The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1888-05-10
THE NEW PREACHER



Most people would say that it was no
new preacher at all; he had tho same
eyes, nose, mouth, and hair, was of the
same height, and offered the same
hands. But others who can read be-
tween the lines, and are thankful for
the gilt declare that it was new
preacher. He had gone through some
experience. His soul had changed. He
had been born againl
The preacher sat in his cozy study in
the afternoo hours. 1t was his ''den,'
where he was secure from all interrupt
tion, and furnished with the luxury OF
Sybarite. Soft rugs upon the floor,
handsome vases on the low book cases
that encircled the walls, rare etchings
upon the easel, costly engravings on
every side, cabinet of coins in one
corner, and poem in marble in another
1t was no wonder that he felt thrill
of self-satis faction as he glanced in
every direction. And his sense of COM
fort was heightened by the roll Of proof
sheets on his desk his latest work al
most ready for publication. There was
long row of volumes since his occu-
pancy of the pulpit, but this was to be
his crowning effort, and to increase still
further his fame.
There were the books, the creation of
his genius, on long shelf all by them
selves. The critics spoke highly OF
them; the learned world acknowledged
their merit. History, biography, criti-
cism, were his special fields. But his
mind was so versatile that he could pro-
duco novels as we'll; and his poems had
also rapid sale. AS popular Ice
turdk he always commanded largo au-
dience. His travels in the East and his
discovery of the missing tractate OF
St. Theodosius had gained him the
dectorate from three Old World uaivcr-
Ntics.
Yes, he had been singularly success
ful, and that. too, without STOPPING to
any mean tricks. He was above syco-
phancy and self-advertising. He had
made his way by hard pushing, by rcso.
lutte work, by sheer stamina, he was
wont to say. Not two decades in the
pulpit, he had long outstripped preach
ers of his class in tho seminary, and
left them and older graduates far be-
hind. He was known as the eminent,
the distinguished, and he enjoyed the
luxury of fame as only men of his char
acter can. He had never done a low
action; he had never driven over an ad
versary, but his talent and genius made
a track for themselves from the very
start.
It must be confessed that the preacher
who was never idle, but always a mira
clio of industry, had one solitary failing
perhaps there were others-he lovet
to dwell upon his success, and go owe
in memory each step in his advance
ment. That afternoon he was Just il
such mood, and his pride was attain
ing fever-hcat.
"Jamesp It was the voice of hi
wife as she drew aside the heavy cur
tain that shut off the "den" from tn
hall of the parsonage.
"Well7" came querulous tone from
the preacher, disturbed in his revery.
'The boy is here whom you wished t.
see."
'WLat boyi" he asked, in an i'm
patient tone.
Don't you remember7 The boy fo
whom you were to secure situation
You cannot, surely, havo forgotten it.
There was a shade of pain in her voice
'Oh, let him come to- morrow, Edith
cannot be bothered now. have m
thoughts busy enough with other mat
ters. Let him come-say, this day mex
week."
'But James," with gentlc remons
trance in her tone-"James, his mothe
is destitute; she must have money"
II cannot help it. Why am l alway
troubled by that class of peoblel
would tax the patience Of Job or tn
purse Of Cresus. Let him come mex
week; do you hearf'
The preachers wife heard she sighe
as she turned away, and babe the bo
come the following week. Then seein
him to the door, she gave him a trifl
for present needs.
The preacher resumed his revery, bu
found it difficult to regain his self
satisfaction. His nature was keenl
sensitive, and the slightest cause woul
often produce the intensest jar. An
now what had snapped asuuder hi
pleasant fancies7 What had vexcd hir
at the moment of his exhilaration7
1t was his wife's sigh-low, trent
lous scarcely audible-which had penc
trated his soul and ranked there, as
imbued with physical potency. 1t wa
the sigh of his wife, genie, patient, ur
complaining, that had stirred him frol
his dreams. He rose from his chai
He paced up a-d down the room. Il
never sighed. Why should his vii