Gloucester County Democrat. (Woodbury, N.J.) 1878-1932, 1884-08-28
seYour kind words are encouraging
and blush suffused his face.


and blush suffused his face.
From that time his praises were n
every lip. People who were noted Sab
bath breakers went to hear him; the
prayer meeting had an attendance larger
than it had ever before known the
'ssewing circle,n usually discontinued
through the hot months, was re-organ-
lied, and Of it he was the moving spirit.
The young men liked him, the young
women-married as well as single--fairly
adored him.
With reference to the gentler sex, ne
acted circumspectly, being courteous to-
ward all, but manifesting no favoritism
for any of them In fortnight he was
as popular as clergyman could desire
to be.
ri should like to ask great favor OF
you,n he said to Mr.. Campbell, president
and cashier of the local bank, a "pil-
larn Of the church, as they sat in con-
versation one evening.
sDo not hesitate to ask any favor
which it is in my power TO grant," was
the reply.
ssIt is not exactly the thing for an
humble servant of the Lord to wear this
ring''-extending his shapely white
hand, whereon sparkled large diamond,
ssIt indicates taste for display that, not
commendable with the rich, is repre-
hensible where the wearer is poor and
fitting for the vocation that is to be
mine. do not wear it as a matter of
display, however, but because 1t is an
heirloom, from which / have been un-
willing to part in the seasons Of my
direst need. The people cannot know
my motive in having it appear upon my
person and will probably nisapprehend
it. ] would ask, if you are willing, to
give it place in your safe at the bank9"
Most assuredly. Garry it there in
the morning, and will deposit it where
It will be secure"
.sThank you. Ny mind is relieved of
a great responsibility"
The next morning he went to the
bank, and saw his ring placed where Mr..
Campbell convinced him it would be
secure"
After an absence Of five weeks, Mr..
Pennell returned to his charge, and Mr..
Smith went from BrookviIlc TO a small
village in Maine, where he had engaged
to preach for a short time, he said
There was wide and deep regret at
his departure, and now few of the
church members especially those who
had ioined under his administration =
freely expressed their wish that the ''lay
preacher might continue to substitute
for the regular pastor, whom such re-
marks sreaohing, deeply grieved.
Fgnally matters settled into their former
ctannel and moved on peacefully for the
greater part, though not without an oc7
casional disturbance such as the parish
had not known prior to the adveat of
Mr.. Smith.
Toward the close Of September panic
was created in the place by the rumor
that the bank had been burglarized to
the amount5f nearly sixty thousand dol
lars-a ru,dor that proved true.
The d4y that this announcement was
made Or. Smith again came to Brook
villeto obtain the ring, which he had
tb,ught it best should remain in the safe
,shile he was away.
Despite the gloom of those who had
suffered by the burglary, they were glad
to see him, and, learning his less, were
SO sorry as to almost forget their own
Though the intrinsic value ofthe ring
was considerable, | valued it chiefly be-
cause it had been in our family so many
years-handed down from one to onother
generation, 2 be said; but my loss does
not deserve mention with that which
some of you have experienced. 1t does
make me feel personal interest in the
affaif" this to the directors and de-
-"and would suggest that you
at once telegraph to New York for Mr..
=, one of the most expert detectives
Rerica. I regret my inability to
n learn the result Of your
you succeed in re-
len property, I
kindness if you