Savannah courier. (Savannah, Tenn.) 1885-1979, 1888-04-19
THE NEW PREACHER.
The Experience by Which His
Soul Was Changed.

NA W 49, SAesAG0As
Most people would say that it was no
new preacher at all; he had the 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 gift, declare that it was new
preacher. He had gone through some
experience. His soul had changed.
He had been born again!
The preacher sat in his cozy study in
the afternoon hours. 1t was his
"den," where he was secure from all
interruption, and furnished with the
luxury of Sybaritc. Soft rugs upon
the floor. handsome vases on the low
bookcases that encircled the walls, rare
etchings upon the easel, costly en-
cravings on every side, a cabinet of
coins in one corner, and a poem in
marble in anOther--it was no wonder
that he felt thrill of dissatisfaction
as he glanced in every direction. And
his sense of comfort was heightened by
the roll of proof-sheets upon his desk
his latest work almost ready for pub
LEGATION. There was long row of
volumes since his occupancy of the
pulpit, but this was to be his browning
effort, and to increase still further his
fame.
There were the books, the creations
IF his genius, ON long shelf all by
themselves. The critics spoke highly
of them; the public bought them; the
learned world acknowledged their
merit History, biography. criticism,
were his special fields. But his mind
was SO versatile that he could produce
novels as well; and his poems had also
a rapid sale. As popular lecturer he
always commanded large audience.
His travels to the East and his discov.
cry of the missing tractate of St. Theo-
dosius had gained him the doctorate
from three Old World universities
Yes, he had been singularly success
full, 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
resolute work, by sheer stamina, he
was wont to say. Not two decades in
the pulpit, he had long outstripped
preachers of his class in the seminary,
and left them and older graduates fal
behind. He was known as the emf
nent, the distinguished, and he enjoyed
the luxury of fame as only men of his
character can. He had never done
low action; he had never driven ovel
an adversary, but his talent and geniu.
made track for themselves from tn,
very start.
1t must be confessed that tn,
preacher who was never idle. but al
ways miracle of industry, had on,
solitary failing-perhaps there wer,
others-he loved to dwell upon hi
success, and 60 over in memory eacl
step in his advancement. That after
noon he was just in such mood, ant
his pride was attaining fever heat.
"Jamcs!' 1t was the voice of hi
wife, as she drew aside the heavy cur
tain that shut off the "den" from
the hall of the parsonage
"Wellp" came a querulous ton
from the preacher, disturbed in hi
revery.
1.-The boy is here whom you wishe,
to see."
"What boye" he asked, in an i'm
patient tone.
Don't you rememberP The bo
for whom you were to secure situa
ton. You can not, surely, have fol
gotten it." There was shade G
pain in her voice.
"Oh, let him come tomorrow
Edith; / can not be bothered now.
have my thoughts busy enough wit
other matters. Let him come-say
this day next week"
But James," with gentle remon
STRANGE in her tome james, hi
mother is destitute; she must hay
money"
al can not help it. Why am 1 a
ways troubled by that class of people
1t would tax the patience of Job @
the purse of Cresus. Let him com
next week; do you heara'
The preachers wife heard; she sighe
rs she turned away, and babe the DO
come the following week. Then seem
him to the door, she gave him trifl
for present needs.
TIE preacher resumed his revery
but found 1t difficult to regain his sell
satisfaction. His nature was keenl
sensitive, and the slightest cause woul
cfteu produce the intensest jar. An
now what had snapped asunder h
pleassnt fanciesP What had vexe
him at the moment of his exhilaratiou
1t was his wife's sigh-low. tremu
nus scarcely audible-which ha
penetrated his soul and ranked Their
As If imbued with physical potenc,
II was the sight of his wife, gentl
uatient accomplishing. that hs
started him from his dreams. He ro'
from his chair. He paced up an
down the room he never sighe'
WHY should his wife sighf And WI
should that sigh produce ssch inwal