San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1888-07-12
THE SUBSTITUTE.

The Rev Mr. Pennell, paster Of the First
society. Brookville, entered his house one
afternoon in July with an expression upon
his countenance 50 unlike the look Of weari-
ness generally there visible that bis wife,
noticing it, inquired:
"What has occurred that has afforded you
such evident gratifcationT
You know that | was wishing that
might have temporary relief from my
cares, but was unwilling to take a vaca-
ton because Of my belief that no church
should, even for one Sunday, be without
"Yes, and know that you owe IT to your
people. not less than to yourself, to rest from
your labors; by so doing you could accomplish
much more Have you decided to 60 away
for a season.
"Read that" he replied, passing letter to
his wife.
She unfolded the missive. whose contents
were.
O., N. T.. July 70. 49,.
DEAR BROTHER PENNELL: You will be surprised
at hearing from your former classmate In Ando
YER. between whom and yourself there has never
been any correspondence; but q few words will
render all comprehensive From my remem
ORANGE OF your views respecting the duties OF a
pastor, and from what have heard of your faith
fulness. apprehend that you would not sacrifice
what you. perhaps unwisely, regard the welfare
OF your people to your physical and. of course,
mental health and strength.
young man whom consider very gifted has
been studying with me for nearly two years, and
would like to preach q few Sundays experiment
ally Provided you wish to be absent from your
charge for month or six weeks my friend will
gladly supply your pulpit during that time for
no other compensation tnan his ooard IT, how
ever. you shall choose TO make him trifiing do
nation, It will be very acceptable, as he has to
provide for himself entirely
shall be absent from home until the middle of
September. so If you think proper to accept my
suggestion, please write to Mr. Thomas Smith,
Boston, whittier he Is going to visit friends. on
receipt Of this. With kindest wishes.
Fraterually yours, WILLIAM BLAKE
"You will avail yourself of this oppor-
tunity to recuperate your energies" asked
Mrs. Pennell, having finished the letter.
Il shall 1t seems too much like a dispen-
sation OF providence to be neglected"
II am SO glad"
MIR Pennell went to his library and wrote
&c AIR. Smith, mentioning the letter from
Brother" Blake, and inviting him to subSti-
tute for him the coming SIX weeks.
Three days later Mr. Smith came to Brook
Vile
He was Of medium height, slight, pale
faced; had long, abundant whiskers, worn a
rAnglais; curly hair of the same hue blue
eyes, that were sharp, inquisitive, penetra-
ting: regular features; was evidently not far
from 25.
The following Sunday he occupied q seat
in the pulpit with Mr.. Pennell, but took no
part in the exercises. except to offer the clos
ing prayer.
AT the conclusion Of the morning service
the only one for the day-the pastor intro
duced him to the most prominent members
with the remark-it soon became stereotyped:
MIR Smith will preach for me while am
having the vacation which it appears to be
my duty to take, and think you will have
no reason to regret the temporary change"
Every one expressed his pleasure at hearing
that Mr.. Pennell had concluded to rest: no
one doubted but that Mr.. Smith would salts
factorily meet all the requirements
Indeed. the new conner had already done
much toward securing the favor of those who
were to constitute his congregation.
What a fervent prayeri How earnest he
scemsl He is destined to become distin-
guished," and other like observations, might
have been heard, soto voce, from the elderly
people.
The maidens whispered to one another:
Did you ever see such side whiskers7 What
magnificent eyes he hast Isn't he fine look
inGF' and so on. With reference to the
gentler sex, be acted circumspeetly, being
courteous toward all, but nlanifesting no
favoritism to any of them. In a fortnight
he was as popular as a clergyman could desire
to be.
IL should like to ask a great favor of you, n
he said ~ Alr. Campbell, cashier of the local
bank. d. pillar of the church, as they sat in
one evening.
do not hesitate to ask any favor which it
is in my power to grant," was the reply.
ut is not exactly the thing for an humble
servant Of the Lord to wear this ring"-ex-
tending his shapely white hand, whereon
sparkled a large diamond 1T indicates a
taste for display that, commendable with
the rich. Is reprehensible 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 it is an heir
loom, from which | have been unwilling to
part in the season of my direst need The
people cannot know my motive in having it
appear upon my person, and will probabl,
misapprehend it | would ask If you are
willing to give it place in your safe at the
bankf*
Most assuredly. Carry It there in the
morning. and will deposit it where it will
he secure" U..
Thank you My 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. Pen.