Joseph Phelps received notice
through Bridget Malone, the conk, that her
master, Mark Harrington, wished to see
him.
lie entered that gentlemans presence
tremblingy. lie had committed a grave
oiiense by taking seat beside him uuiu-
yited, and he was in quivering expectation
of being accused Of ii.
Joseph, did you enjoy hearing Mr..