The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1891-04-25
READING THE APPOINT
MENTS.
BY REV. EDWIN GARDNER.

by REV. EDWIN GARDNER.
The conference room was densely packed from
gallery down to rail,
When the Bishop came in softly with a face
serene, but pale,
A dread and pensiye silence seemed to shadow
that great throng,
As the Bishop took the hymn-book and an
nounced good old song.
Then there came another silence, so pathetic in
its power
, Such as one has seen at even, when the darkness
Resting on that vast assembly as the Bishop rose
and said
''If the business now is ended, the appointments
will be read
BRO. Valiant, read this paper, Tor your voice is
good and strong,
| Mine is tired and very husky, and the strain is
most too long;
But before you read these charges, let me say a
word or two,
That we may the better profit in this hour OF our
adieu.
Brethren. we have weighed these matters, not as
simply merchandise.
| Such as gold or costly Jewels that purchased
with a price,
| But as men in prayerful study, asking God to
guide pen
Without jealousy favor''-and the preachers
said, Amen
Then the brother slowly rose, and with strong and
ringing voice,
Read out many good appointments without hear
| ing noise or moan,
| "Betnel-Summit, ''-"Wilmer Jaggard'-blessed
be the Lord, thought 1,
They have put that brother Jaggard where he
| has to work or die;
For these churches at both places, with their
| energy and prayer,
Will transform him to hero, or just drive him tC
despair.
| How the old mems thoughts were moving meath
| their siIvered hairs, trow,
AS the brother read appointments they had filled
| long years ago.
Many memories flashed upon them; life revived
| in heart and brain,
! Till it seemed that they could travel their old
| circuits DER again.
Some were sent to distant vineyards where they Il
have poor support,
| Scanty food and taCtered clothing-all that they
| can well afford
Fields like these are often given to our men both
old and gray,
While the younger ones will 20 where they gel
| the largest pay
Bro. Valiant read on slowly, following the list
| already made;
Sending old men to the desert, while the young
stayed il the glade,
| TIL mist came DER my vision as the brother still
read on,
| And the veil that hides the future for momen,
was withdrawn.
Far above saw Bishop on throne of glory
stand
On his brow a crown OF splendor r, and a long rol
| in his hand.
| Many millions gathered around him, close to hi:
| side they pressed,
| When he called on one beside him to read ou
| those charges blest.
| Some were called whose honored names had of
| been heard by all:
These went down to lesser mansions back agains
the city wall;
Some who had the poorest churches far away iron
crowds OF cars,
Mounted up the throne OF splendor, with crown
aglOw with stars:
| Some whose lives on earth were humble ant
whose pathOs dwell in tears,
| With no high-tiown ords or phrases, falling soi
| on listening ears
| Colby welcomed by the churches, turned dow
| by the ''Otticial board;
Congregation all deserving, membership
| wandering herd
Those who told the love of Jesus IN their simple
| childish way,
| Notwithstanding all oppression, and what up
| starts here might say
These walked up the golden pavement, angel
| shouting they came,
| "Glory glory to the Father, and all honor t
| his name"
| Soon the Master called woman. only known
| here in the strife,
BY her kind and gentle spirit, though iamou
| preachers wife;
Angels praised her for the harvests she ha,
| garnered 'or the sky;
But with meekness she gave answer, Twas m.
| husband, Lord, l."
YES the Master said, Ibis talents were a
dadems that shine,
| But thy faith gave them their lustre, tn
| glory, child, is thine"
| So they all received their charges, each hi
| honest pay and due,
As the pearly gates swung wider to admit tn
| blood-washed through
| Jesus turning to them, answered, Enter in an,
happy be;
As We did to those of mine ye have done it unit
| me-
So conference time draws near, mightier ia
| than that just held,
| Where some preachers shall be honOred, other
hear their dread doom kneled
Those Sho've had the lowest salaries, been de
| spIsed, without esteem,
Angel hands will place upon them crowns tina
| shall forever CLEAN.
Thus gazed upon that scene, far beyond tn
| midnight sun,
"here the harp-nOtes of the angels linked thei
| names to victories Won:
"hen we hear our last appointments from
| voice SO clear and shrill.
Iwil be Just another conference like that held il
| CentrerlHe.
Peninsula Methodist.