The Arkansaw traveler., 1885-09-26
THE OLD CHURCH.

man Anthony began preaching in the little log church, situated in the center of a small village. He had no ambition ex- cept to feed his flock to worship, with deep sincerity, the Giver of all blessings. The people of Elwood revcrenced the old man, and, every Sunday, the little church was crowded. His sermons were simple. He knew nothing of science. To him the gospel was plain, needing no learned foot notes. People often asked him why he did not build larger church.
 "BecAuse." he always replied, ",he old church is dear to us all, aud we would not feel at home in any other house ,"
 Thus years passed away, but change was destined to come. A railroad was constructed through the country and Elwood became station. Fashions hitherto unknown to the place soon made their appearance. The village shook off the comfortable " drosse of years and awoke 10 active improvement. Large buildings were erected. The little church seemed lonesome. One day committee of gentlemen called upon old Anthony.
 Brother Anthony" said the chairman, "we have come to talk to you with re- gard to the good of our church"
 "I am glad to see you," the old man replied. The good ot our church is of interest to us all Be seated, gentlemen" !" added the old man as he put aside his bible and proceeded 10 arrange several chairs. At all times am glad to see those who come to talk of the church Proceed, Mir. Potter" addressing the spokesman.
 Mir. Potter cleared his throat, hemmed and hswed, moved his feet with scuf- fling sound and said:
 Brother Anthony, you have confidence in us, have you no,2'
 Most assurediy, my brethren"
 Then you will not regard our wish as a worldly conceit?7
 "Most certainly not, Do not know you all to be pious men1"
 "Thank xou. Brother Anthony, we have held counsel among ourselves and have come to the conclusion tn at we need better church. We live in A progre,- sive age, Brother Anthony. Strangers who come to our town and see our dizzy little meeting house are apt to think tha, the cause of redemption fares but iii in oIr community. Your congregation is able and willing to build large church, and we think that the erection of such an edifce should be your ambi,ion as well as our own. You can preach just as well in new church, for the gospel i,seit should always be new"
 Brother Potter" replied the preacher, you speak wisely. The gospel is always new. The hear. which is warmed by the love of God can never grow old, ba, do you not think that the erection of a new church would invite the vani,ies of the world As you know. have ever tired to keep my flock free from the coniami- nation of pride"
 "Oh, mo-" Mir. Potter replied. "A new church viii not foster new evils. Even in religion we must keep up with the times Old things must pass away. All things must become rew. All we want is your consent to have new church buiIt. You shall be put to no anxiety concerning it.
 Brother Potter, have preached in the old church for nearly forty years. We have had many a love feast under its roof, but if the congregation wants new house. will not stand in the way"
 An elaborate church was built. The country people came and stared at its graceful architecture. When the old church was torn down, Mir. Anthony preached an open air sermon on the sacred site. The new church was finished. The old man took his place in the pulpit. The house was croTded. It was night ard the lamps Hashed their brilliant rays over skillfui fresco. The sermon was simple. It was the same sort of sermon that had been preached in the old hoase. Some of the brethren complained. They said that the old mans voice was not strong enough to i'll the house.
 The next day committee, headed by Sir. Pottsz, cs...e1 os cd s=== A=.scny. They had come to speak to him on an important subject.