Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1891-06-04
The Minister S Crime Concluded

me minister S Urine Concluded
~ by the hand and to thank him for
his beautiful discourse" he thanked
Ood and took courage, and wished that
his Mary were with him instead of sit
ting lonely and anxious in their little
sodging with their sick boy.
He went in good spirits to the home
of his host. who was merchant in thu
city, and he sat down with the family
TO the ample Sunday dinner. lie sat
next his hostess, a gentle. motherly
lady, who asked him if he was married
and if he had any children; and he told
her of Mary and the child His host
was shrewd man of middle age, who
had clearly read much and thought a
good deal, and all his family three
grown sons and two daughters) were
intelligent and cultivated and took
modest but sufficient share in the con-
versation of the table, and all listened
TO such opinions as the minister uttered
with attention and understanding. Mr..
Murray, therefore, felt he was in a
sociable, frank and refined atmosphere,
and he thought within himself: what
place of brightness and pleasant en-
deavor this would be after my rude and
stormy experience Of the north and this
terrible year in Londorrl And, OIL what
haven of rest and health for my dar-
ling wife and boy"
So it was with unaffected Joy, when
he walked round the large garden with
his host after dinner. that he heard him
say:
81 think, Mr.. Murray, absolute frank
ness in these matters is best. Let me
ask you, if you were invited to become
our minister, would you be willing?
Would you like to come to us?"
"As frankly as you put the question"
said Mr.. Murray. - answer that, from
all know and have seen of the Upton
congregation, should like to be your
minister. OF course it would be pleas
anter for me and for all if the invitation
were as nearly unanimous as may be.
quite So" said his host. 81 ought tc
say that, though | am the chairman, |
have at present no authority to speak
for any but myself and my family. But
we have heard good report of you, Mr..
Murray, and know that many of our
people have been much impressed by
you this morning." Then, unconscious
", he went on to dash somewhat the
minister's lively hopes. There is a
young man-Mr Lloyd; you may know
him. No? Wholesome of our people
are very much taken with him. He is a
brilliant, popular sort of young fell
low, but he is young-he has only been
some two years or so a minister-and
he is unmarried, and-and well, | don't
want to say anything against him-but
he is just little Eighty, and we older
folk doubt how we should get on with
him. | am glad, however, to have your
assurance that you would come if you
were asked"
He put his arm within the minister's
and thus they returned into the house.
And-as if that had been sign of con-
sent agreed upon-all the company land
there were now a good many guests as
sembled) beamed upon them as they
entered the drawing-room.
81 am so glad, said the eldest daugh-
ter of the house, bringing Mr.. Murray a
cup of tea and sitting down by him, ito
know that you. are willing to be our
minister"
"How do you know amp he asked,
with a smile.
"Oh," she answered. with blush and
a light laugh, 1--WE arranged for sign
from my father, so that we should all
know at once. You are willing, are
you not2"
81 am" he answered, quite"
"And hope-I do hope-you win be
asked"
Presently there came to him an I'M
known young man, and said; 81 don't
often go to chapel or church, but if you
often preach sermons like this morn
ing's, should always go to hear you, |
| think"
This was fattering tribute, and the
minister showed his appreciation of it.
''Well, confess" he said, lit is at
least pleasant to hear you say So"
Thus the time passed till the hour
for the evening service. The gas was
lit, and floor and galleries were crowded
with people. The minister had chosen