The Irish standard., 1886-07-31

s'Ah, but, my dear Ephriam, that
thing of halving the worship Of God is
forbidden by the rules of the holy gos-
pei. Every creature is bound to wor-
ship God, and pray to him always-ln
season and out of season.
"What! and have their notes protested
at the bank? My dear fellow, business
is a sacred thing, and must be attended
to-
"Ah, but you forgot, my good cousin,
that the great, and, indeed, the only
business of lite is salvation
"Well, supposing it is, 4 always
thought, myself, salvation was a pretty
good kinder doctrine in a general way
and rather guess too the world should
hardly get along so we'll without it, still
you know it won't cancel note, Cousin
Robert
"Ephriam, Ephriam?' said Hardwrin-
kle, his cold, stern, sallow countenance
exhibiting an expression of sanity sor-
row as he spoke,-Ephriam, where did
you learn to speak of religion with such
contemptuous Indifference? Have you
SO soon forgotten the lessons Of your
pious mother? She, indeed was de.
voted servant Of the Lord. O, she was
q holy soul--praying in season and out
Of
"P recisely," interrupted Weeks, tax
ing the cigar from his mouth, and knock
ing the ashes off with his finger, ''pre-
cisely-that's just it. She was forever
running off to contribution parties and
prayer meetings, and neglecting her
business at home. By gracious, when
father died he warn't worth five dollar
bill in the world, and I had to stink of
to the south to earn NY bread, ',nong
niggers and cotton bales. It's all very
we'll to pray, and I don't object to it no
how--but ] don't see either the darned
use in praying all day and neglecting
the main point,''
'sThe main point? and what's that,
cousin.''
"What is that? Why it's money, ain't
it?'
ssMoney!-you call money the main
point?''
"Yes sir, p responded Weeks, emphat~
ically; II call it nothing else. Should
admire to know what you call It,"
':You shock me, Ephriam. Really,
you shock me-
s'You don't say
"Why, you must be a downright inf
del, to speak in that irreyerent man
ner.''
"Don't know shout shat. But I've
got n2y own notions about religion, and
amt going to change them for any man Is
way of thinking. Guess I'm old enough
now 10 Judge for myself. And as for
nine tenths Of the religions going, I be.
lieve they're darned humbugs."
''Which of the different Christian de-
nominations do you belong TO, may l
asl?" inquired Hardwrinkle.
"Well, can't say I belong to any in
particular. rather think, though,
like the Unitarians better than most Of
them. Their ministers are pretty smart
sorter men, as general thing, and
preach frst-rate serm mons once in while.
No, I never seemed to have any choice
in that way. The fact is, I always cal
culated to do about right with every
man, and kinder thought that was re-
ligion enough for me-
"Cousin,'' said Hardwrinkle, after a
little reflection, "will you permit ME tc
ask you one question:
"Certainly, my dear fellow; why not:
Ask as many as you please. Amt you
my cousin?''
81 hope you won't be offended, o,
think nae impertinent, Ephr,am. YOU'RE
my mothers sisters child, you know
and it's but natural I should feel a live.
ly interest in your welfare, spiritual and
temporal
"Of course, I'm your mothers sisters
child-vell!"
"Well. it's merely this. Do you real
IL believe in the existance OF God? Now,
answer me candidly. It's rather q
strange question, but no matter. Do you
believe in that dogma
Yes sir,' replied Weeks, thrustine
his hand into his pockets and shaking
up the silver. "Yes sir, Ibelieve that
no mistake about it.''
ssThe Lord be praised!'' exclaimed his
pious cousin, turning up his eyes. SIN
thankful you have not yet fallen into the
lowest depth Of the abyss. really
feared, Ephriam, from your manner q
speaking, you were an atheist.
"No sir; T. believe in two things firm.
ly, and no living man can make me
change that belief. I believe in the ex
ista,,ca of q first ca,,se and the nerfacki.