Connecticut western news., 1883-10-10

people here, but mean to do our duty and if while you tarry I can be of ser. vice, you may command me"
 It was a courteous greeting, not sc much in words as in the fatherly mans ner of the gray-haired man, and Reuben offered his hand warmly and expressed his thanks for the kindness, and as he walked back to the village with them, charmed them with his high-toned thoughts, and the three were each re- gretful when the pastors gate was reached.
 "Let us see you here tomorrow '' said he, as he led the Lily in, for she was his dove-like blessing, ''or tonight, even, if apart from home, family altar should be longed for.''
 "I have longed for it since my mother died," said the young man with touch' ing pathos.
 few forms, but we trust our hearts are right" and he ushered Reuben into the little study, and for while they sat there in the calm moonlight, not con- versing with each other, but uttering as they chanced, the holy thoughts which begged for an expression.
 At an early hour an aged female do- nestle entered with lights, and drew 8 stand to the pastors side. He turned over the leaves of the family Bible till he had selected 8 chapter, and then passed it to the young man, saying:
 My eyes grow dim; let me borrow yours ,
 Reuben took the holy volume rever- ently, and read in clear, thrilling tones, those glorious passages from St. John, commencing: "Let not your heart be troubled" When he had closed, the pastor turned to Lily for the hymn. It quivered on her lips, but the sacred emotions of her heart were too powerful for her weakened frame, and the words hung there in uttered music. Reuben's s keen ear had caught the strain, though, and his rich voice harmonized fully with the lofty words as he sung it through. Then the aged man bent his knee and prayed. And while he took in the whole world in his petition, he yet pleaded earnestly and individually for the gentle girl he had taken to his heart, and for the stranger who worshiped with them, and, subdued as his human feelings were, the young man was yet conscious of a sudden thrill of joy when he heard himself thus coupled in solemn prayer with the beauteous Lily.
 Only snatches of sleep came to him that night; most of it was spent in revery. And when he went out on the ensuing morning, life wore changed look to him. It had put on majesty that awed him, and yet that reused him to sublimer views. The divinity within him was aroused, not partially, but thoroughly, and he resolved to heed well it's intuitive suggestions. He sought out the aged pastor and revealed to him his previous life, its longings, its aspirations, it's unquietness, and his last resolve, to seek him out bride who |'should give beauty and bliss to life.
 "When I saw Lily yesterday" said he, stthe poets charming story came wildly to mind, and I resolved to woo her as did the lord of the tale. in paint. CTS dress, and bear her to princely home when she expected but an humble cottage. But better thoughts have been awakened in me. I would still win her, If can, but not to lead her into fash ions halls. They are not the place for one so spiritual as she. Home is the sphere for one like her, and would win her to home with me, in this or some other shady glen, and keep her my Lily through my life.
 "And this is not all, sir. I would learn Of you pastors duties. My life thus far has been an aimless one. Ineed not work, for have wealth at my command but would consecrate myself to some thing. My spirit has ever chafed at the letters l have thrown about it. I vii untangle it, and let it have it's will. Anf at your feet, sir, I would study earnest ly, faithfully, and pray that your lip, may ask Gods blessing on me as I some where kneel before my chosen people.
 My son" said the old man, solemnly "you have chosen we'll. Heaven hatl directed you here as guardian for LiI, and student for me. These fifty year have ministered here. I knew m, strength was failing and my senses grow ing dim, but could not bear to leay, my people with one who served thei
 Master from other than the holiest mo tlves, and so, tremulously I have per formed my duties for 8 year or more
 My son, you shall commence this da, your studies. You are well trained an, learned, and your heart is right. It vii not take you long to fit yourself to speal to these simple, truthful Christians. shall be spared to stand beside you whe : you first preach to them, and then sha be content to go. Come, let us begin. And from that day Reuben was an il mate of the parsonage, and that he pro- pered fast was no wonder either, for had, as he said, an angel and a saint fe
 guardians. There were scornful Iool and naughty words in his aristocrat home, when his proud relatives heal that the heir of their princely wealt had turned student of divinity, an would settle in an obscure village. all there was much wonder am ong ilis fasl ionable friends. But nothing could wi t the young man from, his holy VOWS, al night after night fill the stars wane r did he lean over his desk, that he migl