Year: 1877

loving couple lived in New Jersey and
belonged to the Methodist Church. A new
presiding elder, Mr.. n, was expected in
that district; and as the ministers all
stopped with brother W. and his wife, every
preparation was made to give him cordial
reception. The honest couple thought
that religion, in part, consisted in making
some parade, and therefore the parlor was
put in order, and q nice fire was made, and
the kitchen replenished with cakes, chick
ems and every delicacy preparatory to cook
ing.


While Mr.. w. was out at his woodpile, a
plain looking, coarsely dressed, but quiet
like pedestrian came along and inquired
the distance to the next town. He was
told three miles. Being very cold he asked
permission to enter and warm himself
Assent was given very grudgingly, and both
went into the kitchen. The wife looked
daggers at this untimely intrusion, for the
stranger had on cowhide boots, an old hat,
and threadbare, but neatly patched coat
At length she gave him a chair beside the
Dutch oven, which was baking nice cakes
for the Presiding Elder, who was momen-
tarily expected, as he was to preach the
next day at the church mile or two
beyond.


The stranger, after warming himself,
prepared to leave, but the weather became
more inclement, and as his appetite was
reused by the viands about the fire, he
asked for some little refreshment before
he set out on a cold walk to the town
beyond. Mrs. w. was displeased, but on
consultation with her husband, some cold
bacon and bread were set on an cid table,
and he was then somewhat gruffly told to
eat. 1t was growing dark, and hints were
thrown out that the stranger had better
depart, as it was three long miles to town.
The wife grew petulent, as the new
preacher did not arrive, and her husband
sat whistling the air of "Auld Lang Syne,"
while he thought of the words of the
hymn" When | can read my title clear"
and felt as if he could order the stranger
off without any further ado.


The homely meal was at last concluded
the man thanked them kindly for the
hospitality he had received, and opened
the door to 60. But it was quite dark, and
clouds denoting a storm filled the heavens.
You say it is full three mile to D-?"
6 do" said w. coldly 81 said so when
you tlrst stopped, and you ought to have
reached there before it was quite dark"


But l was cold and hungry, and might





The manner Of saying this touched the
farmers feelings little.


You have warmed me, and fed me. for
which am thankful. Will you now bestow
another act of kindness upon one in a
strange place, and if he goes out in the
darkness he may lose himself and perish in
the cold?'


The peculiar form in which this request
was made, and the tone in which it was
uttered, put it out of the power of the
farmer to say "no."


Go in there and sit down." he answered.
pointing, to the kitchen, "and | will see
what she says'


And Mr.. w. went into the parlor where
the supper table stood, covered with a snow
white cloth, and displayed his wifes set of
blue sprigged china, that was only brought
out on special occasions


The tall mould candles were burning
thereon, and on the hearth blazed a cheer,
full fire.


-" Hasn't that old fellow gone YETI" asked
Mrs. w. She heard his voice as she re.
turned from the door.


No, and what do you suppose7 He
wants us to let him stay all night


Indeed well do no such thingl We