Orleans County monitor. [volume] (Barton, Vt.) 1872-1953, 1894-11-12
ParSOn Browns Passionate.

at standstiIl, it seems to me. [
think Parson Brown ought to open up
a little"
Mary and I were sitting on the front
porch, Sabbath afternoon; Mary was
reading sensational stories in Sun
day paper, sometimes reading aloud
to me. was little interested and fl
nally began doing; but managed to
get wide awake before Mary INDUCED
in the foregoing remark
After a moments thoughtful hest
tation I remarked:
"Well, I must say Pm getting tired
Of the same old thing, Sunday after
Sunday. The same face, the same
voice, the same gesture and some
times the same illustrations. Now,
when I was at Spencerville, where
they had just received new minister,
there was SO much going on and every
thing so lively. There were all the
ladies fixing up the parsonage and
erybody calling there and making
presents-and the housewarming!
dear me! It all seemed to make SO
much good feeling-''
"That's it," said Mary. "There is
no feeling at all here. Parson Brown
is good enough man, but he is SO
slow-positively, so slow! 1t some
times comes over me, John"-then
Mary lowered her voice, whether it
was in fear Of being heard by the
leaves of the apple tree near by, or by
the robins building their nest in the
tree-top, or by the old dog Madge that
lay on the mat by the window, 7 can
not say-"that perhaps it would be
best for us to have change of pastors
though I would not like to be the
one to start the idea in the parish"
E'No, indeed" said: "but still, he
has been here long time"
eyes, and getting trife old, a little
worn-shelf worn, if we were to use a
mercantile term. A younger man,
now, would 'liven up things. We could
pay him better salary and give things
a new start" answered Mary.
"There is no fault to be found with
Brother Brown, though" [ said, for I
could not find it in my heart to hear
him run down; "not a bit, not a bit.
It's only that-that- perhaps his use
fitness here is at an end. What do you
say, Mary, to driving over to hear
Parson Jones this morning-just for
change. He is more my style; beats
and wakes folks up, SO they say"
"What," said Mary, "clear over to
Pipetown?'' 1t was ten miles away.
'.Yes," said, sI'll hitch up in few
minutes, and we can make the trip
nicely in an hour"
Mary made no objection, in fact
rather enjoyed the suggestion, and in
a little while we were spinning on our
way. AS we neared Pipetown, we saw
many people on their way to church.
"Great many people out for morn
ing services" said I. "Our folks do
not turn out this way"
"Parson Jones is man that draws"
said Mary; "keeps up the interest in
the church, you see."
There was quite crowd in the en-
try, and as we were waiting for some
one to show US seat we overheard
man say:
"You'u hear something worth hear
ing today. Mr.. q couldn't get hold of
the name, though tried is going to
preach"
I looked at Mary. l was afraid she
had set her heart on hearing Mr.. Jones
but as far as l was concerned 1 didn't
mind hearing stranger, especially if
he was like what they said, for they
were talking right On.
"He's strong preacher; yes, strong
that's just the word. We were al
ways glad when we get him on an ex-
change. Wonder he has stayed SO
long in the country. He's none of
your hop and-jump sort-does not
waste any force in hammering out
sparks but goes straight to the truth
and drives it homeland clinches it
yes, that is just the word, clinches it,"
could see the folks were expect
ing little something uncommon, by
the way they looked as they settled
into their seats. I was looking about
little to see if I knew anybody pre-
sent, for I had frequently been to
Pipetown.
I did not look toward the pulpit till
I heard the minister's voice, and then
T almost iI1mnad from NV seat as T
stared at him.
Then stared at Mary and Mary
stared at me. It was Parson Brown,
as sure as you live! If I had not been
in church ] should have laughed right
out, to see Mary's blank look. But I