The Daily times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1886-1889, 1888-01-06
PARSON MAURY'S DOUBLE.

StNO feF
Keith died after a long and painful illness
For moro than twenty years he had minis
tered to tho spiritual welfare of the members
Of the Independence Baptist church, and he
was the friend of every citizen OF the quiet
little village. lie was, indeed, "a father In
Israel, +" and his loss was deeply felt.
1t was a month after the funeral before the
~sorrowing deaconS met TO discuss the CUES
ton Of another pastor.
A minister worthy to wear the mantle and
take up the unfinished work Of Brother
Keith, these good deacons realized, would be
hard TO find. But some one must be called,
the flock could not remain without a shep-
herd.
The meeting was called to order by Deacon
White, who always presided, and after
several minutes of perfect silence the I'M
portant subject was brought up. Several
names were suggested and tho merits OF
different ministers discussed without result.
At last Deacon White arose and moved the
election Of Rev. Arthur Maury. None OF
the othef dcacons present had ever heard, OF
tho minister in question, but Deacon White
explained that he was the son of an old
friend and minister, long since dead. Briefly
he sketched tho life of the young minister
and dwelt at length on his many Christian
virtues and personal charms. The young
man had recently graduated from a school
Of theology, but be possessed wonderful elo-
quence and was ~circumspect in all things.
The other deacons besitated about placing
the church in charge of so young a minister,
but, at last, on the recommendation OF Deacon
White, they decided 70 give him a trial.
Tho Rev. Arthur was at once notified
by bis friend Deacon White Of his call, and a
few days later he answered it in person. He
met the deacons at the home of Deacon White
that evening, and in a very brief time he had
won their love and admiration He was all
that Deacon White represented, and more,
and the good deacons went homo ~rejoiced
that they been so fortunate in the selection OF
a spiritual leader and adviser.
Next day was Sunday and the church was
crowded to its Utmost capacity to see and
hear the new minister. There was q half
audible whisper Of approval when he arose to
open tho services, and the congregation OBJ
tanned its first full view Of the pastor. He
announced his text, and the congregation
was all attention. OF fno personal appear
ance, graceful in speech and gesture, the
young minister held the undivided attention
Of his hearers. His eloquence was wonderful,
and the hearts Of tho Christian people were
stirred as never before, and the words Of
truth uttered by the speaker made a lasting
impression on all who heard him.
When the service was ended the large con-
~gregation pressed forward to congratulate
the new minister. In less than a week Mr..
Maury was known and loved by every mem
Der of his congregation. Even the good
deacons, who feared he was to young for so
important a work, confessed that they could
find no fault with him. He appeared de-
lighted with his work, and did not leave the
village for several weeks. But after he had
become familiar with tho people and with
the work be was expected to do, he began to
absent himself for two or three days in
the middle of every week. Where he went
no one inquired at first, but soon the village
gossips began to ask what it was that called
him away with such regularity. One Of the
good deacons then ventured 10 ask the place
and object of tho young pastors weekly
visits. Mr.. Maury said something about
business and recreation, and at once entered
upon q discussion of the best means of paying
tho church debt. The good deacon had failed
to learn what he wanted TO know, but he en-
tertained not the slightest suspicion against
the minister.
The visits continued, and in a little while
tho gossips learned that the young minister
went east, to some place unknown, one week
and the next his journey would be to the
west.
"He Is probably visiting college friends or
relatives" said Deacon White, when the
matter was mentioned to him. Anyway,
where hc goes, or for what purpose, is his
private business"
This did not silence the tongues Of the
gossips, and they reasoned that Mr.. Maury
should at least let the members Of his church
know bis whereabouts when he was absent
from tho village. Even the deacons, tho
staid and cxacting pillars Of tho church, DO
gan TO talk confidentially among themselves,
and when at their next Monday evening
meeting the young minister asked for two
weeks leave Of absence, they exchanged Sig
niicant ~glances, The leave Of absence was
granted, but after the minister left the room
1t was decided that one Of tho deacons would
follow him On his proposed journey and
learn, If possible, its object. This Christian
and charitable resolve was defeated, for tho
minister left on the first train that night, and
tho station agent did not remember to what
point he purchased q ticket.
Independence was one Of those quiet vii
lagos where unusual events never happen and
sensations are unknown.
Two days after the departure of tho Rev.
Arthur Maury a woman closely yelled
alighted from tho train from the east and
went directly to tho hotel. Soon after her
arrival she sent a message to the landlord to
como TO her room. When that gentleman
entered sho announced, with In emphasis
which carried conviction with it, that she
was Mrs. Arthur Maury aud was in search of
her husband, who, she said, had deserted her
and she was informed had married again
Tho landlord did not faint or cry out; in
fact, he did not utter q sound. He Yves
specifies. lie stood like one in q dream,
while the woman vehemently demanded to
know the whereabouts Of her unfaithful hus-
band.
"I1l-In tell him. Who did you say was