The state herald., 1901-11-22

II understand that we have nearly
sixty dollars in the treasury; we could
pay the pastor $4s.50-bring the sal
airy up to $100-and have enough left
to pay all bills and begin the new year
nut of debt. II we do this suggest
that We observe the utmost secrecy
and mako 1t complete surprise" All
readily agreed to the plan and pledged
the proper reticence in the matter.
Four OF the most faithful met after
prayer meeting to discuss the situa-
tion. and decided that they must at
once collect $24s.25. the balance nec-
essary to pay the six months salary
due. This they proceeded to do SO
quietly that no one surmised a gen.
eral canvass was being made. Before
Sunday the entire amoInt was secured
Friday after school. the Junior
Leaguers met and decided that mas
much as the grown up folks would
not help In the matter. they would do
what they could: SO they voted to pay
over every bit there was in the
treasury. Upon counting $23.25 was
found to be the correct amount.
"Oh, girls!" cried Lottie Newman,
as she made some figures In the treas
urer's book, ut will make Just even
SIS and hope we can get enough to
make 1t a hundred"
After the choir had run over the
Sunday hymns. someone proposed that
they pay the proceeds of the last con-
cert on the salary. The sum OF $50 25:
after referring to the margin Of his
anthem book, the chorister reported
that 1t would make $50 all told. On
Thanksgiving morning they would
call at the parsonage and surprise the
pastor with check for this amount
Perhaps 1t would somewhat atone for
the sin Of whispering during the ser
mon.
Thanksgiving day was trying time
for the Norwoods. The baby was sick
the night before and kept them
awake; and when they did get to
rest. they oversight. What with rush
ing to get breakfast over and make
ready for the service at church. pray
ers were shortened and the chapter
omitted altogether.
"Oh. Wesley. am SO tired! Every
thing has gone wrong today" said
Mrs. Norwood that afternoon. THE
children never were SO naughty before
What will people say about Robbie
hghting? The four-barrel Is empty.
the potatoes are all gone. and we have
not thing In the house for breakfast,
only bread and butter: and the grocer
sent us word yesterday that we could
not have another thing until We paid
him. What shall We do?" After
which lengthy and somewhat incoher-
ent speech, she laid her hend on his
shoulder and found refuge In tears.
Never mind. Dear: the Lord will
provide: then he slowly added. ms
II In an afterthought, some way"
A few minutes later Pastor Norwood
was bowling to the organist. who slip
ped check In his hand and said prop
erly. with the compliments OF the
choir" lust as they were seated. the
door bell rang again. and this time the
Junior League marched en- mnsse and
tho astonished minister stood speech
less with n check In either hand. Then
tho older League came. and pres
entity the Ladies' Aid. and last Of all
the trustees. all adding their offerings
and crowding the small rooms. Each
party looked stiiiiy askance at tho
others. wondering by what trickcry
their secret had become known.
After an hour OF discourse and song.
the treasurer arose and said:
"A few days since our pastor had
received but mere plttance for many
months OF faithful labor. While he
had wrought earnestly for the church
and its societies, so that. for the frst
time In years. all were In prosperous