The Prince George's enquirer and southern Maryland advertiser. (Upper Marlborough, Md.) 1882-1925, 1900-03-09
THE ONLY FAULT.

in his study. He had not accomplished
one of the things he had planned for
this day, and yet it had been very
busy one. In the morning he had
been called to conduct funeral SER
vice four miles away, and in the after
noon had come summons to a sick
p>trislione1, which necessitated bcv-
Gle ride over rough country road in
another direction. When be reached
home he found members of the build
ing committee awaiting him to request
that he would on next Sabbath morn
ing urge his people to contribute more
generously toward the church fund.
With the usual ,o.ubility of country
men it had taken them long time to
decide upon the programme for Sun
day morning. But first he would
open the question box, which, for the
benefit of his hearers, he had fastened
on the chapel door. Perhaps at the
prayer meeting the night before some
troubled heart bad come to him for
help.
The humber of letters surprised
him. There were actually six. Num-
Der one was the simple query which
has puzzled men since the world be-
gan: "Is it ever right to do evil that
good may Gomez" The second: "Please
preach from the text, -Four and twenty
knives" And the third: "Do you
believe it possible for any one to at
tain perfection in this life -
"The other three, which seemed
long letters, he left until last. Their
contents surprised and shocked him.
The fourth stated that view of the
heavy expenses which the church had
to support, it seemed to the writer,
and perhaps to others, that it would
be much better if they had pastor
who would come to them for smaller
salary. Being deeply attached to dear
Mr.. Ferris, his loss would be trial to
them, but the greatest good to the
greatest number must always be con-
sidered. And so, laying all selfish con-
siderations aside, the writer remained
his sincere well-wisher. There was, of
course, no signature.
The tenor of the fifth was much the
same, except that this writer thought
if they could have an unmarried man
for the pastor it would be better. In
these hard times retrenchment was ne
cessary everywhere, and with min
ister without a family they would be
able to economize much.
The last began with an apology, but
after few lines merged into the state
ment that these are progressive times,
and fresh, young ideas ever in demand
The only fault to be found with their
pastor was that he was growing old,
and younger man would be more ac-
ceptable.
"Growing old" Mr.. Ferris had
dreaded the time when he would reach
the ministerial "dead line," but he had
not thought that it came so early. He
had just passed his forty second birth
day. To be sure, gray hairs were
plentiful, and there were many lines
of care in his fine face. However, he
had come at the wish of this people,
and at treir wish he would GO So,
with lsnguid step, Edward Ferris
crossed the village street, and entered
the plain little manse.
His wife looked up with a chcery
smile, and then, as he saw his sad
face, exclaimed, "What's the matter,
dcar?'
The thought that this sorrow must
touch this sweet woman. who, because
she loved him, had so bravely borne
many trials, but added to his trouble.
1t concerned her, too, however so for
answer he handed her one of the let
tiers.
Her merry laugh rang out as she
finished. 90, Edward, isn't it funny?
They think the magnificent sum of one
thousand dollars. paid when they
please, too much. don't well see
how we could do with less, but l will
economic if they'll suggest the way.
Have you any more?"
Without word he gave her the
next, but no merry laugh greeted its
close, only a faint smile, as she said:
$50 we arc the mill stones about your
neck. 1t is a pity, darling, but they
can hardly expect you to put me away,
for | wouldn't go if did. Baby Doro-
thea is just beginning to walk, and
seems not quite able to leave the nest
vet. Even Charlie, in his first tloa-
sers, needs Il little care. Poor, lame
Arthur couldn't do much in the cold,
cruel world. Even Marry, Jessie and
Frank can do nothing for you. Dear,
we are only seven burdens, with moth
ing to pay you but love"
The most blessed coin in all the
world,' answered Edward Ferris, in
true lover fashion. "Then, read this,
dear, for it seems like the key to the
others
Mrs. Ferris did not smile now. The
brown eyes flashed, and bright spot
of red came into each cheek, as she
said ats shameful! You too old