The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1896-11-22
CURRENT POETRY.
READING THE APPOINTMENTS.
BY Rev, Alfred ]. Hough.


because the Western Methodist confer
ence Is in session at Salisbury, and the
Eastern conference will soon meet at
Kinston. 1t has special appositeness at
this time
| was sitting in wing-slip, close beside
the altar-rail,
When the Bishop came in softly, with a
face serene, but pale
And Il silence indescribably pathetic III
its power,
Such as might have reigned in heaven
thro' that space Of half an hour"
Rested on the whole assembly, as the
Bishop rose and said:
"All the business being finished, the APP
pointments will be read"
Not as one who handles lightly merchan-
disc of little worth,
But as dealing with the richest, most inn
portant things on earth,
In the fellowship OF Jesus, with the fail
ings of a man,
The good Bishop asked forbearance-
had done his best to plan
For the glory of his Master, trusting him
to guide his pen,
Without prejudice or favor; and the
preachers cried, Amen"
"Beulah Mountains-Hen Singer
happy people, happy priest,
On the dainties OF the gospel through
the changing year to feast,
Not n church trial ever yexed them, all
their preachers stay four years,
4 nd Ions vi M "a 0f
est kind of tears.
Troubled waters-Nathan Peaceful"
how that sanity face grew red.
How the tears streamed through his in-
gers "a he held his swimming head,
But his wife stopped down and whisper
ed--what sweet message did she bear?
For he turned with face TRANSPORTED as
upon some mount of prayer,
Swift as thought in highest action, sor-
row passed and gladndss came
At some wondrous strain Of music,
breaking forth in Jesus name
Holy Rapture" said the Bishop, Il
have left to be supplied
And | thought-you couldn't fill it, Dir.
Bishop, if you tried,
Tor an angel duly transferred to this con
ference below
Wouldn't know one half the wonders,
that those blessed people know
They would note some strain OF discord
though he sang as heaven sings,
And discover some shortcomings in the
feathers of his wings.
Grand Endeavor Jones Laggard'
blessed be the T4ord thought J.,
They have put that brother Laggard
where he has to work or die,
For the Church at Grand Endeayor with
its energy and prayer,
VIII transform him to hero,or just drive
him to despair.
If this trumpet lacks the yigor Of the Cos
pers charming sound
They viii start 4 big revival and forget
that he is round
"Consecration Jacob Faithful hand in
hand the two viii go
Through the years before them bring
ing heavenly life TO earth below.
Greenland Corners Peter Wholesoul
but he lost his self-control, "a
Buttoned up his coat as if he felt a cold
wind strike his soul
Saw the dreary path before him, drew a
deep breath, knit his brows,
Then concluded to be faithful to his ordi-
nation VOWS.
In the front pews sat the fathers, hair as
white as driven snow
As the Bishop read appointments they
had filed long years ago,
Tender memories rushed. upon them, life
revived in heart and brain
Till it seemed that they could travel their
old circuits DER again.
Happy Hayen-Joseph Restful''-how
the joy shone in his face
At the thought Of being pastor for four
years in such place!
'Hard-as-G acknowledgements Smasher
there the stewards at in row,
And they didn't want that Smasher-and
he didn't want TO go.
''Drowsy Hollow-Israel Wakim"-he is
sent to SOW and reap
Where the congregations gather in the in
terests Of sleep.
Then a mist came DER my vision as the
Bishop still read on,
And the veil that hides the future for a
moment was withdrawn,
For | saw the worlds Redeemer far a
bove the Bishop stand,
On his head crown Of glory and long
roll in his hand.
Round his throne a countless number of
the ransomed, listening, press'd-
Christ was stationing his preachers in the
City of the Blest.
Some whose names were most familiar,
known and reyerenced by oil,
Went down to the smaller mansion back
against the city wall.
One who took the smallest churches miles
away from crowds and cars,
Went up to a throne Of splendor with
crowd ablaze with stars.
How the angels sang to greet him, how
the Master cried "Well done;"
While the preacher blushed and wonder
er where he had such glory won.
Some whose speech on earth was simple,
with no arguments but tears,
Nothing novel in their sermons for fastid-
iOus itching ears,