The Portland daily press., 1882-07-18
concord Monitor.]
Liberal Christianity.

In the report of the worthy and efficient sup-
erfntendent, Dea. Brown, OF the N. FL. Bible
society, in his Incidents" there is occasional
~ little dash OF humor as we'll as of instruc-
ton; and his last report, made June 26th was
not entirely destitute OF that element. Near
the close Of certain day, in certain locality,
the deacon says he called at large and good
looking farm house, and inquired if he could
find entertainment for the night. He was an
swered in the affirmative, as they did occasion
ally "put up" peddlers. Some beans and
bread were set before him for supper, of which
he partook, and in the morning some bread
and beans lin order to make a little change)
were served to him in the same cheerful man.
ner for breakfast. In Justice it ought to be said
that the beans were warmed before they were
set on the table. After breakfast the owner
took the deacon over his farm, which was large
and prosperous in the growing crops and condi-
ton generally In his barn were six good
horses, with hay and grain plenty, and other
things about the farm in proportion. He also
took him over the farm of his son, which was
about as good as the parent farm; and also
showed him another farm which he had pur-
chased for another son, and which be would
soon occupy. Everything showed wealth and
prosperity.
AS tho deacon was about leaving he suggest
ed that as his host was member OF the church
he light like to contribute something to aid tire
Bible society in furnishing the Scriptures to the
poor and destitute of our State, adding that the
society had to depend on the contr buttons of
those that are able and willing to give of their
substance to promote the work, and as he was
professedly religious man, and as God had
given him goodly share of worldly prosperity
the deacon had no doubt he would take plea
sure in making the society a liberal contribu-
ton. Upon that suggestion change came
over the spirit of his dream" Instead OF smiles
and cheerfulness his countenance assumed a
grim and melancholy aspect. Painful emotions
at once took the place of plessurable emotions.
He said that he (the deacon) was engaged in a
most glorious work, and one very near his own
heart. Nothing certainly could be more COM
mendable than furnishing Gods word to the
poor and sinful, and he wished him with all
his heart every success in the glorious work in
which he was engaged; but, said he, with
sigh, our taxes are very high, and that as he
had met with some reverses, he should have to
be excused from contributing anything at the
present time, The deacon remarked that he
must be his own judge, and act according to
the dictates of his own conscience about the
matter, as he made no demands on anybody,
and only received what sums Friends deemed
duty or pleasure to give.
In parting the deacon said he would pay him
for his entertainment if he would tell him what
it was. In reply the man said he supposed Re
was entertained free among the brethren. ''Not
at ALL" answered the deacon; 1--WE pay all our
bills, and ask for no favors but such as our
brethren wish freely to bestow." The farmer
thea threw himself into a thoughtful mood for
few moments, and then said: 1--WE generally
charge peddlers fifty cents over night, but you
are engaged in such glorious work, and one
so near my heart, iu furnishing aid for lost sin
ners to reach the glorious liberty of the chill
dren OF God, that shall aeate something from
- fOofa
cents" The deacon paid the bill, and passed
on to the next family.