Santa Fe daily New Mexican. [volume] (Santa Fe, N.M.) 1885-1897, 1896-07-07
HIS FIRST SERMON.

There was much comment, and some o.
an adverse kind, too, when the fact became
known that young Dwight Harfeld, fresh
from the theological seminary, had been
called to the pastorate of the church in his
native town.
The congregation of st. Elizabeth was
quite as wealthy, fashionable and aristo-
cratic as any which this particular western
town Of rs, 900 inhabitants afforded.
There had always been over this church
some man just old enough, just oonven-
tional enough, to be correct and proper
But this latest act of supposedly intelli-
gent vestry had knocked all the traditions
and presidents sky high.
Comment Is very VOLATILE and somehow
inklings of what was passing in the minds
of the people, like subtle fumes, came to
the consciousness Of that very respectable
and commonly astute body, the vestry.
And it disturbed them in spite of the Sc
curity they felt in their position.
Suppose now, for instanoe-the thought
would come, in spite of its manifest rehec-
ton upon the reverend dignitary-that the
bishop of the diocese, upon whose casual
words they had SO confidently depended,
was, after all, only all interested friend Of
young fairfield, and his words, the words
that had trapped them, only ''sprynges to
catch woodcock.
The bishop had said, apparently without
intention, that the church which secured
that young Harfeld first might be con-
,%,,lo cd ha ,cf J,oo nj
able soon again. He had in him the max
ing of great divine, and he was sure to
go high in ecclesiastical orders.
Now, they were seriously considering
whether or not they had been taken in by
theological subterfuge Might not the
bishop, If designated as authority and ap-
pealed to, say that he had merely given an
individual, private and casual opinion,
and could the vestry say otherwise2
There was one, however, who, though
she felt tremulous over the trial, never for
a moment doubted the young clergyman's
ability to come out Of the ordeal triumph
antly, and that was Katharine Harmon,
the girl who loved him.
She was the daughter Of one of the ves-
trymen, Abram Harmon, and she fire.
quently heard from her father the fears
and misgivings which agitated the body Of
which he was a member.
Katharine and fairfield had been per-
fectly honest with the staid old gentleman.
He knew Of the love that from childhood
up had existed between them, and while
he did not actually discountenanoe it he
looked upon their affection with no favor
able eye. He did not fancy minister for
son-in-law.
When before entering upon his special
theological course Harfeld had asked his
sanction to their betrothal, he had been
given to understand that he was only toll
Grated on probation, and that the subse-
quent confirmation of his position depend
ed entirely upon his accomplishing some
thing.
1t had come to be understood between
Katharine and her father that should
Dwight Harfleld succeed at st. Eliza
beth's he might be considered to have ao-
complished something.
The momentous Sunday came and,
without seeing Dwight, Katharine went
early to church. The Harmon pew was
far to the front, and when the young rec
tor entered his eyes could scarcely help
falling Immediately upon the girl he loved.
The chapel was crowded, the people ex-
pectant But the young clergyman look
ed down in the heart of one person there
and saw trust and help and love. And he
grew strong, strong as very Samson OF
the gospel.
He forgot his audience. He lost himself
in his subject. He spoke with fervor,
an eloquence, q directness, that thrilled
the people before him.
The old, staid, respectable pillars of the
church forgot to doze. The organist for
once forgot to admire his own strong,
shapely hands. The choir boys forgot their
pranks and behaved like the little cherubs
which nobody ever mistook them for.
After the sermon and services were over
the vestrymen found themselves the mas
tiers Of the situation. Their cup of joy ran
over when the leading banker Of the town,
Mr.. Bullion, the dignifed and reticent,
told as many of them as he could get to-
gether that they had "shown wonderful
prudence and foresight in securing the
services Of that remarkable young man."
katharine.
"Dwight, you spoke like one inspired
II was. But, oh, my dear girl, am SC
ashamed. was inspired by thoughts Of
you"
Be still, Dwight came with the idea
that might help you. felt that had q
message from a higher power that could
give you in glance"
Mr.. Harmon overlook them, and as he
wrung the young mans hand he OK.
claimed:
Dwight, my boy, in that one sermon
you have accomplished much"
"And what shall understand by that9'
asked the clergyman.
"Come into the house." said the ole
man. There was smile upon his face, Q
blush on Katharine's, and q look of won
derful happiness shone from the eyes o.
the rector of st. Elizabeth s.-New Yorl
World.