- 
 
 

 
 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 BT 
 
 HARRIET B. M'KEEVER, 
 
 AUTHOR Of 
 
 *!..< THREADS," "CHILDREN WITH THE POT.f. ' 
 
 'WEDDING," tiu.,i. 
 
 Sir, we would *.* J 
 
 i r (! Edition 
 
 NEW YORK : 
 
 HURST & COMPANY, PUBLISHERS, 
 122 NASSAU STREET.
 
 Entered according to Act of Congres*. ..i the TOW ISflB s 
 
 CLAXTON, REMSEN * HAFFELFINGEH 
 
 In the Clerk's Office of the Ltotnct Ooui t of the United States for the 
 Eastern District of Penne\ Ivania.
 
 PREFACE. 
 
 TO THE CRITICS. 
 
 rPHE writer of this volume is fully aware mm 
 -*- severely these pages may be criticized in the 
 heated state of feeling in our beloved Church on 
 subjects of such momentous importance as those 
 which now agitate her very depths. The advocates 
 of Ritualism spare no pains in seeking to propagate 
 their doctrines, and employ music, sensuous display, 
 and the press, to spread the old superstitions. While 
 there are many writers of tracts, stories, and hymns 
 on one side of the controversy, the writer has met 
 with nothing in the shape of a story, touching these 
 subjects, on the other. It is not likely that young 
 persons will read controversial articles ; but it may 
 be that a story embodying Protestant truth will 
 interest many youthful readers, and lead them to 
 read more deeply works that will enlighten the 
 understanding and strengthen their faith, in the 
 great religious issues of the day. 
 
 T 
 
 2047377
 
 VI PREFACE. 
 
 The writer has endeavored to deal with doctrines 
 and not men, and trusts that no severe impugning of 
 human motives can be found upon these pages. It 
 is a cause of too much sorrow for bitterness ; but the 
 time has come when we must answer the question, 
 "Shall we, Christians of the nineteenth century, 
 have fossils or a living Church ? " 
 
 Aware that this volume must pass the ordeal of 
 the Church press, one request alone is made, and 
 that is: Spare the character of Dr. Hastings; for it 
 is a picture of a holy man of God, who, thirty-five 
 years ago, passed to his eternal rest, leaving behind 
 memories fresh and green in the hearts of parish- 
 ioners who yet survive. In these pages, an attempt 
 has been made to show how that great and good 
 man would have dealt with questions such as now 
 agitate the Church that we love.
 
 CONTENTS. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 tMI 
 
 i MILESTONE IN LIFE'S PILGRIMAGE , 9 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 ST. BARNABAS' 22 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 FATHER MORGAN 43 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 LITTLE FOXES 64 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 FRAGRANCE 69 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 SOWING BESIDE ALL WATERS 81 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 BETHANY 94 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 THE ADIRONDACK^ 104 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 THE PASTOR'S AID 127 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 ONE OF THE FLOCK SMITTEN 140 
 
 CHAPTER XI. 
 ENOLESBY TERRACE 149 
 
 CHAPTER XII. 
 CHSISTMAS AT ST. BARNABAS' 164
 
 Vlll CONTENTS. 
 
 CHAPTER XIH. , A 
 
 A SPIRITUAL HARVEST 176 
 
 CHAPTER XIV. 
 ALICB... 190 
 
 CHAPTER XV. 
 EMMAUS 207 
 
 CHAPTER XVI. 
 SHACKLES versut FREEDOM 221 
 
 CHAPTER XVII. 
 THE MISSION OVER THE HILL 239 
 
 CHAPTER XVIII. 
 A VEIL AT ST. GREGORY'S 261 
 
 CHAPTER XIX. 
 WINOS AT ST. BARNABAS' 261 
 
 CHAPTER XX. 
 EASTER MORNING 270 
 
 CHAPTER XXI. 
 BECKONINO FINOEBS 279 
 
 CHAPTER XXII. 
 "CHARGE, CHESTER, CHARGE!" 294 
 
 CHAPTER XXIII. 
 MUFFLED BELLS 306 
 
 CHAPTER XXIV. 
 TH PASCHAL Moos 320 
 
 CHAPTER XXV. 
 SDNRISE 838 
 
 CHAPTER XXVI. 
 BBCNIOH 862
 
 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 A MILE-STONE IN LIFE'S PILGRIMAGE. 
 
 "And this stone, which I have set for a pillar, shall be God's house." 
 
 IT is an early morning hour : a carriage is standing 
 before the door of one of the merchant-palaces of 
 the great metropolis : several handsome trunks strapped 
 behind indicate a journey ; and in a few minutes, ayoung 
 lady in travelling costume appears at the door, accom- 
 panied by a gentleman in clerical garb. 
 
 There is a serious expression on the sweet, young face, 
 and large tears are in the dark gray eyes, for Emily 
 Warren has bidden adieu to home, parents, brothers, and 
 sisters, and is about to enter upon a new life, as the wife 
 of a minister in a rural district, about a half-day's jour- 
 ney from her home. 
 
 The mother and sisters are standing behind the cur- 
 tains of the drawing-room windows, looking out for the 
 last time at the young bride. Servants are in the hall,
 
 10 WE6TBROOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 and Mr. Warren is handing his daughter into the car- 
 riage. 
 
 "God bless you, my child," said the father, as he 
 stood a moment on the pavement. " Be tender, Ed- 
 ward ; she is a good daughter, and has never known anj 
 hardship." 
 
 " With God's help, I trust that I may," was the reply. 
 
 " We must be quick, sir," said the driver, " or we 
 shall miss the train." 
 
 Closing the door hastily, the carnage drove off, con- 
 veying the young couple to the cars which would lead 
 them to Westbrook Parsonage. 
 
 " That is a sacrifice, mamma," said Gertrude Warren, 
 as she seated herself upon the sofa. " I cannot under- 
 stand Emily. Think what she has rejected for that 
 country parson a house in the Fifth Avenue, a carriage 
 and pair, a country-seat, and every luxury that heart 
 can wish ! " 
 
 "I agree with you, my daughter," was the reply; 
 " but ever since Emily has been attending at Dr. Wood- 
 ville's church, she has been a complete enthusiast, and 
 here she has thrown away her youth, beauty, and talenta 
 upon an obscure minister, a mere nobody.' 1 
 
 How little could these worldly spirits understand the 
 purity and holiness of the tie which united the young 
 pair, nor the simple-hearted piety which led Emily 
 Warren to choose what seemed to them a lot so humble 
 to her, so high and holy.
 
 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 11 
 
 The Warrens were members of a fashionable church, 
 tfhere sacramentarian theology was proclaimed from the 
 pulpit, and mingled as much with its services as the 
 Prayer Book seemed to allow ; for in those days rever- 
 ence for its hallowed forms exceeded what was accorded 
 to the Word of God ; and there were many who, follow- 
 ing the teachings of Newman and Pusey, were ready to 
 build the structure of mere formalism on the one word 
 so unfortunately retained in some of our offices by the 
 early Reformers ; for that word priest seems to have been 
 the fruitful seed out of which has sprung all that ^as 
 followed since those early days. 
 
 Let once the idea of a sacrificing priest prevail, then 
 must follow the altar, the sacrifice, the adoration, abso- 
 lution, and salvation through a human priesthood. 
 
 And this was all taught at the Church of St. Agapius, 
 where there was much to attract the worldly : fine music, 
 and a showy church, but none of that holy unction of 
 the Spirit which renders the gospel precious and power- 
 ful ; for it was not in the ministry at St. Agapius ; and to 
 such the Spirit bore no witness. 
 
 Christmas came, with its bright evergreens and in- 
 spiring music Lent, with its sackcloth and ashes, when 
 there was a great hurrying up of parties aid balls be- 
 fore the season ; then came the fasting and daily service, 
 to be followed by greater worldliness when what had 
 been observed as a penance had been rigidly performed. 
 Blaster, too, came with all its high and holy hopes, but
 
 12 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 where the glory of the Master was hidden behind a veil 
 of mystic theology : there was no real Christ-life, no vital 
 union effected by faith only in the crucified Lord. 
 
 Such teachings had satisfied all of this household but 
 Emily Warren, who had often felt a longing for a deeper 
 and a holier life ; but there was nothing here to guide 
 the young inquirer. 
 
 The annual Confirmation was approaching: Emily 
 heard the notice she was then sixteen, and felt that 
 the call was to her. Carefully she read the service, and 
 saw that there must be something more than a mere 
 form in the vow which promised to renounce " all the 
 vain pomp and glory of the world, with all covetous de- 
 sires of the same, and the sinful desires of the flesh, and 
 to lead a sober, righteous, and godly life," 
 
 With trembling steps, she sought her pastor's study, 
 expecting to be questioned thoroughly as to her experi- 
 ence of the great moral change. 
 
 But all that Dr. Thurlow asked was literally her 
 knowledge of the Creed, the Lord's Prayer, the Ten 
 Commandments, and the Church Catechism nothing 
 that answered to the cravings of an awakened spirit, no 
 pointing to the blessed Saviour, no words of earnest pas- 
 toral prayer. 
 
 Her name was registered among the candidates, and 
 Emily returned to her home still more deeply convinced 
 than ever that the Christ-life meant something more 
 than that.
 
 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 13 
 
 For she was an earnest student of the Holy Scrip- 
 tures, and there she read of the new birth of " Christ 
 within, the hope of glory," of the "new creature in Christ 
 Jesus," of a " life hidden with Christ in God." 
 
 She felt that she had committed herself to a very 
 solemn step ; and, as the day approached, the fear of 
 taking a false vow increased, until the agitation of her 
 mind preyed upon her frame, and on the morning of the 
 confirmation, in attempting to dress for church, several 
 times she was compelled to lie down from weakness, 
 until utter inability obliged her to give up the idea of 
 presenting herself among the candidates on that occa- 
 sion. 
 
 About this time, a young friend, formerly a member 
 of the same school with herself, called to renew a 
 previous acquaintance. Emily soon found that she had 
 met with a congenial spirit; for Mary Cruthers, like 
 herself, was a seeker after truth, and attended upon 
 the ministry of Dr. Woodville. 
 
 To one of his evening lectures Emily accompanied 
 her friend. No priestly arrogance marked the deport- 
 ment of that good pastor ; for he did not imagine that 
 he bore about with him the power of forgiving sins, or 
 the still more solemn power of dispensing the real body 
 and blood of Christ. A shepherd to lead to the still 
 waters, a guide to point the way to heaven, a father to 
 sympathize with the trials of his people, an ambassador 
 
 for Christ this was Dr. Woodville. 
 2
 
 14 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 Emily Warren felt especially drawn toward the 
 serene and holy countenance, the sweet, persuasive 
 tones of Christian love, and when the whole congre- 
 gation joined in singing 
 
 " ! happy is the man who hears 
 Religion's warning voice," 
 
 she felt, " This is my Christian home, here are the paw- 
 tures where I must feed." 
 
 Great opposition was made at home; but, after a 
 year's patient waiting, consent was given that she should 
 join the flock that worshipped at St. Matthias' ; and when 
 the next confirmation season arrived, it was with very 
 different feelings that she bowed beside Mary Cruthers, 
 to take upon her young and ardent soul real Christian 
 vows, with an intelligent understanding of what she was 
 about to do. It was a solemn Sunday morning, and the 
 occasion was one not soon forgotten. 
 
 About fifty candidates presented themselves for that 
 holy ordinance. Seated in the front pews, the aged and 
 the young, in simple garb, with reverential aspect, they 
 assumed these deeply solemn vows ; and from that holy 
 day, Emily's course was onward and upward in her 
 Christian life. 
 
 In this church connection, she formed the acquaint- 
 ance of the Rev. Edward Hastings ; and, after a season 
 of determined and protracted opposition, the father was 
 the first to yield, until, at length, she was permitted to
 
 WE8TBROOK PARSONAGE. 15 
 
 follow the bent of her own inclinations in the choice of 
 a partner for life. 
 
 Back again to this mile-stone in her young pilgrimage, 
 we will return to the travellers on their way to West- 
 brook. Their road lay through a tame and uninterest- 
 ing country, until toward the close of their journey, 
 when hill and dale appeared before them, and touches 
 of beauty peeped out now and then upon the landscape. 
 
 Leaving small towns behind, clumps of forest-trees 
 dressed in their early spring robes appeared bright car- 
 pets of the same fresh color covered the fields, where the 
 young lambs sported in their innocent joy the clouds, 
 through the early part of the day chased over the hea- 
 vens in sweeps of long, feathery forms, toward evening 
 piling themselves up in banks of snowy cumuli, the sum- 
 mits of which reflected the rays of the declining sun, 
 looking like glistening mountains of snow. 
 
 Suddenly above the trees appeared a church-spire, 
 glittering in the sunlight. "There is Westbrook, 
 Emily," said the husband, " and that is the spire of St. 
 Barnabas'." 
 
 " I am so glad that the church-spire is the first object 
 that I see, Edward ; it looks so like a haven of rest, al- 
 ways pointing upward" to our real home." 
 
 "May that thought ever be present, Emily. That 
 church-spire is a very dear object to me, for I am so 
 completely wedded to the people of St. Barnabas', that 1 
 feel as if my earthly ministry should begin and end
 
 16 WE8TBROOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 here. Let this sacred object mark the first mile-stone in 
 our union." 
 
 The young bride was looking at everything now 
 through Claude-Lorraine glasses, for the prospect of a 
 Christian home, with a congenial spirit, where there 
 would be freedom to serve her Master, flooded her young 
 heart with happiness, and, viewed through such a rosy 
 medium, everything wore a look of beauty. 
 
 " What pretty rural lanes, Edward ! and what neat 
 little cottages ! I suppose that piety flourishes here." 
 
 The husband smiled as he replied, " Unfortunately, 
 the same carnal enmity is found here as in the city, and 
 I fear that many of your pretty pictures will dissolve 
 when you draw nearer. But there are, nevertheless, 
 many lovely examples of piety among the people." 
 
 Just then the cars stopped at the depot, where Dr. 
 Lacey's carriage was in waiting, and soon they were 
 rolling on through rural streets, where beautiful modern 
 houses, surrounded by tasteful pleasure-grounds, greeted 
 the travellers. Turning somewhat out of the more pub- 
 lic streets, they came in sight of the loveliest part of 
 Westbrook. 
 
 " There, Edward ! that is the house that I admire," 
 said Emily, as she directed his attention toward an old 
 graystone house, with five gables, windows with small 
 panes, and a long piazza stretching across the front of 
 the house. On one side smiled a flower-garden ; on the 
 other a fruit orchard, separating the house from a gray-
 
 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 17 
 
 stone church, embowered in a grove of grand, old trees. 
 In front lay a tine lawn, with well-kept shrubbery ; 
 and back, the vegetable garden, joining a field which 
 sloped down to a creek winding its way between green, 
 shady banks, bordered with bushes and trees dipping 
 their bending branches into the transparent waters of 
 the stream. Trees that looked a century old shaded the 
 back of the house, and two of the noblest towered up in 
 front. 
 
 The minister enjoyed the pleasure that beamed in his 
 young wife's countenance, and remarked, with a smile, 
 "That is Westbrook parsonage, Emily, and there is St. 
 Barnabas'." 
 
 " That is indeed delightful : it looks exactly as if it 
 were an old country-house, and those modern dwellings 
 had all crept gradually around." 
 
 " That is just so, Emily ; but we shall always have 
 these pleasant grounds, and that will be a little taste of 
 the country still." 
 
 The carriage is at the gate now, and a respectable 
 middle-aged woman, with her clean, white apron and 
 thin muslin cap, is standing on the piazza, waiting for 
 the party. It is Debby, a faithful family-servant, who 
 has lived with Mrs. Warren all her married life, and 
 who has now come to take charge of Miss Emily's 
 kitchen. 
 
 " You are welcome home, Miss Emily," said the wo- 
 man ; and then, correcting herself, added, " It will be a 
 2 B
 
 18 WEST BROOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 long time, I am afraid, before I can call you any 
 thing else, ma'am ; for it seems only yesterday that ] 
 used to rock you to sleep, and now you are a married 
 lady." 
 
 " We are a little tired, Debby. I hope that supper is 
 ready," said the husband. 
 
 "It has been waiting- for half an hour, sir; but shall 
 I show you to your room, Mrs. Hastings ? " and leading 
 them up the stainvay that led directly from the hall, 
 the young lady soon found herself in her own room, 
 which, with the parlor, had been newly furnished by her 
 parents in a neat and comfortable manner. 
 
 "I will show you through the house on Monday, 
 ma'am," said Debby. " I have tried to arrange every- 
 thing as well as I could. There is a good lot of old 
 furniture, but I have cleaned it all up, and it looks quite 
 decent, though a little different from the Fifth Avenue." 
 
 " Everything is delightful to me, Debby. It is such 
 a nice old country-house, and such fine trees and pretty 
 grounds and then so near the church, that I am quite 
 happy." 
 
 After tea, the pastor led his wife into a small room 
 on one side of the hall, where a low porch led out into 
 the apple-orchard. 
 
 " This is your own apartment, Emily. I believe every 
 ihing is here that you valued, even to the carpet in your 
 own room at home." 
 
 It was filled with birthday and holiday gifts from
 
 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 19 
 
 dear friends ; and Emily looked around with a grateful 
 heart and swimming eyes. 
 
 There were her rosewood work-table, her pretty secre- 
 tary, her Chinese cabinet that contained so many arti- 
 cles of taste, her own lounge, her rocking and her sew- 
 ing chair, all the pictures that she valued, and many 
 little statuettes and rich vases that adorned her own 
 room at home, and, added to all, a larger chair for an- 
 other occupant. 
 
 " That is yours, Edward ; pray be seated," said the 
 happy bride. " Now, this is really home. I hope that 
 [ shall often see you in that chair." 
 
 " Another glimpse through a Claude-Lorraine. There 
 is not much lounging time in a minister's life, Emily. 
 This bower of ease is very inviting, but one who has the 
 care of souls has not much rest upon earth. This pleas- 
 ant bower looks very much like the one where Bunyan's 
 Christian lost his roll." 
 
 "I will never interfere with your duties, Edward, 
 f ou are the Lord's servant, and, by the grace of God, I 
 will help, not hinder." 
 
 " This evening, however, I am at your disposal for 
 an hour or two. Suppose that we walk out into the 
 orchard." 
 
 It is Easter-eve, and the bright paschal moon is shim- 
 mering through the leafy branches, shedding a flood of 
 silvery light upon the church windows and aloug the 
 soft grass of the fragrant orchard.
 
 20 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 Seating themselves in the summer-house at the other 
 end, through the openings of the branches, they watched 
 the pale moon sailing on so quietly through the cloudless 
 sky. 
 
 "I wonder if it shone upon the new tomb in the 
 garden of Joseph of Ariinathea, eighteen hundred years 
 ago," said Emily. " It seems so associated with our 
 most sacred hopes that it always leads me back to that 
 first resurrection, and forward, Edward, to our own." 
 
 " Just so it affects my mind, Emily. This is indeed a 
 mile-stone in our pilgrimage, and I think Easter-eve 
 will ever be remembered with reference to this one in 
 our mortal life." 
 
 Crossing the stile leading into the field adjoining, 
 they made their way down to the creek bordering that 
 side of Westbrook, so secluded among such thick and 
 heavy shade that one could scarcely realize that a short 
 walk could lead to a place inhabited by so large a 
 population. 
 
 Seated on its grassy bank, they communed together of 
 the things of a better world, and of that blessed time 
 when sin should be banished forever, and the reign of 
 holiness be perpetual on the ransomed earth. 
 
 Happy, blessed union thus commenced below, to be 
 made perfect forever in heaven ! 
 
 Their household consisted of four : a young girl, 
 named Jane, to assist Debby, with husband and wife. 
 On their return, at the sound of the bell, this little group
 
 WE8TBROOK PARSONAGE. 21 
 
 assembled in the parlor, and there Edward Hastings 
 dedicated his family to God. 
 
 Emily had fine musical talents, and, seated at the par- 
 lor organ, she led the music of the household, singing 
 the good old hymn which has formed the evening wor- 
 ship of so many saints now in glory : 
 
 " Glory to thee, my God, this night, 
 For all the blessings of the light; . 
 Keep me, oh ! keep me, King of kings, 
 TTnder thine own almighty wings." 
 
 Doubtless some of the winged messengers of the hea- 
 venly host descended that night to watch over the in- 
 habitants of Westbrook Parsonage, for are they not all 
 ministering spirits, sent to minister for them who shall 
 be heirs of salvation ? 
 
 " I must leave you awhile, Emily," said the young 
 minister, " to make some preparation for to-morrow, for 
 the people will look for the Easter sermon."
 
 CHAPTER IL 
 
 
 
 ST. BARNABAS'. 
 
 " And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not t 
 teach and preach Jesus Christ." 
 
 TOASTER morning, the queen of days for thus it 
 J-J appeared to Emily Hastings, as she stood at her 
 chamber window, inhaling the delightful fragrance 
 stealing in from the delicate apple-blossoms, and listen- 
 ing to the carolling of the sweet spring birds ! The at- 
 mosphere was full of the resurrection melody ; it seemed 
 as though the kiss of peace rested upon cloud and tree 
 and flower it certainly had left its impress upon the 
 calm and holy countenance that turned to speak to her 
 husband. 
 
 '"Brother, Christ has risen;' that was a beautiful 
 custom of the early Christians, Edward, on Easter 
 morning : it seems as if every human creature should 
 echo the sentiment." 
 
 "Yes, Emily, the bursting buds, the sweet, fresh 
 green, the smiling sky, all are eloquent in their declara- 
 tion of this holy truth ; for not long since, dreariness 
 and cold and death seemed to reign, but now all is 
 
 typical of the coming glory." 
 
 22
 
 WE8TBROOK PARSONAGE. 23 
 
 It was with full hearts that the little family sang their 
 Easter hymn on that hallowed morning. 
 
 All was new to Debby, for the religion of the Warren 
 household seemed to have very little to do with the 
 family, and there was no domestic altar there ; but here, 
 everything appeared linked with another world, and 
 none could quite forget beneath this roof that they were 
 immortals. 
 
 The young wife made her first appearance at church 
 on that holy day, and as she moved so reverentially up 
 the aisle upon her husband's arm, dressed in the simple 
 costume of a Christian lady, feelings of involuntary 
 respect followed the stranger, whose whole deportment 
 seemed to say, " The Lord is in his holy temple." 
 
 The church was an old building, with none of the 
 modern decorations ; but there was an air of solemnity 
 around the capacious chancel, where the communion 
 table, and not the altar, occupied the chief place. The 
 reading-desk and pulpit were both draped with crimson 
 velvet, and the chancel and aisles carpeted with the 
 same warm color. The music was everything that a 
 devotional spirit could desire, and such as enabled the 
 worshippers to join in this delightful part of the church 
 service. 
 
 The Easter sentences were sung with touching effect, 
 and the time-honored service of the old Prayer Book 
 was prayed neither read in a drawling, lifeless manner, 
 nor intoned in mumbling accents that none could uu
 
 24 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 derstand ; but earnestly, devoutly prayed. Edward 
 Hastings loved the Master that its sacred services re- 
 vealed, and the heart meant and felt the power of spir- 
 itual worship. The deep devotion of his own spirit 
 raised the tone of the worshippers, and Emily felt that 
 her lot had indeed been cast in one of the " heavenly 
 places in Christ Jesus." 
 
 Then the sermon was so impressive full of Christ 
 and his resurrection, replete with practical teachings ; 
 for his whole ministry was such as exalted Christ, the 
 Great Head of the Church. Around Jesus only, re- 
 volved all the hopes and joys and labors of the people 
 of St. Barnabas'. 
 
 There were several notices read, which declared the 
 activity of this busy hive of earnest workers an even- 
 ing lecture, a mothers' meeting, and cottage services ; 
 so that Emily felt that " daily in the temple and in every 
 house " her husband " ceased not "to teach and to preach 
 Jesus Christ." 
 
 Then the communion was so sweet, so solemn ; the 
 singing of the Trisagion so elevating for was she not 
 really singing " with angels and archangels " ? was 
 Bhe not truly worshipping "with all the company of 
 heaven"? A very thin veil separated the church mili- 
 tant from the church triumphant. Who knows how 
 near the heavenly worshippers may be on these com- 
 munion days? 
 
 The tone of her spirit inclined her to avoid intro
 
 WESTBRGOK PARSONAGE. 25 
 
 d action after service, but many a pleasant smile of 
 welcome passed over the faces of numbers who recog- 
 nized the young rector's wife now as one of the flock 
 of St. Barnabas'. But there were censorious tongues 
 here as elsewhere ; and we will follow two, who, even 
 from the feast of love, indulged in this miserable prac- 
 tice. 
 
 "Did you take notice of the lace shawl and the 
 handsome silk dress that Mrs. Hastings wore, Hetty?" 
 said Miss Prudence White. 
 
 " Yes, indeed ; and the tasty little bonnet, too," was 
 the reply. "I am afraid that our minister's wife is 
 decidedly worldly. There is no one at Westbrook who 
 has such a rich shawl as that. She will need some one 
 to tell her what is expected of the pastor's wife." 
 
 " I have heard that her father is one of the wealthy 
 merchants of New York, and that she has been brought 
 up in great extravagance." 
 
 " That will not do for "Westbrook," replied Miss Hetty. 
 " The minister's salary will never support such articles 
 of taste." 
 
 " I wonder that Mr. Hastings did not make a choice 
 from among the young people of his own flock. I had 
 often hinted to him about Mary Lacey or Sarah Hart- 
 well, but he only smiled." 
 
 We will take leave of the ladies, and return to the 
 unconscious subject of these remarks. She has folded 
 up her handsome lace shawl, the wedding-gift of her
 
 26 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 mother, without one thought of its offensive character 
 changed her silk dress for a muslin wrapper ; and, with 
 a heart filled with love for her husband's flock, has 
 joined him in the parlor. 
 
 " How is it that you have such delightful music, 
 Edward ? " inquired the lady. 
 
 " I am very fond of sacred music, Emily, and espe- 
 cially watchful of my choir, every member of which is 
 a communicant. I meet with them weekly, and some 
 of my most happy hours are spent on those evenings." 
 
 " It is a pleasant thought, Edward, that this most 
 delightful part of our worship is not performed by 
 irreverent and worldly spirits ; for I have often wit- 
 nessed sad desecrations in city choirs, when seated with 
 Sunday-school children in the gallery. I have fre- 
 quently seen its members eating in the intervals of the 
 service, talking to each other, and, during the sermon, 
 seating themselves in groups, whispering and laughing, 
 or leaving the choir for the Sunday-school room, evi- 
 dently no more interested in the preaching of the Gospel 
 than the outsiders who desecrate the Sabbath openly." 
 
 " You will never see such a state of things at St. Bar- 
 nabas', Emily, for I regard the music as a most important 
 part of Divine worship." 
 
 In the afternoon, the young stranger was introduced 
 to the Sunday-school, where the marks of a master mind 
 were manifest in the cheerful alacrity with which every- 
 thing was conducted the teachers in their places
 
 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 27 
 
 punctually, the children following their example, a 
 bright, earnest superintendent, and deeply interested 
 classes. There were the infant department, the Sun- 
 day-school, the Bible-classes, and all the machinery 
 belonging to an efficient school in active opera- 
 tion. 
 
 "Shall we hope for your co-operation, Mrs. Hast- 
 ings?" said Mr. Hartwell. 
 
 Emily glanced toward her husband, as she replied, 
 " I must consult my husband as to my post of Christian 
 duty, ere I make any hasty promises : it has always been 
 one of my chief pleasures to labor among the lambs of 
 the flock." 
 
 Everywhere marks were seen of an efficient, earnest 
 ministry. 
 
 When Edward Hastings first took charge of St. Bai- 
 uabas', it was in a cold an 1 lifeless state, for his prede- 
 cessor had been a dull, formal preacher, and the congre- 
 gation was then comparatively small. 
 
 Dr. Lisle's rigid adherence to what he deemed the 
 rubrics of the Prayer Book had repelled newcomers, 
 and kept back the spirit of progress. 
 
 The present minister had been there three years, 
 and great changes had followed in his footsteps. He 
 had made a deliberate and intelligent choice of the 
 Episcopal Church as his own, where he delighted to 
 preach the Gospel, as taught in her precious articles of 
 faith. Its chaste and reverent decorum appeared to be
 
 28 WESTBEOOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 most m accordance with the simplicity and spirituality 
 which should distinguish public worship ; but he saw 
 nothing in its rubrics, or its laws, to stifle the free, 
 familiar breathings which should prevail in more social 
 gatherings. The beauty of its public offices became as 
 it were a part and parcel of the current of his devotional 
 spirit, and made up the golden tissue that tinctured 
 all his approaches to the Triune God. 
 
 He was not ashamed of the name Protestant Episco- 
 pal, for there was no hankering after any of the popish 
 practices that marred the Church before the days of 
 reformation. He did not consider those doctrines and 
 practices non-essentials for which the martyrs died, and 
 loving his Church with a pure and holy love, he longed 
 to see her purged entirely of even the appearance of 
 sympathy with Rome; and therefore the word priest 
 always jarred upon his feelings, lest it should convey 
 false ideas of the Christian ministry. He knew that 
 purification must come, for was she not a branch of the 
 true Vine? and the Saviour has declared of the Church 
 collectively, as well as of individual Christians, that He 
 " purgeth every branch, that it may bring forth more 
 fruit." 
 
 Not in vain had he used the name of Jesus appear- 
 ing in eveiy prayer, permeating every office, conspicu- 
 ous in all the Articles and Homilies of the Church he 
 ioved : baptized by the Holy Spirit into a deep experi- 
 ence of real, manly faith, he preached with power and
 
 WESTUR O OK PARSONAGE. 29 
 
 unction Jesus all iu all, Jesus only as the sinner's hope; 
 and the Spirit bore. a constant witness to the power of 
 such a truly apostolic ministry. 
 
 When he baptized, it was to bring not simply to an 
 ordinance, but to Jesus ; when presenting his spiritual 
 children for confirmation, it was to draw still nearer to 
 the Master ; when he administered the consecrated bread 
 and wine, it was to lead his people as near to Jesus as 
 mortals could be on this side of heaven ; and this was 
 the apostles' doctrine and fellowship taught at St. 
 Barnabas'. 
 
 Thus Edward Hastings lived the Christ-life among 
 his people, and thus he drew increasing numbers, by 
 lifting up, not the Church, but the Cross as the refuge of 
 the soul. His Prayer Book had taught him to value 
 above all things the revealed word of God : that was 
 first and foremost, as it was God's the Prayer Book 
 second, as it was the work of man. 
 
 It was his constant practice to bid his people prove all 
 things by the word of God, and then to hold fast to that 
 which was truly good and spiritual. 
 
 These were the steps by which he led immortal souls 
 first, to self-abhorrence at the foot of Sinai, then to Jesus 
 at the foot of Calvary ; thence to the Church, that 
 spiritual home left upon earth by the Saviour, to nurture 
 his own children, and not the children of the fltli. 
 Thus he gathered around him a company of laborer? 
 3*
 
 30 WESTBROCK PARSONAGE. 
 
 truly consecrated to the service of God, because sealed 
 by the Holy Spirit of God. 
 
 To the poor and afflicted he was especially a minister 
 of consolation, and to the community at large a beloved 
 and respected minister ; for he had large and catholic 
 views toward all who loved his Master. 
 
 Every Sunday he repeated that article of his faith, 
 " I believe in the holy Catholic Church, the communion 
 of saints ; " and his comprehensive charity stretched out 
 its arms to all who reflected the image of Jesus in their 
 daily lives. 
 
 To his spiritual mind, this invisible army, throughout 
 the whole world, marching on to glory, composed the 
 band of Christian brotherhood, and as such his warm 
 heart loved them, and his benevolence co-operated in all 
 works of good for man which did not compromise his 
 fidelity as an Episcopal minister. His evening lectures 
 were numerously attended, not only by his own flock, 
 but by many .tl ers, who were glad to enjoy his more 
 social meetings for worship. 
 
 Railroads had of late years brought Westbrook so 
 near the great metropolis, that many families made it 
 the place of their summer residence, and at that seasc n 
 the church was crowded to its utmost capacity. Here, 
 in this blessed home, Providence had cast the lot of Emily 
 Hastings. 
 
 It is now Monday morning, and the young wife is 
 walking after breakfast in the garden among her flow
 
 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 31 
 
 ers, stooping now and then to pluck a lovely blossom to 
 add to her bouquet for the parlor. Suddenly, a pleasant 
 voice accosts the young .ady : 
 
 " This is Mrs. Hastings, is it not ? " said the visitor, 
 standing by her side in the garden path. 
 
 " It is, madam. And my visitor?" 
 
 " Mrs. Lacey, the doctor's wife, your nearest neighbor. 
 You see that there is a gate between our gardens, inti- 
 mating that we are open to calls at any time. Your 
 good husband has frequently made use of it, for I have 
 tried to be a mother in his bachelor estate." 
 
 It was an agreeable countenance that smiled upon the 
 young lady. A short figure, somewhat inclined to stout- 
 aess, and a general appearance of health and cheerful- 
 ness, prepossessed Emily at once in her favor. 
 
 Mrs. Lacey held a bouquet of choice flowers in her 
 hand. 
 
 " I presume that we are alike in our love of flowers," 
 continued the lady, as she offered them to Mrs. Hast- 
 ings. 
 
 " Thank you," replied the listener. " They are really 
 lovely ! I shall often come for hints how to nurse my 
 own garden." 
 
 " Please remember the open gate, my dear. You are 
 a new housekeeper, and you will always find me ready 
 with motherly hints, never intruding my advice." 
 
 "You are very good, Mrs. Lacey; and I dare sa\ 
 that I shall often avail myself of your kindness,"
 
 32 WE8TBROOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 "We are glad that our young pastor has taken to 
 himself a wife, for I know that he has been very lonely 
 in the parsonage. He is so good and useful that we 
 think he deserves every earthly blessing." 
 
 " I am glad to hear you speak so, Mrs. Lacey, for that 
 is just what I think," said the young wife, with a modest 
 smile upon her face. 
 
 " You have no idea what changes have been wrought 
 under his ministry. St. Barnabas' was high and dry 
 enough before he came. Now we are all alive, and a 
 blessing follows Mr. Hastings everywhere. But I must 
 not detain you, for I dare say that you have household 
 duties to attend to. We are neighbors now, and I hope 
 often to see your hand upon the latch of our gate. 
 Good morning, my dear." Then, turning hastily back, 
 she added: "Be ready at four o'clock, to-morrow. I 
 want you to ride with me, for I have some pleasant spots 
 around Westbrook to show you." 
 
 " It will give me great pleasure, madam. I shall be 
 ready." 
 
 And the two parted Emily to look through the par- 
 sonage, and Mrs. Lacey to report at home the interview 
 mutually pleased with each other. 
 
 Debby was quite chagrined at what she deemed the 
 plainness of Emily's establishment, for, compared with 
 home, it seemed rustic indeed. 
 
 f< I don't know how you are going to put up with so
 
 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 33 
 
 many privations," said the woman; "it is all so dif- 
 ferent." 
 
 The young wife smiled as she replied, " You can have 
 no idea, Debby, how little those things that you value 
 so much, have to do with my happiness. I am sure that 
 my parlor and chamber are just as neat as I could wish ; 
 all the furniture is new, and my own sitting-room is 
 charming, Debby." 
 
 " How in the world are you going to do without a 
 carriage ? you can't walk about much, the roads are so 
 dusty, and the distances so long." 
 
 " We can do very well, Debby. The good people will 
 sometimes call for me to ride with them, and I can very 
 well dispense with that luxury." 
 
 They are now among the bed and table linen, of 
 which there was an excellent supply, furnished by 
 Emily's parents. 
 
 " I took good care of all this, Miss Emily," said 
 Debby, as she turned these articles out of the chests, 
 with a proud look upon her honest face. 
 
 Suddenly the door opened, and Mr. Hastings made 
 his appearance. 
 
 " You had better be ready for visitors, to-day, Emily ; 
 I am pretty certain that you will have some calls. I 
 have many visits to make, for several of my people are 
 sick." 
 
 Accordingly, the young wife prepared for visitors, and 
 had not been long seated in her sitting-room ere she
 
 34 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 heard the latch of her front gate, and looking up 
 perceived a small lady, under a large, green umbrella, 
 coming up the garden walk. It was a neat, dapper little 
 figure, with precise step, and quick, bustling motions. 
 
 A profusion of crisp, gray curls, piercing black eyes, 
 a nose not remarkable, but the pleasant smile around 
 the mouth almost redeemed the other unpleasant fea- 
 tures. Emily saw all this as the lady stepped up on the 
 front piazza. 
 
 Received in the pretty sitting-room, Emily saw that 
 she looked around uneasily, as she introduced herself by 
 the name of Miss Prudence White, one of the oldest 
 members of St. Barnabas'. 
 
 " You have undertaken a very weighty charge, my 
 dear," said the lady. 
 
 Emily smiled as she replied, " Not so very weighty, 
 I should think, for we have only four in our family." 
 
 " I did not allude to your private duties, my dear ; I 
 referred to your position in the church." 
 
 " I have no very imperative duties there, for I believe 
 the vestry called my husband to the charge, and not his 
 wife." 
 
 " You certainly roean to take some part in the bene- 
 volent, operations of the parish?" 
 
 " My husband will advise me, Miss Prudence ; I am a 
 novice in my new position, and he is my best counsellor." 
 
 ''You have a great many fine things around you
 
 WE8TBROOK PARSONAGE. 35 
 
 here," continued the lady ; " quite showy for a minister's 
 house. I hope that they will not make you worldly." 
 
 " They are chiefly gifts, and valued on that accou ut. 
 I have been used to such things all my life, and do not 
 find that they engross either my time or thoughts, Miss 
 Prudence." 
 
 "You will find a great variety of people here, Mrs. 
 Hastings ; and I will give you a few hints about some of 
 them, to put you on your guard. There is Miss Jane 
 Proctor, the greatest talker in Westbrook ; and there are 
 the Westons, as proud as Lucifer they will want to 
 patronize the minister's wife ; and there are the Browns, 
 stiff" high-church people." 
 
 " They are all members of my husband's flock, Miss 
 Prudence, and as such entitled to kindness and courtesy. 
 I dare say that I shall find many amiable qualities in all 
 of them." 
 
 " I hope that you will not be disappointed, my dear : 
 you had better not be too unsuspicious." 
 
 " I had better think too well of them, Miss Prudence, 
 for we all need forbearance from our fellow-creatures." 
 
 " You talk just like all young people, but you will 
 learn betcer, some day." 
 
 After making many rude inquiries about the cost of 
 many pretty things in the room, Miss Prudence took her 
 departure, leaving behind some troubled ripples upon 
 the atmosphere of the parsonage, and the lady inspector 
 quite defeated. Mortified by her discomfiture, Miss
 
 36 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 Prudence stopped on her way home to see her friend, 
 Miss Hetty Van Zandt. " I don't know what to think 
 of the young thing," was her report to inspector number 
 two. " I could make no impression there ; she was very 
 polite, but I felt somehow as if her manner said that 
 she had an excellent counsellor at home. I wonder if 
 she is not a little proud." 
 
 On Mr. Hastings' return, he laughed at Emily's ac- 
 count of the visit, saying : 
 
 " There are many phases of human character in a 
 parish like ours, but we must learn to ' be wise as ser- 
 pents, and harmless as doves ; ' but I must not forget to 
 say that with all Miss Prudy's unpleasant peculiarities, 
 there are many valuable traits of character, for she is 
 always ready to give time, money, and sympathy, 
 wherever there are misery and want." 
 
 " I '11 remember that, Edward, and try to forget the 
 oddities." 
 
 " Dear, precious wife ! May this sweet spirit guide 
 and bless you always," replied the husband, as, pressing 
 a fond kiss upon the fair forehead, he left the sitting- 
 room to prepare for dinner ; and the young wife sat a 
 moment where he had left her, with hands folded and a 
 soft smile of perfect content resting upon the lovely 
 face. 
 
 The next day brought a different experience, for the 
 ride with Mrs. Lacey was so very delightful. Emily 
 found her to be sensible, refined, pious, and was
 
 WE8TBBOOK PARSONAGE. 37 
 
 charmed with the kind and charitable accounts that 
 she gave of many of the people of St. Barnabas'. 
 
 " We have a mothers' meeting that meets on every 
 Wednesday evening at the Bible-class room. Would 
 you not be willing to take charge of it, my dear ? " 
 
 " Who directs it now, Mrs. Lacey ? " 
 
 "That has been my pleasure until a better is fouiid." 
 
 "Then it must just continue under the same direc- 
 tion. I should be happy to attend the meetings, and 
 aid in your benevolent work, but your experience must 
 not be lost to the people by my blunders." 
 
 The ride was through a delightful country of hill and 
 dale, where beautiful country residences greeted the eye 
 on every side ; and Emily could easily see why so many 
 citizens had chosen their summer residence among these 
 green hills. 
 
 "Do many of these families attend at St. Barnabas'?' 
 inquired Emily. 
 
 "Quite a large number," was the reply; "and it 
 helps the parish very much. There is one place where 
 we must waive ceremony and make a call," continued 
 Mrs. Lacey. " Stop at the next place, John ; we will 
 get out for a few minutes." 
 
 The carriage drew up to the gate of a neat cottage; 
 and, on the ringing of the bell, an old servant presented 
 herself at the door. 
 
 " How is your mistress, Susan ? " inquired the lady. 
 "Can she see company to-day?" 
 4
 
 38 K'EsfBBOoR PARSONAGE. 
 
 ' Walk in, ladies; I will see." 
 
 Leaving the visitors in the parlor, Susan left the 
 room, and in a short time a venerable lady of at least 
 seventy entered. 
 
 "Mrs. Raymond, this is our minister's wife. We 
 thought that we must not wait for your visit." 
 
 " That is right, my dear. I pay very few now, and 
 am really obliged to you for coming." Turning to 
 Emily, she took her hand, and said : 
 
 " May the Good Shepherd guide and bless you in your 
 new calling ! " 
 
 Emily was struck with the aspect of the venerable 
 lady. Clad in a black silk dress, with her silver hair 
 parted on her smooth forehead under a fine lace cap, 
 she thought that she had seldom seen an aged face 
 where so much of peace and resignation shed their holy 
 calm. 
 
 "You are just entering upon life, my dear; I am 
 going out. You are looking forward probably to a life 
 of usefulness and happiness. I have outlived all my 
 children ; but I have the hope of meeting them in 
 heaven, for they were all Christians. Come into the 
 next room, and I will show you their portraits." 
 
 Four lovely children, two daughters in young M'oman- 
 hood, and two others in the very bloom of manly youth, 
 one in military garb. 
 
 "They were lovely in their lives and happy in 
 death. I shall go to them, but they will not return to me ''
 
 WE8TBROOK PARSONAGE. 39 
 
 Emiljr looked at the saintly face of the old lady, and 
 thought how precious is the faith which can sustain the 
 soul under trials like these. 
 
 " I have not one word to say, because my Master did 
 it. Time is very short, and eternity is long. I shall 
 have them all that long, long, happy life. Meanwhile, I 
 wait patiently till my time comes." 
 
 They returned to the parlor, and Susan soon entered 
 with some sponge-cake and cool beverage. 
 
 " This is excellent, Mrs. Raymond," said the doctor's 
 wife. 
 
 " Susan made them both," was the reply. " I don't 
 know what I should do without her." 
 
 " That will never be, Mrs. Lacey, so long as I live," 
 said the faithful woman. "Mrs. Raymond has been 
 good and kind to me ever since I was a young thing, 
 and I shall never forsake her." 
 
 " You will come often, my dear," said the old lady, 
 addressing the pastor's wife. 
 
 " It will give me the greatest pleasure, madam, " was 
 the reply. "I shall not soon forget this afternoon's 
 visit." 
 
 " Remember me most kindly to your good husband," 
 continued the old lady, " his visits are very precious to 
 me, and he never forgets the afflicted." 
 
 "I call that little cottage 'The Chamber of Peace/" 
 said Mrs. Lacey, when seated in the carriage, " for it
 
 40 WE8TBROOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 always takes me back to that resting-place in the Pil- 
 grim's Progress." 
 
 " Well named," was Emily's reply ; " for I think that 
 I never saw more of the peace that passeth all under- 
 standing than rests upon the face of that dear old 
 saint." 
 
 The week was occupied chiefly with receiving visits 
 from her husband's parishioners. Miss Hetty Van Zandt 
 was among the callers, patronizing and scrutinizing, for 
 she was rather near-sighted. 
 
 Emily was quite amused at the manner with which 
 she examined the bijouterie of her sitting-room, (using 
 her nose almost as much as her eyes,) and more so with 
 her iv marks, for she soon perceived that Miss Hetty had 
 come on a tour of discovery. 
 
 When Mrs. Hastings gave the lady her first donation 
 to the Missionary Society, her visitor's prejudices were 
 (juite disarmed, for Emily remarked, smiling, " You 
 have my first donation, Miss Hetty." 
 
 "Miss White will not like that much, for Prudy 
 always must be foremost." And off started inspector 
 number two to show inspector number one how she had 
 been preferred. 
 
 How much of wood and hay and stubble are to be 
 burned in the great day of purification ! But how blessed 
 to feel that Jesus sees even the small grains of real faith, 
 which through the abounding riches of divine grace will 
 be owned in that sifting day.
 
 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 41 
 
 Many tokens of good-will reached the parsonage, 
 sometimes in the shape of a basket of fresh vegetables, 
 sometimes a pair of spring chickens, or, at others, & 
 dozen of new-laid eggs ; and the young wife's first week 
 was, upon the whole, one of general satisfaction. In 
 the afternoons, she generally accompanied her husband 
 on his visits to distant parishioners. Not having a car- 
 riage of his own, he was obliged on these occasions to 
 accept the loan of his neighbors' vehicles. 
 
 " How different this is from home, Edward ! " said the 
 young wife, as she took her seat by her husband's side on 
 one of these pleasant afternoons. 
 
 " Better, happier, Emily ? " 
 
 " Infinitely ; for here, in this peaceful home, there 
 seems nothing to separate us from our Lord." 
 
 " There may be, Emily, for bosom foes follow us every- 
 where in our earthly pilgrimage." 
 
 " Yes, but Jesus is nearer here than in the Fifth 
 Avenue, where all was so worldly : it seems just like 
 Bethany here, Edward." 
 
 " Why, Emily ? " 
 
 " If Mary and Martha and Lazarus are not here, 
 there are those whom Jesus loves, and that makes 
 Bethany." 
 
 " But we shall find the little foxes that spoil the tender 
 grapes everywhere, Emily, but especially in the littl< 
 world of a minister's parish." 
 4*
 
 42 tFESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 " We won't let them worry us, Edward, when we have 
 BO many blessings ; for I think that we can both say, 
 thus far, that we have met with many more of the 
 Saviour's lambs than Satan's foxes." 
 
 " Dear, hopeful wife, live in the sunshine, for the can- 
 dle of the Lord is shining brightly around your yung 
 footsteps."
 
 OHAPTEB III. 
 
 FATHER MORGAN. 
 For he was a good man, and fall of the Holy Ghon. 
 
 TS the little chamber in order, Emily?" inquired hei 
 -*- husband ; " I mean the one facing the orchard, that 
 we call the prophet's chamber, and is frequently occupied 
 by a dear old friend, who is a kind father to me. I am 
 expecting Father Morgan every day now." 
 
 "Why do you call him by that title, Edward?" 
 
 " He is the oldest member of our Convocation, and all 
 the brethren call him by that name, for he is a man of 
 ripe experience, and we all look up to him as to a father. 
 That is his likeness over the sideboard in the dining- 
 room." 
 
 " He has been a handsome man, Edward, in his youth 
 I shall be glad to see him, for your sake." 
 
 " My parents died when I was young, Emily, and left 
 me penniless : you do not know what Father Morgan 
 has done for me; at once he adopted me as his own son, 
 bore all the expenses of my education, and is always the 
 name devoted friend. I know no other father." 
 
 " I will see that all is comfortable, Edward." 
 
 " There are a wrapper and a pair of slippers in the 
 
 48
 
 44 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 closet, kept expressly for him ; be sure to lay them out, 
 and have some warm water in his room every night, to 
 bathe his feet." 
 
 "There is a carriage at the gate now Edward, a low 
 vehicle, odd and old-fashioned enough." 
 
 " It is our friend, sure enough." 
 
 Hastening down the path, the young minister wel 
 corned the old gentleman, but was surprised to see a 
 ragged boy of ten sitting in the carriage. 
 
 " Well, Edward, you have another bird in the nest, I 
 hear. How do you think that you are going to support 
 a family on your salary ? And then I hear that you have 
 brought home a dainty lark, not used to the privations 
 of a country parsonage." 
 
 " You must judge for yourself, father. I know that in 
 a few months you will think Emily Hastings a choice 
 blessing in a minister's lot. But let me take care of the 
 horse : you must be tired after your long ride." 
 
 "Not I no one waits on Pete but myself, Edward; I 
 know just what he likes ; he 's a pretty saucy chap ; I have 
 to take his own bucket along, for he will not feed from 
 any other. Run into the house : I '11 be there as soon as 
 Pete is comfortable." 
 
 Knowing the old minister's peculiarities, he was not 
 interfered with. 
 
 Putting his head in the kitchen door, Father Morgan 
 took Debby by surprise by his abrupt address. 
 
 " Here, Biddy, help me out with these things : I want
 
 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 45 
 
 them put aAvay in an eye-wink, without the knowledge 
 of the mistress." 
 
 Debby wondered who this could be, who with such an 
 air of authority gave his orders. 
 
 " I am not certain that I ought to, sir, for I don't 
 know where they came from." 
 
 " You needn't ask any questions, just do as I bid you. 
 And give this boy something to eat: he's hungry, I know, 
 by this time." 
 
 Without farther dispute, the stores were safely depos- 
 ited in their proper place. nd the boy fed, as directed. 
 
 In about half an hour, Father Morgan made his ap- 
 pearance in the parlor, where the mistress of the parson- 
 age was ready to receive him. 
 
 Mrs. Hastings was struck by the aspect of her visitor 
 rather tall, with a fine, open countenance, a benevo- 
 lent, winning smile, and broad, expansive forehead, 
 crowned with silver hair. 
 
 The modest deportment, and bright welcome on the 
 sweet, young face, at once interested the old clergyman's 
 warmest feelings. 
 
 " I suppose that you know this is my son, young lady," 
 said her guest ; " and as a matter of course, you must be 
 my daughter : as such I give you my blessing, child." 
 
 "I know what you have been to Edward. Father 
 Morgan, and are entitled to our warmest love." 
 
 "I bid you take care of these husbands, daughter: it 
 all seems very sweet during the honeymoon, but by-
 
 46 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 and-by you'll see the staff of authority ; then take care ! " 
 and a humorous smile passed over the old gentleman's 
 face. 
 
 " I shall never be afraid of my husband's staff, father, 
 for it is my pleasure to follow its leadings." 
 
 " Where in the world did you pick up that ragged 
 boy, Father Morgan ? " inquired Mr. Hastings. 
 
 " Sitting by the road-side, as I came along, crying bit- 
 terly, just to worry me, I suppose ; and on making in- 
 quiries, he told me that he had lost both parents : you 
 know, Edward, that I could not leave an orphan by the 
 road-side; Hannah conceives that we want a boy to help 
 in the kitchen, and so I brought him along." 
 
 " And what has become of Jacob ? " 
 
 " Oh, he 's about yet, but I have a place in my head 
 for him at neighbor Jones'. I have had him now for 
 two years, and he is quite a good gardener now." 
 
 " When did you leave New York, Father Morgan ? " 
 
 " Last Friday, Edward ; and a miserable visit it was, 
 to be sure. I am concerned for our beloved Church, for 
 she has enemies among her pretended friends. There is 
 decidedly a strong disposition to favor the sacramenta- 
 rian theology in more quarters than one ; there is, more- 
 over, a weekly journal advocating the new doctrines, or, 
 rather, the old fossils dug up ; and it is all so agreeable 
 to unrenewed human nature, that I fear many will be 
 led into the snare."
 
 WE8TBROOK PARSONAGE. 47 
 
 " These are days of trial, father, and it behooves us 
 all to be on the watch-tower." 
 
 " This corpoiate idea of the Church, Edward, reminds 
 me of what I have heard of the practices of the Roman- 
 ists in South America, where, in crowded churches, with 
 consecrated mops, the priests sprinkle the masses with 
 holy water." 
 
 " We are not in danger of such gross ideas as these, 
 but of something more refined ; for there is much in the 
 Newman tracts to interest the intellectual, and draw 
 them after the teachings of that school, especially when 
 promulgated by men of high character, such as Drs. 
 Pusey and Newman ; but most of all, I fear the future : 
 some of our brethren say, let them alone that oppo- 
 sition creates friends ; but I cannot agree with them : 
 this is the seed of deadly error ; if we allow it to germi- 
 nate, bitter will be the fruit. It has commenced with 
 the intellect, that affects the few who wield the power; 
 by-and-by it will pander to the sensuous and imagina- 
 tive, that will sweep the masses, especially in America. 
 Choke the thistle-seeds, Edward, and there will be no 
 harvest of weeds." 
 
 "Did you ever hear any positive teaching, father?" 
 
 " I did hear the doctrine of priestly intervention be- 
 tween the soul and God openly taught ; and, moreover, 
 I saw the raising of the patten after consecration, and 
 the bowing of heads among the people, that indicated 
 serious, vital departure from Protestant truth."
 
 48 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 " Did you visit St. Matthias' during your stay ? " in- 
 quired Emily. 
 
 " I did, my daughter ; and it was truly refreshing to 
 the spirit to hear the clear, decided teaching of that 
 pulpit; but Dr. Woodville is sorely traduced by many 
 of his brethren as a Methodist, a Presbyterian, anything 
 but a churchman. There is one comfort, however ; God 
 will take care of His own Church, and bring her in 
 safety through all the days of tribulation." 
 
 " Are n't you tired, father ? " inquired Emily. " We 
 should have thought of that before." 
 
 "I am somewhat, and should like to go to my little 
 room." 
 
 Emily led the way, and the old man looked around 
 with a pleasant smile as he surveyed the marks of at- 
 tention to his comfort. 
 
 " Edward has told you about my notions, I see. Now 
 you '11 please not to disturb me until dinner-time, for I 
 should like to be alone." 
 
 Passing the door about an hour afterward, Emily 
 heard the voice of supplication in deep, earnest tones, 
 and felt how blessed it was to be the subject of such 
 faithful prayers. Next morning, the good man walked 
 around the place in company with the pastor, surveying 
 everything with fatherly interest. 
 
 " This is a fine fruit orchard, and quite a good vege- 
 table garden ; but they must have some one to take care 
 of them, or they will be useless to you."
 
 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 49 
 
 " Yes, I know that," was the reply ; " but I cannot 
 a/Ford to keep a man." 
 
 " And then how are you to go about with your wife 
 without a carriage? She can't take long walks in the 
 country ; and besides, it is absolutely necessary." 
 
 " It is quite out of the question, father. The cost of a 
 horse and carriage would be a great addition to our 
 expenses." 
 
 The old gentleman was seated in the summer-house 
 with the pastor, leaning thoughtfully upon his cane, 
 and talking in low tones to himself. 
 
 " She seems such a good little thing. It 's such a pity 
 that she has n't these few comforts." 
 
 " Who are you talking about ? " inquired Mr. Hast- 
 ings. 
 
 " About Emily, to be sure my daughter. She must 
 be made comfortable." 
 
 The old gentleman was much amused by the look of 
 surprise with which Debby surveyed him seated at the 
 dinner-table. 
 
 " I guess she wonders who I am," said the visitor ; 
 "but she'll get used to me after a while. Where did 
 you meet with her, Emily ? " 
 
 " She has lived with my mother all her married life," 
 was the reply, " and is very much like a housekeeper 
 here." 
 
 " I suppose that she wondered who the old man was 
 that ordered her about yesterdav in the kitchen."
 
 50 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 "She is a faithful woman," was the reply, "and will 
 respect every one that we value, I am sure." 
 
 After dinner, Emily led the way to the parlor, and 
 opening the organ, asked her old friend if she should 
 entertain him with some music. 
 
 " That is my chief recreation, daughter. Can you give 
 me some of the old chants ? " 
 
 Both had fine voices, and Father Morgan sang a good 
 bass yet. The music brought Debby and Jane to the 
 parlor-door ; for it was something more than common 
 melody that filled the room. Grand old hymns and 
 some sweet modern airs followed. The old man was in 
 his element. 
 
 " I pity the Quakers, Emily don't you ? They lose 
 so much of holy joy in this part of public worship ; but 
 
 I think that they '11 be among the loudest singers in 
 heaven, to make up for the silence here." 
 
 " The young people of that sect are just as fond of 
 music as we are; for I have had visits from several 
 such, and they are never tired of the ergan." 
 
 " What must be the worship of heaven, children, when 
 the whole church triumphant joins the angelic choir ? 
 That idea is a fine one when comparing it to the voice 
 of many waters." 
 
 " I must be going to-morrow, Edward," said the vis- 
 itor ; " for I have preparation for Sundav to make ; and 
 Hannah will be troubled if I do not come on the day 
 
 II ppointed,"
 
 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 61 
 
 The morning came, and Father Morgan led the family 
 prayers. The holy, heavenly fervor of that sweet service 
 seemed to rest upon the family for days, and Emily said 
 to her husband, as the carriage drove out of sight : 
 
 "It seems as if a benediction were left behind, 
 Edward, by that good old man : how is it that he is so 
 much attached to you ? " 
 
 " In his youth, he loved my mother they were sepa- 
 rated by money-loving parents. My mother married, 
 and died young, leaving but one child, and that one he 
 loves for my mother's sake ; for he has never married. 
 A rich uncle left him all his property, and he uses his 
 wealth for the glory of God and the good of man." 
 
 On the Monday morning of the following week, Jacob 
 drove up to the gate in a neat country carriage with 
 seats for four. Fastening the horse to the gate, he 
 asked for the minister, and handing him a letter, stood 
 waiting with hat in hand. The young pastor's lips 
 quivered as he handed the letter to his wife, who read : 
 
 " My dear children will accept this horse and carriage 
 from their friend, with the services of Jacob Grant, who 
 I know will prove a faithful servant. Regard this as a 
 gift from the Lord. Jacob's wages will be paid monthly, 
 and all other expenses attendant upon the keeping of 
 the carriage. It is a great pleasure to do this for a ser- 
 vant of our dear Lord and Master." 
 
 "Take the carriage to the stable, Jacob," said the
 
 52 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 .pastor, and then turning to his wife, he said, " ' Good 
 ness and mercy have followed me all the days of my 
 life.' Let us thank Him, Emily." 
 
 Shutting themselves up in their own room, their full 
 hearts poured out their gratitude in words of earnest 
 praise and consecration. 
 
 Jacob was older than they had supposed, and was 
 well qualified to take care of the garden, as well as the 
 horse and carriage. 
 
 " Who would have thought that Mr. Morgan was such 
 a rich man / " said Debby, when informed of the gift. " I 
 thought he was some old driver, belonging to a grocery 
 store, when he first came here, for he brought such a 
 load of stores. I could not make out how it was, when 
 he told me not to tell until he had gone; but now I 
 must show you, ma'am," and leading the way to the 
 store-room, there were fifty pounds of coffee, the same 
 of white sugar, a box of tea, and a small kit of supe- 
 rior butter." 
 
 " This is just like Father Morgan," said her husband ; 
 " always going about with his open hand of munificence." 
 
 The good clergyman lived about twenty miles from 
 Westbrook, where he supplied two country churches. 
 
 He had a very comfortable house, kept by Hannah, a 
 faithful housekeeper, who knew exactly how to make 
 the master happy. One might suppose that she had but 
 little to do, in so small a family ; but Father Morgan 
 was " given to hospitality," and was never without some
 
 WE8TBROOK PARSONAGE. 63 
 
 one to enjoy his bountiful board. Always one or two 
 orphan children were permanently lodged, often tem- 
 porary pensioners, and not unfrequently a minister's 
 family when without a charge, were members of his 
 household. His was a warm and generous heart, filled 
 with the love of Christ, and loving the whole household 
 of faith for his Master's sake. Perhaps some, dwelling 
 in smaller Christian circles, might have been scandalized 
 when hearing that the whole family of the Presbyterian 
 minister were received into his house when the father 
 was suddenly removed. The parish was poor, the min- 
 ister had been a valued friend, and when the successor 
 was about to enter upon his duties, Father Morgan 
 opened his house to receive the widow and orphans, 
 until something was permanently arranged for their 
 support. So large and unusual were his charities, that 
 Father Morgan was esteemed as the friend of the whole 
 community, for he was truly "a good man, and full of 
 
 the Holy Ghost." 
 6*
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 LITTLE FOXES. 
 
 "The little foxes that spoil the vines : for our vines have tender grapes." 
 
 fTlHE stream of life was so different now to Emily 
 -*- Hastings ! In the dawn of her voyage to the New 
 Jerusalem, her course lay through troubled waters, where 
 rocks and shoals met her little bark constantly as il 
 struggled on through numerous impediments. 
 
 Now the atmosphere within the parsonage was peace- 
 ful as was the face of nature without. She was daily 
 making new acquaintances among the people of St. 
 Barnabas', the ministrations of the sanctuary were 
 refreshing, and it might well be said of her present ex- 
 perience that " I sit down under his shadow with great 
 delight, and his banner over me is love." 
 
 There were some families, however, where it was an 
 especial privilege to visit, and old Mrs. Raymond's was 
 such. 
 
 Once a fortnight, it was the good pastor's habit to 
 visit the invalid ; for there were many marks of decline 
 daily visible. 
 
 "Always welcome," said the old lady, as she met the 
 
 54
 
 WEST BROOK PARSONAGE. 5& 
 
 two on one of these occasions. " I don't know what I 
 should do if I lived among some of the lofty ministers 
 in the city. A friend was here last week, who was giv- 
 ing some account of the doings of the Tractarians, and 
 I could not help thinking how different it must be from 
 the Master, who encouraged sinners of all classes and 
 grades to come directly to Him." 
 
 "That is the blessed privilege of the true Gospel, 
 Mrs. Raymond ; and when I hear of priestly interven- 
 tion, I think of the precious words of the apostle when 
 he says, ' Let us come boldly to a throne of grace, that 
 we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of 
 need ; ' for ' there is one mediator between God and 
 man, the man Christ Jesus.' " 
 
 " Blessed words, Mr. Hastings. What should a poor, 
 trembling sinner such as I do now without this assu- 
 rance ? I believe the precious message, and so I dwell 
 in an atmosphere of peace." 
 
 " Thanks be to God for His ' unspeakable gift,' Mrs. 
 Raymond." 
 
 " Here is my monthly payment to the church fund, 
 Mr. Hastings. The objects are all marked ; and I only 
 wish that I had more to give to Him who gave Him- 
 self for me." Then, turning to the young lady, she 
 continued, " Do you feel at home among us, my dear, 
 by this time ? " 
 
 " I should be very ungrateful, if 1 did not," was the
 
 66 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 prompt reply ; " for I have received nothing but kind- 
 ness ever since I came to Westbrook." 
 
 " I have something for you, my dear ; " and going to 
 a closet, she brought out three bottles marked " Rasp- 
 berry Vinegar." "We had a fine crop of fruit this 
 year, and Susan made a good quantity of it. It is 
 a delicious summer-drink, mixed with ice-water; and 
 many a sick and feverish patient enjoys this beverage." 
 
 The old lady had hoard of Father Morgan's gift, and 
 looking out of the window, remarked, " What a com- 
 fort your little equipage must be, Mr. Hastings ! I was 
 so happy when I heard of the good man's kindness." 
 
 " It has been a great blessing ; for Emily and I can 
 now visit freely among our people, which we could not 
 do without it. He is one of the good stewards of the 
 Master's bounty, and considers his wealth not his own. 
 But we must go now : shall we have a farewell word of 
 prayer before we part ? " 
 
 Susan was called in, and the four enjoyed a short 
 space of sweet communion with God, leaving with the 
 dear old lady a holy benediction. 
 
 "Ripening for the kingdom, Emily," said her hus- 
 band, as they drove home. "I can see the dear old 
 saint drooping and fading at every visit, and it will not 
 be long ere she joins her departed children." 
 
 On returning home, Emily perceived several trunks 
 in the hall, and entering the parlor, was surprised to see 
 her mother and sister Gertrude.
 
 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE, 57 
 
 " This is an unexpected pleasure, mamma," said the 
 young lady. 
 
 " It is beginning to grow warm, Emily ; and Ger- 
 trude and I thought that perhaps you could accommo- 
 date us for a few weeks. We have brought Maria with 
 us, so that we shall not make much more work in the 
 family." 
 
 " You must be tired, mamma : shall I show you to 
 your room ? " 
 
 *' Debby showed what she called the spare room, Em- 
 ily ; but I really don't know how two of us can occupy 
 that small room." 
 
 " We will make some other arrangements, then. Our 
 room is much larger ; you can take that, and we will 
 go into the spare room." 
 
 " I have always been used to a dressing-room, Emily 
 can't we have the two together ? " 
 
 " Yes, mamma, if you say so ; and we will take the 
 prophet's chamber." 
 
 " What shall we do if Father Morgan comes, Emily? " 
 said the husband, when alone. 
 
 " I should be very sorry not to accommodate him," 
 ' was the reply. " I should not know what to do, unless 
 Mrs. Lacey will give him a room. I should not be afraid 
 to ask her ; she is so truly benevolent and obliging." 
 
 It was a real inconvenience to be shut up for several 
 weeks in so small a room ; but there was no appearance 
 jf annovance.
 
 58 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 On retiring for the night, Emily remarked, "We 
 have prayers before breakfast, mamma ; the first bell 
 rings for rising, the second for worship, the third for 
 breakfast." 
 
 " You need not expect me at the second, Emily ; it is 
 a Puritanical practice, at any rate. We find the daily 
 service at church to meet our views on that subject." 
 
 " It is so sweet, mamma, to surround a family altar 
 together. Won't you sometimes come ? " 
 
 " I may in the evening, perhaps ; but your ideas and 
 mine will never correspond, Emily." 
 
 Next day, the young wife led her mother and sister 
 through the parsonage. 
 
 " And this is your home, Emily," said Mrs. Warren. 
 " Plain enough half of the furniture is worn out. There 
 is nothing in the house worth looking at, except the 
 rooms that your father furnished. What a fool you 
 have been to reject George Le Roy for Edward Hast- 
 ings!" 
 
 " I am very happy, mamma. We have every com 
 fort, church privileges which are invaluable, and a 
 husband kind and good as man can be. My employ- 
 ments are all congenial, and I consider my lot much to 
 be envied." 
 
 Emily soon found that the peace of her happy home 
 had been sorely invaded by the newcomers. Not only 
 did they refuse to attend upon morning prayers, but fre- 
 quently the breakfast-table was kept waiting until nine
 
 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 59 
 
 o'clock, an hour ami a half after the usual family meal, 
 and all the household rules disturbed. Then the meal 
 was uncomfortable ; for it was impossible that it should 
 be otherwise when standing so long. The ladies fre- 
 quently ordered away the meal, making Emily most 
 unhappy by their conduct. When such was the case, the 
 two were ill-natured all day. Then especial pains and 
 expense were bestowed upon the dinner, which was crit- 
 icized likewise by Mrs. Warren. Here were the little 
 foxes spoiling the tender grapes of domestic peace and 
 comfort. 
 
 " I am going to lecture to-night, mamma," said Emily, 
 \vhen the evening arrived. " Won't you accompany us ? " 
 
 " Perhaps I may," was the ungracious reply. 
 
 Dressed in high fashion, the mother and sister of the 
 pastor's wife excited much remark as they sailed into 
 the humble lecture-room of St. Barnabas'. Forgetting 
 that they were in God's house, they took no pains to 
 conceal their disgust at the service, scarcely joining at 
 all in the responses, making themselves conspicuous by 
 their low bows, not only in the Creed, but the Gloria, 
 wherever it occurred. Such things were uncommon at 
 St. Barnabas', and Miss White accosted her friend after 
 church in high indignation. 
 
 " Did you ever see such airs, Hetty?" said the lady. 
 44 What did they mean by all that bowing ? " 
 
 "That's the new fashion, I suppose," was the reply. 
 " I have been told that in New York there are churches
 
 60 WE8TBROOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 where this is done wherever the Gloria occurs in the 
 service." 
 
 " Is it in the Prayer Book ? I never saw it, I am 
 sure." 
 "Miss Hetty smiled. 
 
 "There is much done by these new-fangled church 
 people that is not found in our good old book, and I 
 urn afraid that much will follow." 
 
 "Don't ask me to go to that lecture-room again, 
 Emily," said her mother. " Why on earth don't your 
 husband have public worship in the church ? I felt as 
 if I were in a Presbyterian meeting-house." 
 
 " Edward thinks that for our more social services the 
 lecture-room is better where the people are brought 
 more closely together, and the elements of sympathy 
 more cultivated." 
 
 " The people are brought too close to the minister for 
 me, Emily. " Reverence for the sacred ministry suggests 
 the idea of distance between the two. Let the priest 
 and the people be separated ; so say I." 
 
 " And yet, dear mamma, we are invited to draw very 
 near to the Great High-Priest of our profession, assured 
 that the sacrifice, once offered, is forever perfect, and 
 we forever sure of acceptance. If we may draw near to 
 the Holy One, certainly we need not fear to approach 
 His ambassadors ; for we have no other priest than our 
 anointed Saviour." 
 
 " We can never agree, Emily ; I see that."
 
 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 61 
 
 In a day or two after this conversation, Father Mor- 
 gan made his appearance at the parsonage, and was 
 much disappointed on finding that he was obliged to 
 lodge at Dr. Lucey's instead of in the prophet's chamber. 
 Mrs. Warren was greatly amused by the old minister^ 
 peculiarities, and sometimes not a little afraid of his 
 sarcasm. Staying over Sunday, he assisted the young 
 pastor in the public services, and saw much in the de- 
 portment of the two ladies in church to excite his 
 displeasure. Meeting at the dinner-table, Father Mor- 
 gan turned abruptly to Mrs. Warren, and said : 
 
 "Can you inform me, madam, by what authority the 
 new interpreters of our beautiful service bow at the 
 Gloria?" 
 
 " It is an expression of reverence for the name of 
 God ; so I use it." 
 
 " Is the mode authorized by our Book of Common 
 Prayer ? If so, I have never been able to discover the 
 rubric." 
 
 " It is not forbidden, I believe." 
 
 " Miserable sophistry, madam ! That reasoning would 
 bring in a host of practices among sober-minded Episco- 
 palians, each worshipper being his own interpreter. We 
 should have but little of common prayer left if that 
 principle were tolerated." 
 
 " You will not deny that it is an expression of rever- 
 ence, Father Morgan ?" 
 
 " I am certain that it is not in all cases, madam ; for,
 
 62 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 last winter, I was at church in New York, sitting near 
 u lady who was very particular in all these observances, 
 when my attention was drawn to something of a bright 
 pink color lying close by her side, which she raised fre- 
 quently to her lips. Very soon, to my disgust at her 
 mummery, I saw that she was eating; and as it was 
 Christmas morning, I discovered that it was a bonbon 
 that she had brought to church, and, in the intervals 
 between the bowings, regaled herself with this confec- 
 tionery. You do not pretend to say that these were acts 
 of reverence." 
 
 Mrs. Warren looked confused as she replied, " I cer- 
 tainly do not justify such proceedings, but I never saw 
 anything like that." 
 
 " I have sat near young ladies, too, madam, who were 
 among the best dippers in church, who, even in the act 
 of such performances, were occupied in whispering be- 
 hind their prayer-books, in a manner most scandalous to 
 devout worshippers around. You do not call that rever- 
 ence?" 
 
 " By no means ; but you are prejudiced." 
 
 ' Very much, madam, against all such innovations of 
 our Book of Common Prayer. When I go to the house 
 of God, I desire all its services to raise my thoughts to 
 heaven, and must own that these exhibitions drag them 
 down to earth, and sometimes excite a class of emotions 
 incompatible with spiritual worship." 
 
 Arguing from different stand-points, it was impossible
 
 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 63 
 
 that two should agree when; one advocated the sacra- 
 mental, the other, spiritual religion : the gulf is impassa- 
 ble, never to be bridged over never. 
 
 During the following week, Miss Hetty Van Zandt 
 was announced as a visitor at the parsonage. Father 
 Morgan had seen her tall, thin figure coming up the 
 gravel path, and turning to Emily, said, smiling, 
 
 " Inspector number two, my dear : get your defences 
 ready for an attack." 
 
 Miss Hetty was peculiarly erect, her lips peculiarly 
 rigid, her eyes peculiarly bent on that occasion, as she 
 took the proffered seat. 
 
 " All well, Mrs. Hastings ? " inquired the lady. 
 
 " Quite well, thank you," was the reply. 
 
 A silence of a minute, a clearing of the throat, then 
 an opening of the battery : 
 
 " Your visitors must be quite a trial, I should think, 
 Mrs. Hastings." 
 
 " They are my mother and sister," replied the lady, 
 with quiet dignity. 
 
 "Yes, I know. Tractarians, are they not?" 
 
 " They attend upon such a ministry, Miss Hetty." 
 
 Another silence, then another discharge : 
 
 " If I were you, I would advise them to refrain from 
 their singular bowings, at St. Barnabas' ; it is very offen- 
 sive to the people, especially in the pastor's pew." 
 
 "It would not become me, I think, to interfere with 
 lh p ir ideas of public worship."
 
 64 WESTBKOOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 " It gives great offence, Mrs. Hastings, and excites nol 
 a little ridicule : then they are such a very dashing pah, 
 that their conduct is peculiarly disagreeable." 
 
 "I am sorry that you feel so, Miss Hetty; but, really, 
 it is not in my power to interfere." 
 
 " While I am speaking, I might as well be a little 
 plain, my dear. Do you know that there is a great deal 
 of talk in some quarters, about the dress of our minister's 
 wife ? Old Mrs. Lisle was a very plain lady, and the 
 contrast is quite striking." 
 
 "I was not aware that I was stepping out of the 
 bounds of moderation becoming my station as a Chris 
 tian lady, Miss Hetty." 
 
 "You wear articles of jewelry, and other tasty deco- 
 rations. Let me repeat a few passages of Scripture, 
 which you may have overlooked : ' Whose adorning, let 
 it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, 
 and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel.' " 
 
 " I have often read the passage, Miss Hetty, and a 
 kindred one, also, which enjoins the ' women to adorn 
 themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and 
 sobriety ; not with broidered hair, or gold, or pearls, or 
 costly array.' Mr. Hastings and I have often discussed 
 them, and I have concluded that they are intended to 
 check the tendency of that age and people ; and while 
 we must pay some attention to the customs of the world 
 in which we live, whatever is contrary to the rule of
 
 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 66 
 
 Christian shamefacedness or sobriety, must be avoided, 
 as becometh saints." 
 
 " And so you justify the wearing of rings and breast- 
 pins, Mrs. Hastings?" 
 
 Emily smiled at the look of surprise on the face of in- 
 spector number two. 
 
 " I have a few, the gifts of dear friends, which, in 
 wearing, I do not feel that I offend against the law of 
 Christian simplicity : at all events, Miss Hetty, I think 
 my husband is the best interpreter of Scripture at St. 
 Barnabas' he is to me, at least." 
 
 Miss Hetty drew up her neck to a still greater degrea 
 of erectness, as she replied, "I am sorry that my 
 advice is thrown away." 
 
 "By no means, Miss Hetty: your motives may be al! 
 right, and a little free discussion is good for Christians, 
 at all times." 
 
 "You would have much more influence if you would 
 only pay a little attention to my hints, my dear. But I 
 must be going : I have many calls to make to-day. Good 
 morning, Mrs. Hastings. No offence, I hope, my dear? " 
 
 " None whatever, Miss Hetty ; I am getting accus- 
 tomed to free remarks." 
 
 Father Morgan had overheard all the conversation, and 
 entering the room with a smile, he said, imitating Miss 
 Hetty's manner to perfection : 
 
 " No offence, I hope, my dear," as, with an erect head 
 0* E
 
 66 WE8TBROOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 and precise, measured step, he crossed the room, and thi-n 
 returning, continued : 
 
 " Pretty well done, my dear. I don't think Miss Hetty 
 will come again with her budget of advice." 
 
 Mrs. Hastings was laughing heartily at the exact 
 imitation of her late visitor, head erect, eyes bent, and 
 hands folded. 
 
 " I don't mind them as much as I did Father Morgan ; 
 but I own that they do disturb my temper, sometimes 
 and I feel very much like excusing myself to some of 
 these meddlers." 
 
 These were the little foxes that spoiled the tender 
 grapes of Emily's peace, not her piety. 
 
 There were -many trials connected with Mrs. Warren s 
 sojourn at the parsonage, and when the visit was at au 
 end, it was with a quiet sense of relief that Emily 
 returned to the sweet and holy calm of her daily life. 
 
 It is the evening for the meeting of the choir, and 
 very soothing was the heavenly music to the rector and 
 his wife. There were several fine voices belonging to 
 the choir, and united as the group was in Christian faith 
 and hope, none of the church gatherings were more 
 elevating than this, for were they not celebrating praises 
 that they hoped to sing forever in the better land ? The 
 echoes of the melody reached Mrs. Lacey's parlor, and 
 stealing softly across the garden, she stood outside of the 
 window, enjoying the harmony. Mrs. Hastings thought
 
 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 67 
 
 that she heard footsteps by the window, and opening the 
 shutters, she recognized the doctor's wife. 
 
 " Come in, Mrs. Lacey," said the lady ; " you are always 
 welcome at these meetings." 
 
 The evening was closed with fervent prayer, and each 
 member felt it a privilege to join this weekly gathering 
 at the parsonage. 
 
 " There is a message from Mrs. Raymond," said Emily 
 to her husband ; "she is very ill, and wants to see you at 
 once." 
 
 The good pastor hastened to the bedside of the dying 
 saint, where, sustained by faith in Jesus, not in sacra- 
 ments, he found her gently passing to her everlasting 
 rest 
 
 " God bless you, my dear pastor, for all your kindness 
 and fidelity to me," said the faint, weak voice. "I 
 am going to my Saviour and my God, where I shall 
 meet the dear ones that have gone before : prepare to 
 follow me to that better land. I have remembered dear 
 St. Barnabas', for it has been a sweet haven of rest to 
 me, in my pilgrimage." 
 
 Mr. Hastings told Susan to get a room ready for him, 
 for he should not leave the house until all was over. 
 
 A night of wrestling with the death-angel brought a 
 morning of release to the sufferer ; and as her pastor 
 closed the eyes of the departed, he said, "Blessed are 
 the dead who die in the Lord." 
 
 A solemn funeral at St. Barnabas', a quiet resting-
 
 68 WE8TBKOOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 place beneath the shadow of its sacred walls, aiid the 
 last will and testament of the departed was read be- 
 queathing five thousand dollars to St. Barnabas', a settle- 
 ment upon her faithful servant, Susan Roberts, the 
 principal, at her death, to go to the poor of the church 
 that she loved. 
 
 Thus life flowed on at St. Barnabas' the pastor and 
 his young wife identified with all the joys and sorrows 
 of its people ; their own Christ-life deepening and widen- 
 ing amid the numerous cares and duties which met them 
 in their daily walks. The bond between pastor and 
 people was daily strengthened, and it was difficult to 
 imagine what could break the tie which bound Edward 
 Hastings to St. Barnabas'. 
 
 The sacramental host of God's elect were marchmg 
 on to glory, under the guidance of a holy pastor the 
 trials of daily life, mellowing and softening human as- 
 perities, and bringing the real children of God nearer 
 and nearer to the Master; wheat and chaff growing 
 together until the reaping day, the chaff then to be con- 
 sumed, and the wheat to be gathered into the heavenly 
 garner. 
 
 Blessed are they who are ready for the sifting ! 
 
 Wheat and chaff! solemn words! Which nm I? 
 Reader, which art thou ?
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 FRAGRANCE. 
 
 " Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell 
 together in unity." 
 
 TTIIGHTEElir mile-stones have been passed by the 
 -" dwellers at the parsonage since last we met them. 
 The rector of St. Barnabas' has received many calls 
 since then to leave his parish some from city churches, 
 to more extensive fields of labor, holding out large in- 
 ducements to tempt him from the church of his early 
 love ; but to all he had the one answer : 
 
 " How can I leave the children that I have baptized, 
 the flock that I have seen confirmed ? How can I part 
 from those with whom I have held such sweet and hea- 
 venly communion at the table of our Lord ? I love my 
 people. Many I have joined in the holy bonds of mat- 
 rimony : I have travelled with them through their first 
 trembling steps to the Cross ; have watched their suc- 
 ceeding march along the heavenly way ; have rejoiced 
 over my spiritual children when they walked in the 
 truth, or mourned over them when they have taken 
 backward steps in their Christian course. I have prayed 
 with them by the death-bed of their loved ones, and
 
 70 
 
 have committed their precious dust to the silent grave, 
 in the hope of a glorious resurrection. 
 
 " I cannot leave them ! Let me labor for the deai 
 people of St. Barnabas' so long as I have health and 
 strength. They are a kind and faithful people. As my 
 family has increased, so has their bounty. No, no ! I 
 cannot leave St. Barnabas'. I am theirs for life, or as 
 long as they can use me. I looked out of my study 
 window this morning, and watched the pigeons flying 
 around the steeple, flitting in and out of the loop-holes 
 that afforded the pretty creatures a shelter. I love 
 the innocent birds that make their home in my Father's 
 house, and tears filled my eyes at the thought of hear- 
 ing their cooing no more." 
 
 Mr. Hastings writes thus to Father Morgan on the 
 subject : 
 
 " I took the call to St. John's, and read it in the sum- 
 mer-house. I looked up at the dear church-spire point- 
 ing ever to the way that leads to heaven, and then round 
 upon the grand old trees ; and great, large tears filled 
 my eyes at the thought of the time when I might look 
 upon these dear objects no more. 
 
 " I went into the church, for it was time for evening 
 service. I walked up the aisle, and felt the clasp of 
 childish hands, and saw the loving beams of sweet, 
 familiar eyes. Seated in the chancel, I looked at the 
 dear old pulpit and the reading-desk. I glanced along 
 the aisles at every pew, and thought of the occupants
 
 WE8TBROOK PARSONAGE. 71 
 
 that had sat there during all my ministry ; and, with a 
 heart bursting with emotion, I said, No ! Dear St. Bar- 
 nabas'! I must not cannot leave you. Just then the 
 organist entered, and, unconscious of my presence, 
 played the hymn I love so much, and which for so 
 many years we have sung at our Friday-night lecture: 
 
 "Far from iny thoughts, vain world, begone; 
 
 Let my religious hoars alone; 
 From flesh and sense I would be free, 
 And hold communion, Lord, with thee." 
 
 I covered my face with my hands, and yielded to the 
 emotions of the solemn hour. No, no ; I cannot leave 
 St. Barnabas'. I passed into the vestry-room, and pre- 
 pared for evening service, relieved at the thought that 
 I was not to leave the people that I loved." 
 
 And thus the pastor was wedded anew to his devoted 
 Hock. 
 
 Great changes have passed upon the parsonage, two 
 wings having been added to the building, one opening 
 on the orchard, the other on the garden. There is quite 
 a family there now, and we will take a peep at the group 
 out in the fruit orchard on a pleasant afternoon in 
 spring. 
 
 Apple-blossoms are covering with their delicate bloom 
 the lo\r, green trees, and filling the air with their sweet 
 fragrance, while the rays of the late afternoon sun are 
 streaming in through the opening branches from the
 
 72 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 western sky, lighting up the fresh greensward and the 
 group of happy children scattered over the pretty 
 orchard. Not more fragrant, however, is the sweet 
 perfume of the lovely blossoms than the odor of sanctity 
 filling the atmosphere of Westbrook Parsonage ; and it 
 is more than probable that, in the dim future, the same 
 delicate perfume will always bring back to that house- 
 hold the memory of that holy, blessed home. Let us 
 make the acquaintance of the youthful inmates. 
 
 Warren, a boy of fifteen, is stretched upon the grass, 
 face downward, poring over a book. He is tall and 
 slender, with an intellectual face, dark-brown hair and 
 eyes, wearing a look of deep, earnest thought. Allan, 
 the second boy, is drawing his brother Edward round in 
 a carriage. Alice, a girl of eleven, is amusing her sister 
 Lucy with a book of bright pictures. It is a lovely group 
 scattered over the soft, mossy carpet of living green 
 So thinks the mother, who is looking at them from the 
 window of the sitting-room in the new wing. 
 
 Suddenly Alice raises her eyes, and crying out, 
 "Papa! papa!" drops her book, Allan the carriage, and 
 they all scamper oft", save Warren, who is intent upon 
 his book, and follows slowly. A gentleman is coming 
 up the path, carpet-bag in hand. Lucy seizes one hand, 
 Alice the other ; Allan and Edward dance on before to 
 announce the arrival. But Margaret, a girl of seven- 
 teen, is before them, and, seizing the carpet-bag, hastens
 
 WESTBROOK PARdONAGE. 73 
 
 in to call mamma ; but she is coming, with a frail, del- 
 icate infant in her arms. 
 
 The joy of reunion expresses itself in tender ca- 
 resses and words of sweet affection. Eighteen years of 
 labor have left their marks upon the pastor's holy coun- 
 tenance: the face is pale and worn, the light brown 
 hair is thin and scattered ; there is a look of spirituality 
 over the whole countenance, and a want of elasticity in 
 the slow and measured footsteps very different from the 
 buoyant tread of the first years of his ministry at St. 
 Barnabas' all marks of ripening for the heavenly in- 
 heritance. 
 
 The pastor's wife is changed also. Sweet young wo- 
 manhood has given place to the more sober aspect of 
 the Christian matron ; there is a sweet smile of perfect 
 peace upon the still lovely countenance that look 
 which we see upon the face of the Madonna. 
 
 They have shared life's joys and sorrows, and together 
 they have trod those blessed paths which lead home to 
 heaven. They have learned much of the preciousness 
 of Jesus under the teachings of that blessed Spirit whose 
 office it is to reveal the Saviour to the thirsty soul ; and 
 Emily Hastings is learning each day to know and love 
 her Lord still more and more. 
 
 The Master hath wisely set Christians in families as 
 beacon-lights to the world around ; and such is the 
 household at Westbrook Parsonage. 
 
 Composed of human beings, not angels, sharing the
 
 74 WESTBROOK PAR SO .NAG E. 
 
 common taint which has passed upon all the race, they 
 know the value of the fountain of a Saviour's blood, 
 and daily do they lead the dear ones committed to their 
 care, at least within reach of its drops of sprinkling. 
 
 The children are like others neither worse, as is so 
 often uncharitably asserted, nor better naturally than 
 others. Seated on a pinnacle, it is true that they :ire 
 more observed than the children of private families ; 
 nence the criticisms which follow them. These, at least, 
 are in better circumstances than many others ; for they 
 are daily viewing the Christ-life of their parents, daily 
 the subjects of earnest, believing prayer. 
 
 We are in their midst now ; and, seated on a lounge 
 between his wife and daughter Margaret, the good pas- 
 tor is telling about his visit : 
 
 "We have had a precious season, Emily. The breth- 
 ren of our convocation are so united, and had much to 
 tell of the work of the Spirit among their flocks ; and 
 we are always happy when the work of the Lord is 
 prospering." 
 
 Margaret watched the wearied look on her father's 
 face, and said, " You are tired, papa ; if you will go up 
 to your room, I will run out and hurry up an early 
 supper." 
 
 "Papa has come, Debby," said the young girl. 
 " Make a good cup of chocolate ; you know he is fond 
 of that when he is tired." 
 
 The good woman was always glad to wait upon the
 
 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 75 
 
 nead of the family, and replied, " I '11 have a nice one 
 iii a very short time, Miss Margaret ; you may be sure 
 of that." 
 
 Seated around the table, all had something to tell of 
 what had passed in papa's absence. Warren was some- 
 what of a quiz, and sometimes, like other elder brothers, 
 took pleasure in teasing the younger ones. 
 
 " Do you know, papa," said the youth, " that Sir 
 Charles and Lady Anne have had a falling out? I 
 neard a great noise in the attic on the last rainy day, and 
 listening at the keyhole, I found Miss Lucy delivering 
 a long lecture to the two on the wickedness of their 
 conduct. I opened the door, and behold the two were 
 placed back to back, having had a dreadful quarrel." 
 
 " It was only play, papa ; and I don't think that it 
 is kind in brother Warren to make fun of our sports." 
 
 These worthies spoken of were two pictures left by 
 the former residents, dressed in the costume of the last 
 century, and which afforded much amusement to the chil- 
 dren on rainy days, personating all sorts of characters. 
 
 " What book is that which you were reading so in- 
 tently in the orchard, Warren?" said the father. 
 
 " Volney's Ruins, papa," was the reply. 
 
 " Where did you get it, my son?" 
 
 " From Dr. Arnold's library. He has given me the 
 free use of all his books, papa." 
 
 "I would rather that you shoald not read books of 
 that, class. Warren, until you are older."
 
 76 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 " It 's just the kind of book that I like : it sets me to 
 contradicting, and asking questions, papa." 
 
 " Contradicting what, my son ? " 
 
 " Everything, papa. I always like the opposite side." 
 
 The father looked troubled, for this cast of mind had 
 developed itself in the days of earliest childhood, when 
 "Warren, in lisping tones, asked " Who made God ? " and 
 " Who made Satan ? " and " Why did God let sin come 
 into the world. Is n't God stronger than the Evil 
 One ? " and " Why did He let him into the garden ? " 
 
 Just such knotty questions had the boy asked all 
 the days of his life, and the father feared that the soil 
 of Warren's heart was only too well prepared for the 
 seeds of unbelief. 
 
 Warren sat playing with his knife and fork, his eyes 
 bent thoughtfully upon his plate. 
 
 "Oughtn't we to read both sides of a question, 
 papa?" 
 
 " Whom do you mean by we, Warren ? " and the 
 father smiled at the consequential pronoun. 
 
 " Every one that has the power of thinking, papa." 
 
 " When the mind is well stored with Scripture truths, 
 the judgment formed, and the imagination under proper 
 control, then, perhaps, it may be safe to read on both 
 sides of difficult questions ; but not in the crude days of 
 hot boyhood, Warren." 
 
 Turning to his second son, he asked, " And what have 
 you been about, Allan ? "
 
 WESTBltOOK PAKSONAGE. 77 
 
 "Margaret and I have learned two new pieces, papa: 
 we will play them for you, after tea ; and I have com- 
 menced a new piece of drawing, too." 
 
 "And Alice?" 
 
 " I have hemmed two pocket-handkerchiefs and two 
 bands for you, papa, beside all my lessons at school, and 
 helped mamma, by playing with baby when she was 
 busy." 
 
 " And Master Edward ? " 
 
 "I I " and the boy looked up to the ceiling, 
 with a puzzled expression. " Well, papa," counting his 
 labors on his fingers, " I 've fed old Boss every day, 
 and learned my lessons for mamma, and I tried to put 
 things to rights in your study, papa; but but I 
 broke the large inkstand, and stained the carpet." 
 
 " There, there, that will do, Edward." 
 
 " Now for Sunbeam," and the father turned to Lucy, 
 with a loving look. 
 
 " I made some iron-holders for Debby, to keep her 
 poor old hands from getting burned, learned lessons for 
 mamma, stringed the beans and I didn't forget my 
 prayers, papa." 
 
 " Now, children, what are the texts for the week ? for 
 you know that I have been away for five days." 
 
 " The subject was the character of God," replied Mar- 
 garet. 
 
 " Well, what have you to say, my daughter? " 
 7*
 
 78 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 '"God is a Spirit, and they that worship him must 
 worship him in spirit and in truth.' " 
 
 " And yours, Warren ? " 
 
 " ' God is from everlasting to everlasting,' and { I am 
 that I am.' That is a deep thought, papa. How is it ? 
 without beginning, and without end how can that 
 be?" 
 
 "That is a description of the unfathomable God, 
 Warren : it is not for man to answer how such a Being 
 can exist." 
 
 Then, turning to Allan, the father asked, " Now, my 
 son, what have you to say ? " 
 
 " He is the Rock, his work is perfect ; for all his ways 
 are judgment: a God of truth, and without iniquity, 
 just and right is he." 
 
 "And Alice, my love?" 
 
 " ' The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding 
 the evil and the good.' " 
 
 " I am ready for yours, Edward." 
 
 " * God is love ; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth 
 in God and God in him.' " 
 
 " And Sunbeam's ? " 
 
 " ' But ye have received the spirit of adoption, whereby 
 we cry Abba, Father.' ' The Spirit itself beareth wit- 
 ness with our spirit, that we are the children of God.' " 
 
 " Very good texts, my dear children ; yet this is onlj 
 a glimpse of his infinite perfections ; but you have learned 
 something. Now these are solemn Scripture truths, for
 
 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 79 
 
 from all these passages we learn some duty: if, therefore, 
 God is a Spirit, Margaret, what duty does it require?" 
 
 " That we must worship him in spirit and in truth ; is 
 it not so, papa ? " 
 
 "That is correct, my dear. Can you tell me who 
 only worship him thus ? " 
 
 " The true children of God, papa those taught by 
 the Spirit." 
 
 " Now, Warren, what do you learn from the passages 
 on the eternity of God ? " 
 
 " I learn to stand in awe of such a mysterious Being, 
 papa." 
 
 " What from his justice, and truth, and holiness ? " 
 
 "To trust him with everything, and know that all his 
 doings are perfectly right. I learn also to fear sin, since 
 God hates it," replied Allan. 
 
 " What from his omniscience, Alice ? " 
 
 " That we must fear to offend in deed and thought, 
 because he is always present to read our hearts." 
 
 " Can Edward tell what his beautiful passage teaches 
 him?" 
 
 "That we ought to love such a kind and gracious 
 God with all our hearts, papa." 
 
 "Sunbeam's is the best of all," said the father, " for 
 she has learned that we may call this great and good 
 and holy God our Father. Which of you can tell mo 
 how that can be done? for by nature, we are the chi" 
 dren of wrath, and at war with him."
 
 80 
 
 " By adoption, papa," said Margaret ; " for we learn 
 that by a true and living faith in Jesus, we are adopted 
 into the family of God, so that we can call him ' Abba, 
 Father.' " 
 
 " Blessed and holy privilege ! " said the pastor, as he 
 looked around upon those he loved. " May you all be 
 His, my dear children." 
 
 Then came the sweet service of family prayer, the 
 father presiding at the organ, while with full hearts they 
 sang the precious hymn : 
 
 " Lord, with glowing heart I 'd praise Thee 
 
 For the bliss Thy love bestows; 
 For the pardoning grace that saves me, 
 And the peace that from it flows." 
 
 Happy household ! brought so close unto the Father 
 in these impressible days. How many of our most emi- 
 nent men date the dawn of their spiritual life from such 
 family altars as this ! Here are the seeds of imperish- 
 able truth sown. Here are wafted down the gales of the 
 Holy Spirit. Here descend angelic spirits to ward off 
 harm from the dwellings of the just; and here is inhaled 
 that sweet fragrance of piety, never to be forgotten in 
 the days to come, when the perfume of sweet apple- 
 blossoms will always return laden with the memories of 
 blessed orisons at Westbrook Parsonage.
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 SOWING BESIDE ALL WATERS. 
 "BlesSed are ye that sow beside all waters." 
 
 T HAVE just had a visit from Miss White," said the 
 *- wife, in meeting her husband at the dinner-table. 
 " She came to ask me to take charge of the Bible class, 
 which now is without a teacher. But I do not see how 
 I can leave home so early in the morning, and do my 
 duty by the children." 
 
 "Our first duties are to the church that is in our 
 house, Emily, and to this we must be faithful." 
 
 " There are six to prepare for Sunday school. Margaret 
 aids me, it is true ; but I never allow Edward and Lucy 
 to go without reciting their lessons, and then it is time 
 to prepare for church. I have taken Mrs. Lacey's place 
 in the mothers' meeting, for those I can meet at home." 
 
 " It is a blessed field, Emily, for there you can give the 
 benefit of your experience." 
 
 "It is very interesting, husband, and I trust that 
 there I may do good among an humble class of society 
 the women are so grateful. Then little Emily is so deli- 
 cate, that she requires my constant care; but she is 
 
 F 81
 
 82 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 better now, and I think that we might venture to take 
 her to church next Sunday : she is five months old, and 
 ought to be baptized." 
 
 " If the day is fine, let it be so, Emily." 
 
 Accordingly, on the following Sunday, the little lamb 
 was received into the congregation of Christ's flock, and 
 signed with the sign of the cross, " in token that here- 
 after she should not be ashamed to confess the faith of 
 Christ crucified." 
 
 " What does the service mean, papa ? " said Margaret, 
 " When it says, 'Seeing now that this child is regenerate, 
 does it mean that the child is spiritually renewed? 
 
 " That is not my interpretation. I think the following 
 clause does much in the way of explaining, when it con- 
 tinues ' and grafted into the body of Christ's church. 
 Spiritual renewal may sometimes accompany the ordi- 
 nance ; but not invariably, as experience proves abun- 
 dantly ; for how many baptized children grow up wholly 
 destitute of spiritual piety ! " 
 
 " That is true, papa ; but as there are two Christian 
 sacraments, there must be some benefit derived from 
 what the Saviour instituted himself." 
 
 "True, my daughter: by this sacrament, children are 
 received into the outward fold of Christ's church on 
 earth, are the subjects of the prayers of Christians, and, 
 if the parents keep the vows made at that time, are 
 trained in the paths of piety, to which God has promised 
 his blessing. If such an important doctrine as spiritual
 
 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 83 
 
 regeneration were connected with this sacrament, would 
 not the Saviour have made it very clear at its institu- 
 tion?" 
 
 " When was the idea first connected with the sacra- 
 ment, papa?" 
 
 "Not in the days of the apostles, Margaret, for in all 
 the records of the New Testament it is like all the insti- 
 tutions of our Lord, impressive and simple. All the 
 mysteries which have since been crowded upon it have 
 been added by man. "What more simple than the lan- 
 guage, ' baptizing them in the name of the Father, and 
 of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.' " 
 
 " It seems a pity, papa, that the word should be kept 
 in our Prayer Book, if no such thing is in the New 
 Testament." 
 
 " It was retained at the time of the compilation of the 
 English Prayer Book, and may bear several interpreta- 
 tions. We would explain it by the Bible; others explain 
 the Bible by the Prayer Book. It is a great privilege 
 and a sacred duty, Margaret, to be allowed to bring our 
 children to Jesus, certain that a blessing will attend 
 upon the service, if we only come in faith, believing." 
 
 " Now our little Emily is a Christian child, papa." 
 
 " In one sense she is, my dear, a member of the house- 
 hold of Christ." 
 
 "When was the Prayer Book arranged, papa?" in- 
 quired Allan. 
 
 " In the days of Edward VI. many important alters-
 
 84 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 tions were made, but in the days of Queen Elizabeth, 
 still more. In her reign, the word table was substituted 
 for that of altar, for the idea of a sacrifice was entirely 
 repudiated by the Reformers of those early days. It is 
 a pity that the word priest has been retained in some of 
 the offices ; for we love our Book of Common Prayer, 
 and desire to see it just as perfect as a human composi- 
 tion can be made." 
 
 " I wonder that the Reformers did not see what these 
 words must lead to," said the wife ; " for they had clear 
 views upon vital points, and regarded them worth dying 
 for." 
 
 Touching the book that lay upon the table, the 
 pastor replied : 
 
 " Let us love the book, my children, that came to us 
 from men like these only, love it intelligently and 
 scripturally, not superstitiously : the Bible, first and 
 best, always ; the Prayer Book, as it reveals the truths 
 of Scripture, and guides our devotions." 
 
 " I have been to other churches, papa," answered 
 Margaret, " but always came back to my own, thankful 
 that we have forms so beautiful in which to worship our 
 God." 
 
 "It is a privilege, my daughter ; but never allow 
 yourself to doubt the piety or wisdom of those who differ 
 from us ; for some of my most valued friends are in 
 other earthly folds than ours, but there are the same 
 heart-throbs of love to a common Master, and it is quite
 
 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 86 
 
 impossible for a true Christian not to love that image, 
 wherever it is found." 
 
 Thus did this faithful servant of the Lcrd BOW the 
 seeds of truth and love beside all waters, the Spirit seal- 
 ing the words as they sank into the hearts of the chil- 
 dren of the parsonage. 
 
 Watchful to embrace all occasions, the mother with- 
 held not her hand in scattering the same precious 
 seed. 
 
 We find her, one morning, entering the church, while 
 the sexton was busy in cleaning it, to get the box of 
 bands from the vestry-room. Passing along the aisle, 
 she perceived Edward running about from pew to pew, 
 evidently annoying the sexton by tossing the books and 
 cushions out of their places as fast as they were ar- 
 ranged. 
 
 " Don't do so, Edward," said the sexton ; " it gives 
 me a great deal of trouble to put them all back again, 
 and I know that your papa would not allow it." 
 
 Straightening himself up, proudly, the boy replied, 
 " Do you know who I am, Mr. Robb ? I am Edward 
 Hastings, the minister's son." 
 
 " Yes, and the more is the shame that you behave so 
 badly." 
 
 By this time, Mrs. Hastings had reached the boy ; 
 directly taking him by the arm, she led him out of the 
 church, saying, " Come with me, my son, I have much 
 
 to say to you." 
 8
 
 86 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 Edward hung his head, for he knew that he had be- 
 haved badly to the sexton. 
 
 "What did you mean, Edward, by your speech to 
 Mr. Robb?" 
 
 " I meant, mamma, that he had no right to reprove 
 me ; for am I not the minister's son ? " 
 
 " Suppose that you are, Edward, does that make it 
 proper that you should speak so rudely to a respectable 
 man, attending quietly to his business ? " 
 
 " I guess I must be a little better than a common boy, 
 mamma, for Miss White always makes a fuss over me 
 and Lucy, and brings us loads of candy, and says that 
 we are pretty and smart." 
 
 " And so, Edward, this foolish idea of yours has led 
 you to be impertinent to the good sexton. Now you 
 must go directly into the church, and make your apol 
 
 ogy." 
 
 Edward hung his head. "He's a working-man, 
 mamma, and it seems hard to ask his pardon." 
 
 " You have brought it upon yourself, Edward : it must 
 be done." 
 
 Taking him quietly back to the church, she led him 
 to the sexton's side. " Edward has something to say to 
 you, Mr. Robb," said the lady, with a grave look on her 
 fuce. 
 
 " Mamma says that I have been a bad boy, Mr. Robb. 
 I hope that you will excuse me this once." 
 
 "That '11 do, my little man : children are very apt to
 
 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 87 
 
 got foolish notions in their young heads ; but you 've got 
 a dear mamma, to teach you what is right. May God 
 bless you, and make you like your father, my son ! " 
 
 Edward looked up into his mother's face, pressing her 
 hand more fondly, for the boy knew that this was true. 
 
 " We must lay an interdict upon the children's seeing 
 general visitors, Edward," said the wife, when relating 
 the incident. " I have often thought that the foolish 
 flattery of some of our good people might be injurious: 
 now I am convinced that it is so, and we must do as we 
 think for the good of our dear children." 
 
 " Miss Prudence may be offended, for she has been 
 very kind to us, Emily." 
 
 " I will be candid, husband, and tell the truth : she 
 may not like it at first, but that will wear off." 
 
 And thus the interdict was wisely laid upon general 
 intercourse with the parishioners. 
 
 The four elder children of the family were in attend- 
 ance upon Dr. Arnold's school, a select establishment, 
 where a few boarders were received, in addition to about 
 twenty-five day scholars ; the domestic department being 
 under the care of his two sisters. Dr. Arnold ,vas n 
 prince among teachers, well qualified to conduct the 
 education of youth, and one whom Mr. Hastings could 
 trust entirely. Much attached to the children of the 
 parsonage, he was most careful to make no distinction 
 in the government of his pupils, and it is certain thai 
 his just, impartial course secured the universal respect
 
 88 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 of all his scholars. His school was daily on the increase^ 
 for many were anxious to secure a place for their chil- 
 dren in this favored establishment. 
 
 " I wish that you could have seen Bob Winter, when 
 he came into school, to-day," said Warren ; " he looked 
 like a great, awkward booby, with his long legs and 
 anus sticking out of his old clothes ; we could n't help 
 laughing at him, but the doctor gave us a lecture for it 
 afterward." 
 
 "Not more than you deserved, Warren," said the 
 father, " if you let the boy see that you were ridiculing 
 him. Remember that he is the only son of a poor widow, 
 but a good and faithful boy, and ought to be respected." 
 
 " Did you see that mean fellow, Richard West," said 
 Allan, " how he followed Jenny Chase about at inter- 
 mission-time ? He knew that she had some good 
 sponge-cake, and he never stopped until he coaxed away 
 more than half of it.'* 
 
 Then Alice joined the critics : " Did you ever see any 
 one like Mary Hope ? She never knows her lessons, and 
 there she sat shaking and stuttering, while the rest were 
 looking on." 
 
 " Perhaps it was just because they were looking at her 
 that prevented her from reciting well," said Mrs. Hast- 
 ings. 
 
 "This is very unkind talk, children," said papa. 
 " Suppose that we change the subject."
 
 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 89 
 
 Next day, the good pastor was walking around the 
 hack of the house, in company with the family group. 
 
 " Did you ever observe how that gable is covered with 
 inoss, Warren ? " said the father, pointing to that part 
 of the roof. 
 
 " Yes, papa : how beautifully green it is ! " 
 
 "Do you know what is underneath, my son?" 
 
 " A mouldering roof, is it not, papa ? " 
 
 " Yes, beautiful to the eye, it still conceals much that 
 js offensive and decaying: it reminds me, children, of a 
 verse in the Bible, which says: 'for charity shall cover 
 the multitude of sins.' I thought of it yesterday, when 
 you were talking so freely about your school-mates: 
 doubtless there are many human frailties visible in that 
 little world ; but think how many you have yourselves. 
 Why can't you be like that soft green moss, covering so 
 beautifully the decaying roof? " 
 
 " I wish I were, papa," said Allan. 
 
 Warren was silent, but only because he felt deeply 
 the power of this gentle reproof. Walking quietly away, 
 he took his seat in the summer-house, evidently thinking 
 over his father's words. 
 
 We will step in at Dr. Arnold's next day. Bob Win- 
 ter was the same bashful boy as on the day of his first 
 entrance. Seated by himself at recess, he was puzzling 
 over a difficult example, and, large boy that he was, 
 Warren saw that every now and then he would steal 
 
 his hand up quietly to wipe the moisture that would come. 
 8*
 
 90 WESTBfcOOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 "Shall I help you, Bob?" said Warren, taking a seat 
 by his side. 
 
 "I am a little puzzled," was the answer, " and would 
 be very thankful for just a few words of explanation ; I 
 must do the work myself, though." 
 
 Warren was a bright mathematician, and, by a few 
 clear words, set the boy upon the right track. Raising 
 bis large, dark eyes, Bob Winter spoke his gratitude. 
 Warren walked away happy, and thought of the soft 
 green moss. 
 
 Poor little Mary Hope was in trouble too : she had 
 failed again in her lessons, and was seated at her desk, 
 her face bent down upon her small fair hands. 
 
 " What is the matter, Mary?" said Alice. "Can I 
 help you ? Do you study your lessons, Mary ? " 
 
 " I am not idle, Alice : I learn my lessons, and say 
 them perfectly to my mother before I leave home ; but I 
 get frightened, and then I can't say one word, and the 
 girls all laugh at me, and think me stupid." 
 
 " Forgive me, Mary ; I was one," said Alice ; " I thought 
 you were lazy ; but I won't do so any more, Mary. I '11 
 ask Miss Darling to let us sit together, and I '11 put my 
 arm around you when your turn comes, and try to be 
 your friend. Don't cry so, Mary." 
 
 Then the gentle girl pressed a kiss on the little trem- 
 bler's cheek, and thought of the soft green moss, as she 
 led her out into the play-ground. Allan too remem-
 
 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 91 
 
 bered the lesson, as he heard Lewis Barr recounting the 
 wrong-doings of Harry Seymour. 
 
 "Wouldn't it be better to say nothing about them, 
 Lewis ? " said the boy, as he stopped a moment at the 
 desk and all the way down stairs repeating the sweet 
 ivords which his father had quoted the day before : " for 
 charity shall cover the multitude of sins." 
 
 " What is the subject for to-day, children?" said papa 
 at morning prayer. 
 
 "The immortality of the soul, and our accountability," 
 replied Margaret. 
 
 " What have you, my daughter ? " 
 
 " ' And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the 
 ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, 
 and man became a living soul.' " 
 
 " What do you gather from the word ' living,' in that 
 passage ? " 
 
 " I suppose, papa, that God breathed into Adam a 
 part of His own nature, and thus man became immor- 
 tal." 
 
 " That is correct, my child. Now it is your turn 
 Warren." 
 
 " ' But now is made manifest by the appearing of our 
 Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath 
 brought life and immortality to light by the gospel.' " 
 
 " What have you found upon the subject, Allan ? " 
 
 " ' And fear not them which kill the body, but are uol 
 able tu kill the soul/ "
 
 92 WESTBBOOK PARSQNAGE. 
 
 " What has Alice on the subject of accountability ? '' 
 
 " ' For we must all appear before the judgment-seat of 
 Christ.'" 
 
 " I am ready for Edward's now." 
 
 " 'For God shall bring every work into judgment with 
 every secret thought, whether it be good, or whether it 
 be evil.' " 
 
 " Now my little Lucy's." 
 
 " ' So then every one of ua shall give account of him- 
 self to God.'" 
 
 " These are solemn truths, my children ; let us remem- 
 ber them every day and hour of our mortal lives." 
 
 "If we are to give account of our most secret 
 thoughts," said Margaret, " who can stand in the last 
 awful day, papa ? " 
 
 " Not one, in his own righteousness, my child ; but 
 clothed in the perfect righteousness of the Lord Jesus 
 Christ, we need not shrink from one who is not only our 
 Judge, but our Advocate with the Father ; so that when 
 accused by our conscience, or by our fierce adversary, 
 we may say, ' Who is he that condemneth ? it is Christ 
 that died.' " 
 
 Very earnest and believing was the precious prayer 
 poured out on that hour of morning devotion by the 
 father of the household, and very sweet and tender the 
 deep emotions of more than one young spirit seeking to 
 clasp its tendrils around the loving Saviour. 
 
 Living epistles of Christ, the children read in the lives
 
 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 93 
 
 af their parents the blessedness of serving the Master 
 attracted by the picture, and not repelled by the cari- 
 cature of his matchless holiness and love. 
 
 " As the small rain upon the tender herb, and as the 
 showers upon the grass," so gently did the dews of the 
 Holy Spirit fall upon these tender lambs of the flock. 
 Well may it be said of the future for these dwellers at 
 Westbrook Parsonage, that " they that sow in tears 
 shall reap in joy ;" for " He that goeth forth and weep- 
 eth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again 
 frith rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him."
 
 CHAPTER VII 
 
 x 
 
 BETHANY. 
 
 " Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister and Lazarus." 
 
 T ITTLE RUGBY stands amid the shade of forest 
 --^ trees, for Dr. Arnold has been careful to select a 
 spot of beauty, where there is at least a miniature aca- 
 demic grove. He has named it Little Rugby, not from 
 any vain comparison between himself and the celebrated 
 master of the English Rugby, but from a real love for 
 that model teacher whom the world honors. The house 
 is a stone building, with several porches, each shaded by 
 clustering vines of fragrant roses, honeysuckle, and cle- 
 matis ; the most beautiful flowers covering the large 
 bay window of the parlor, opening on the side of the 
 garden. 
 
 Father Morgan admires and loves the accomplished 
 head of this institution, and seldom visits the parsonage 
 without dropping in at Little Rugby. He has just re- 
 turned from such a visit, and, according to his custom, 
 he has found his own name for the pleasant home. 
 
 " I have just come from Little Rugby, Edward," said 
 
 the good man, " but I have a better name than that ; J 
 
 94
 
 WEST BROOK PARSONAGE. 95 
 
 call it Bethany, for here dwell Lazarus, and the sisters 
 Mary and Martha ; and I am sure that it is a household 
 that Jesus loves." 
 
 " It does seem appropriate," was the reply, " for I al- 
 ways feel the sentiment when sitting in the pleasant par- 
 lor." 
 
 Richard Arnold was a man of thirty, of high culture, 
 deep piety, and remarkable wisdom in the profession 
 w hich he had chosen. He had taken orders in the Epis- 
 copal Church, but finding that his voice was not equal 
 to the demands made upon it in the ministry, and being 
 an enthusiast in his love for the young, he has wisely 
 devoted himself to the business of education, for there is 
 no more useful man connected with St. Barnabas' than 
 this faithful teacher of the Youths' Bible Class. He is 
 a deep student of the Scriptures, and eminently a man 
 of prayer. We will step in a moment into his class- 
 room, on Sunday morning, where he has just gathered 
 as many as the room will hold. He has singular power 
 in fastening the attention of this wayward, excitable 
 company ; for there is that in the full, dark eye, in the 
 sweet, loving smile around the firm mouth, and in the 
 penetrating tones of a voice mellowed with earnest feel- 
 ing, which fascinates and controls the whole. 
 
 Then the rich treasures of learning and piety ever at 
 his command, the convincing power of the words that 
 come from a heart that ha*, experienced their precious- 
 uess, and the constant presence of the Holy Spirit so
 
 96 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 earnestly invoked, make this little room often a holj 
 Bethel to the members privileged to meet there. 
 
 Not only does this spiritual unction rest upon the 
 hearts of Christians here, but even the most worldly 
 acknowledge that there is no hour of instruction through- 
 out the week so full of interest as this. 
 
 From this band generally ranging at fifty, some- 
 times more have come out several youthful soldiers of 
 the cross ; and the most useful among the Sunday-school 
 teachers are always drawn from this training-class. 
 
 Richard Arnold is the friend of each ; for many of 
 them are members also of Little Rugby; and to its 
 master, with all their perplexities and mental struggles, 
 they eagerly come. He is among the most trusted and 
 valued of the pastor's friends, is one of the leaders in the 
 meetings for social prayer, an influential manager of the 
 Missionary Society, a member of the vestry, and in all 
 things a warm supporter of the pastor of St. Barnabas'. 
 
 Martha and Mary are younger sisters ; and, singular 
 enough, their names correspond to the Scriptural de- 
 scription of the sisters of Lazarus. Early made orphans, 
 their affections have clung around their brother, and it 
 is to their efficient supervision that Little Rugby haa 
 attained its popularity in its domestic department ; for 
 there are twelve boys beneath its roof, and members of 
 the family. Martha is the active, energetic housekeeper, 
 and Mary, living so near the Master, delights to gather 
 the boys around his dear feet by her gentle, holy influ-
 
 WEST BROOK PARSONAGE. 97 
 
 ence. They are very fond of the Hastings children, 
 who are ou terms of private intimacy at the academy. 
 Margaret is an especial favorite, and it is understood 
 that she is to- graduate at Little Rugby. Richard Ar- 
 nold is peculiarly qualified to guide the young girl iu 
 her search after truth upon all subjects. 
 
 She is now seventeen, and has grown up to be a fine, 
 interesting girl, thoughtful beyond her years, and, more- 
 over, lovely in her appearance, wearing in her face that 
 look of purity which so distinguished her mother in her 
 early days. Dr. Arnold is often found fastening upon 
 the young girl a look almost of mournful interest; and. 
 one evening, addressing his sister, he said : 
 
 "Martha, is there any one that Margaret Hastings 
 reminds you of especially ? " 
 
 " Daily, more and more of our sainted Laura. Even 
 the tones of her voice thrill me sometimes." 
 
 " I am glad that you see the likeness. It is re- 
 markable ! " 
 
 " There are the same lovely traits, too, Richard ; the 
 same conscientiousness and gentleness and truth. No 
 wonder that we all love her." 
 
 Warren, too, is a great favorite. Dr. Arnold under- 
 stands the boy's character, and sympathizes with his 
 mental questions ; for he remembers having passed 
 through just such a season in his early youth. He ii 
 
 not met with harsh rebuffs, even when he comes with 
 G
 
 98 WBSTBROOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 the carping conceits of young boyhood, but with (he 
 patience of Christian rebuke. 
 
 We often find Warren and the professor, on summer 
 evenings, with arms encircling each other's waist, walk- 
 ing up and down under the green trees, the youth pour- 
 ing out his crude, undigested thoughts, and the preceptor 
 instructing, guiding often removing doubts and per- 
 plexities from the young and ardent mind. Warren 
 regards Dr. Arnold with perfect confidence, concealing 
 nothing of his mental struggles, not afraid of uplifted 
 eyes of holy horror, nor of the word " infidel " from his 
 preceptor's lips; for Richard Arnold loves the youth, 
 seeing, amid all that is almost chaos now, as regards his 
 religious faith, light struggling with the darkness of the 
 natural man, his doubts not so much in the head as in 
 the heart, the real seat of carnal enmity. He remembers 
 that, from earliest infancy, he has been under the teach- 
 ing of most spiritual and holy guides, and living in a 
 atmosphere of prayer. 
 
 "Do you know, Dr. Arnold, that I sometimes get 
 really disgusted with long faces and cant phrases of 
 people that live horrid lives? There is old John 
 Naseby. You would suppose that there never was such 
 a saint born, if you would trust his sanctimonious ways ; 
 when I know that he is such an old miser that he hardly 
 ^ives his children enough to eat. I often share my 
 lunch in school with the boys." 
 
 " Unfortunately, there are such specimens, Warren ;
 
 WE8TBROOK PARSONAGE. 99 
 
 but the very fact that it awakens your indignation 
 shows that you have stored away s jmewhere in your 
 cranium a picture cf something better a reality. 
 Where did you gel it, Warren, if not from the Bible?" 
 
 The boy did not reply ; for this silenced the doubt 
 that was almost on his lips as to the power of Chris- 
 tianity. 
 
 " One word let me add, my boy. Give up the study 
 of poor frail humanity, and turn your thoughts to the 
 bright example left by our Master. Study that, War- 
 ren, until you feel your soul abased by its conscious 
 sinful ness and weakness, stretching up its wings to reach 
 after that matchless holiness. You will then have 
 neither time nor inclination to come down from such a 
 study to scrutinize the caricatures that are seen around 
 us." And then, as though soliloquizing, he con- 
 tinued, " When will Christiana learn to say, ' I have a 
 great work to do, therefore I cannot come down from 
 the holy mount to quarrel with fellow-pilgrims ' ? " 
 
 There were three boys connected with the family at 
 Rugby, whom we must notice in the progress of our story. 
 Archie Murray, a boy of fifteen, the son of a departed 
 sister of Dr. Arnold, somewhat lame from a hip disease 
 an interesting, a promising boy, whose great desire 
 seemed to be to fit himself as soon as possible to sup- 
 port his darling sister Annie, two years younger than 
 himself, now living with an aunt, not very happily, 
 however. Harry and George Seymour, two of the chil-
 
 100 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 Iren of wealth, whose parents passed the summer a; 
 Westbrook, their winters in New York, devoted wholly 
 to the world, and having placed all their children away 
 at school, ha/I abundant money and leisure, which were 
 engrossed by the world and its empty vanities. 
 
 It is drawing very near a summer vacation now, and 
 Dr. Arnold is meditating a pedestrian tour in company 
 with several of his pupils, having selected the Hastings 
 boys first. 
 
 It is the favored hour of morning prayer at the par- 
 sonage. The precious Bible is on the stand, and the 
 father's eye glances around for the daily texts. 
 
 " Who is ready ? " asked the kind voice. 
 
 " I, papa," was Margaret's reply. " The subject is the 
 law of God and mine is, 'The law was given by 
 Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.' " 
 
 " There was law before that, Margaret : can you tell me 
 when?" 
 
 " The law in Eden, papa, was it not so ? " 
 
 "That is correct; there was the first expression of the 
 law of God. Is there any one who can tell me anything 
 about its nature ? " 
 
 " I, papa," replied Allan : "'The law is holy, and just, 
 and good ; ' and ' By the law is the knowledge of sin.' " 
 
 " Very good, my son. Now something of its use." 
 
 " I have a strange text," replied Warren : " ' Therefore 
 by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in 
 his sight.' If that is true, of what use then is the law ? *
 
 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 101 
 
 "I can tell," replied Alice: "'The law is a school- 
 master to bring us to Christ.' " 
 
 "That is an excellent choice, my daughter. What 
 has Edward to say ? " 
 
 " Margaret selected mine, papa: ' Cursed is every one 
 that continueth not in all things written in the book of 
 the law to do them.' That seems a very hard text" 
 
 " And Sunbeam's ? " 
 
 " Allan searched for mine. He said that was the way 
 Paul felt after he became a Christian : ' For I delight 
 in the law of God after the inward man.' " 
 
 " Very good, my children. Thus you see that the law 
 of God is a picture of his holiness, for ' it is holy, just, 
 and good ' but since the fall, not one has, or ever can 
 keep the law in its strictness." 
 
 "If so, papa, how can we be justified?" asked 
 Margaret. 
 
 " By a new and living way, my dear : as there can be 
 no perfect human obedience now, our God has mercifully 
 made another way to heaven, whereby we can be justified 
 freely by His grace, bestowed upon all who exercise a 
 true and living faith in Jesus as our substitute. Now we 
 will sing our morning hymn" and the sweet voices 
 sang intelligently 
 
 "Ah, how shall fallen man 
 Be just before his God! 
 If he contend in righteousness 
 We sink beneath his rod.
 
 102 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 " Ah, how shall guilty man 
 
 Contend with such a God? 
 None, none can meet Him, and escape, 
 But through the Saviour's blood." 
 
 Then, bowed in prayer, the father brought his beloved 
 ones to the feet of Jesus, and prayed that, "justified 
 freely by his grace," they all might have peace with 
 God on earth, and blessedness in heaven. 
 
 Allan and Alice were walking out on the piazza in 
 the pleasant hour after evening worship, when they 
 heard the front gate open, and saw the face of a welcome 
 friend. 
 
 " Here is Dr. Arnold, papa," said Alice, running out 
 to meet the preceptor, and taking his hand, led him into 
 the parlor. 
 
 Always welcome at the parsonage, the family gathered 
 around him, all having some pleasant words to say. 
 
 " Vacation is drawing nigh, Mr. Hastings," said the 
 visitor, " and I have come with a novel request, which I 
 hope that you will grant. It has been a year of intense 
 mental application, and I feel the need of an unbent 
 bow. I propose a pedestrian tour to the Adirondacks, 
 and if it meets your approbation, would like tc have 
 Warren and Allan for companions. Archie Murray is 
 going, and Mr. Seymour has requested me to take the 
 boys, for they are off on a pleasure tour, and desire 
 entire freedom from care." 
 
 Mr. Hastings looked at the boys. Warren's dark eyes
 
 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 103 
 
 and Allan's blue were dancing with delight; and the 
 impatient tapping of young feet upon the carpet betrayed 
 the eagerness with which they listened for an answer. 
 
 " Dear papa," said Allan, leaning upon the back of 
 his father's chair, " please say, Yea." 
 
 " I see no objection, boy, with Dr. Arnold for a guide ; 
 but what says mamma ? " 
 
 " Yes, by all means. I think it would be a great 
 benefit to the boys in every way." 
 
 Father Morgan was on a visit to the parsonage, and 
 gave his voice for the projected trip. 
 
 " I wish I were a boy again, Dr. Arnold, or even a 
 little younger. Nothing could afford me more pleasure." 
 
 " Can't you go, Father Morgan?" said Warren. "We 
 should be so very glad ! " 
 
 " To walk among the Adirondacks, boy ! Too old for 
 that, my son ; but I shall be glad to see you start on 
 such a tour. But what can be done with Archie? " 
 
 " We must take a mule for our tents and baggage ; 
 and Archie can ride Dick over the rough places." 
 
 Nothing else was talked of now but the summer tour; 
 and mamma was busily employed in brushing up some 
 of the old winter suits for the cold nights in the moun- 
 tains. Ere Dr. Arnold took leave of the party, Father 
 Morgan sought an opportunity to place a pocket-book in 
 his hand, with the whispered words : 
 
 " You may want something additional for contingen- 
 cies. Use it freely ; for these are my boys."
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 THE ADIRONDACKS. 
 
 * Lord, how manifold are thy works ! in wisdom hast thon madt 
 them all : the earth is fall of thy riches." 
 
 1~T is a warm summer day, early in July, the day for 
 
 * starting on the projected tour. The boys are full of 
 their journey, and the subject of the daily text seems 
 ID make but little impression on the giddy young 
 travellers. They are assembled, as usual, at morning 
 prayer, and Margaret mentions the subject of original 
 Bin. 
 
 " I have several, papa," said the young lady. " ' They 
 go astray as soon as they are born, speaking lies ; ' and 
 ' There is none that doeth good ; no, not one.' " 
 
 " Have you a passage, Allan ?" inquired the father. 
 The boy blushed, and hung his head ; for it was the 
 first time that he had been negligent. 
 
 " I forgot all about it, papa. Pray, excuse me." 
 " I am sorry, my son. And Warren, too ?" 
 " I suppose that we must all be pretty bad ; for thus 
 saith the Apostle Paul, ' We are a set of good-for-nothing 
 
 fellows, and there is no health in us.' " 
 
 104
 
 WE8TBROOK PARSONAGE. 105 
 
 The father looked grieved and very sternly upon 
 Warren, as he said : 
 
 "Jokes are unbecoming here, my son. If you too 
 have forgotten the subject, at least be silent." 
 
 Then Alice repeated, reverently : " ' All we, like sheep, 
 have gone astray : we have turned every one to his own 
 way.'" 
 
 " This is a most important and solemn subject, my 
 children ; for upon right teaching here depends all our 
 views of the great salvation. When we are conscious 
 that we are sin-sick, we shall welcome the Great Phy- 
 sician, and not before ; but my words to-day must be 
 few, for I fear that preoccupied hearts leave but little 
 room for serious thoughts." 
 
 The morning hymn was sweet and solemn, and the 
 ^rayer full of a father's longings for the spiritual good 
 )f his offspring, closing with a blessing on the dear 
 boys about to leave the parental roof for a few weeks. 
 On rising from their knees, Warren instantly advanced 
 to his father, with an ingenuous blush upon his bright, 
 young face : 
 
 " Excuse me, dear papa. I did not mean one word of 
 disrespect; but I am intoxicated with delight to-day. 
 My feet are full of dancing steps, and my head brimful 
 of nonsense." 
 
 " Try to put some restraint upon yourself, my son ; for 
 reverence should always mark our approaches to Deity." 
 
 But Dr. Arnold, with the three boys, are at the par*
 
 106 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 sonage gate now, accompanied bj Hector, a favoritt, 
 dog, and Dickey, the mule both panniers heavily 
 laden. The boys were all in high glee ; but the oldest 
 and most merry was Dr. Arnold himself. 
 
 " How long will you be absent ? " inquired the lather. 
 
 " Not less than a month ; perhaps more," was the 
 reply. 
 
 " Can we hear from you ?" 
 
 " Yes ; there is a post near the Adirondack Iron 
 Works, and here is the address." 
 
 Attired in loose blouses, with broad-brimmed straw 
 hats, and carpet-bags on each of the traveller's arms, 
 they took leave of the party at the parsonage. 
 
 " Be careful of them, Dr. Arnold," said the mother ; 
 " they have never been away before." 
 
 They had all exchanged the parting kiss, when War- 
 ren ran back to fold Alice, his darling pet, once more in 
 his arms. 
 
 "Write, dear little sis!" said the boy. "I don't 
 know how I am to do without you so long." 
 
 At the same time, Dr. Arnold was taking a more 
 tender leave than usual of Margaret Hastings, whisper- 
 ing a word that left a blush on her sweet face. In an- 
 other minute, they were speeding along the street, with 
 flying steps, to the cars. 
 
 So wholly preoccupied were the boys with theii 
 anticipated pleasure that, if it had not been for Dr. 
 Arnold's watchfulness, they might even have forgotten
 
 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 107 
 
 ihe laws of courtesy which their preceptor was so careful 
 to inculcate. 
 
 " Don't you see the woman with her baby, Warren ? 
 1 think that you had better give up your seat to her, 
 and come join Archie." 
 
 " Certainly, dear sir ; I did not see her ; " and rising 
 immediately, he placed her comfortably, where she could 
 be near a window, and took a seat himself inside, by 
 Archie Murray. 
 
 " You are very good," said the woman, " for my little 
 boy has been sick, and I am anxious to give him all the 
 fresh air that I can." 
 
 " You are quite welcome," was the quick reply, for in 
 Warren's sunny frame of mind, it really gave him pleas- 
 ure to confer a favor. 
 
 Staying but a short time in New York, the party were 
 soon sailing up the North River, never tired of admiring 
 the charming scenery as they passed along, for this was 
 their first peep at the lovely river. At a place appointed, 
 they took passage in a rough wagon across the country 
 leading to the mountains, hitching Dickey on behind, 
 and taking Hector in when he seemed tired. 
 
 " We shall soon meet our guide," said Dr. Arnold, for 
 the peaks of the Adirondacks were now in sight 
 
 " Who is your guide ? " inquired the driver. 
 
 " His name is Nichol Lescure, a Canadian .mnter." 
 
 " I know him/' was the reply, " and a clever fellow r
 
 108 WEST BROOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 is one of the best guides found in this neighborhood. 
 Where are you to meet him ? " 
 
 "At a little hut, near the first glimpse of Mount 
 Marcy." 
 
 "We are there," was the reply, as, suddenly turning a 
 corner, the rude dwelling was in sight, and, standing at 
 the door, was a man clad in skins, leaning upon a gun. 
 
 " Is this Dr. Arnold ? " inquired the guide. 
 
 " It is and this is Nichol Lescure ? " 
 
 " That is my name. You have chosen a fine season 
 for your journey, sir ; but these young chaps will find it 
 hard work to scramble up these mountain heights, where 
 one can sometimes wash his hands in the clouds." 
 
 Nichol was accompanied by a large dog, who did not 
 appear to be very friendly toward the newcomer. 
 
 " What is your dog's name, sir ? " inquired the hunter. 
 
 " Hector and a fine, intelligent fellow he is. How 
 shall we make them friends ? " 
 
 " You '11 see. Come here, Leo." 
 
 The large animal came bounding to his master's side. 
 
 "Do you see that dog, sir?" and taking him by the 
 ear, not roughly, he led him close to the stranger, both 
 growling and showing their glittering white teeth. 
 " Come closer, sir this is a stranger, Hector, and you 
 must treat him well mind what I say." 
 
 But Leo still continued growling, although lying down 
 close to the ground. 
 
 Taking a piece of meal out of his hunting-bag, Nichol
 
 WESTBROOK PABSONAGE. 109 
 
 threw it to Leo. " Hand that to Hector don't eat it, 
 sir." 
 
 The dog crouched closer and closer to the ground, and 
 then commenced crawling toward the stranger, holding 
 the meat in his mouth. When close to Hector, he 
 pushed it toward him, and Nichol threw another piece, 
 which Leo began to eat, and Hector did the same. 
 
 " Let the dumb beasts only eat together, peaceably, 
 and they '11 be friends : I always find that out." 
 
 To Dr. Arnold's surprise, after Leo had finished hia 
 meal, he walked quietly around Hector : they then ex- 
 amined each other for a minute or two, took anothei 
 piece of meat in company, and the quarrel seemed at an 
 end. 
 
 Taking leave of their driver, they made preparations 
 for their long walk. Mounting Archie on the mule, 
 with carpet-bag and long pole in each hand, they com- 
 menced their toilsome march. Soon they were ascending 
 heights which to their inexperience seemed almost in- 
 surmountable. Nichol smiled at their exclamations. 
 "This is nothing, boys; wait until you try Mount 
 Towanus : you '11 have something to say then." Very 
 soon they were in the deep, solemn woods, far, far away 
 from human habitations. Even their young spirits were 
 subdued by the perfect solitude of this mountain forest. 
 The mournful music of the woods gradually silenced the 
 youthful party. The rustling of the leaves, the soft 
 
 sighing of the summer winds among the trees, now ami 
 10
 
 110 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 then the whistle of a wild bird among the high 
 branches, or the swift passage of a deer in the distance, 
 all lent new charms to this forest tramp. Nichol was 
 highly amused at the silent rapture of the boys, as step 
 by step they advanced into the deep shadows, to them 
 so full of unuttered mysteries. All day they travelled 
 thus, stopping at noon to regale themselves from the 
 contents of the panniers. Cold chicken, ham and bis- 
 cuit, fruit and domestic summer beverage, proved a de- 
 licious meal, up in these mountain solitudes. Nichol 
 looked on surprised, as Dr. Arnold reverently asked a. 
 blessing before partaking of their lunch. After rest'ng 
 about an hour, they again took up their line of march, 
 and late in the afternoon came to an opening, where the 
 curling of smoke into the clouds indicated a human hab- 
 itation. 
 
 " This is our stopping-place," said Nichol, " and that 
 is my cabin." Just then they came in sight of the 
 low dwelling, and in the next minute, a girl of fourteen 
 came running out of the hut. 
 
 " I am glad to see you, father ; for I was very lone- 
 some last night. I heard the wolves howling not far 
 off; and all night I had to keep the fires burning." 
 
 " This is my daughter Nan," said the hunter. " Hurry 
 up, my girl, and get us a good supper, for we are all 
 hungry." 
 
 Away she ran, and the sound of the axe called the 
 boys to her help.
 
 WESTBEOOK PARSONAGE. Ill 
 
 " Here, Nan, let me have that axe," said Warren. 
 ' It 's a shame that a girl should do such work as that." 
 
 She smiled as she replied: "It's nothing; I'm used 
 to it, and I guess I can hit a better stroke than you any 
 day." 
 
 Nan smiled at Warren's efforts, who belabored the 
 log without producing any impression. 
 
 " Here ! see what I can do," said the girl ; and seizing 
 the axe, she raised it far above her head, planted her 
 foot firmly on the log, fixed her eye intently for one 
 moment, and at one sharp stroke clove the log. 
 
 Warren seized the axe again, and now that there was 
 a cleft in the wood, made some headway ; Nan sitting by 
 on another log, laughing at his efforts. All the boys 
 went to work with a good will in carrying in a heavy 
 load of fire-wood, and Nan thanked them in her rough 
 way, adding, " You shall have a good supper in the 
 twinkling of an eye for that, boys." 
 
 Pretty thoroughly tired, and lounging upon the green- 
 sward around the cabin, with carpet-bags for pillows, 
 they awaited the summons to supper. The sound of the 
 grinding of a coffee-mill was comforting music to the 
 travellers; and the savory smell of cooking meat the 
 sweetest of all perfumes just now to the sharpened 
 appetite. 
 
 Leo and Hector were good friends now, for a march 
 through the woods together had entirely banished tlr 
 last vestige of canine enmity.
 
 112 WESTBKOOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 "Supper is ready, boys, come in," said the hunter, 
 leading the way into the cabin. 
 
 It was a one-story building, with three large rooms; 
 the floors laid with rough planks, and the walls com- 
 posed of rougher logs. A large fireplace stood in the 
 family room, the smoke finding its way out through a 
 chimney made of stones and mortar. In the centre 
 stood a wooden table, on which was spread a most invit- 
 ing meal. Around the room were rude benches ; one 
 arm-chair alone gave any promise of comfort for a 
 weary back. The entrance was crossed by two sets of 
 fine antlers, and around the room hung the skins of 
 animals, powder-flasks, hunting-bags, guns, spears, and 
 every variety of hunting implements. From the rafters 
 were suspended venison, hams, and dried meats, in great 
 abundance. 
 
 The boys were all surprised to see what an excellent 
 meal had been prepared by Nan Lescure in these moun- 
 tain solitudes. There were rich coffee and cream, broiled 
 venison steak, mashed potatoes, a dish of birds, and the 
 very nicest bread and butter. 
 
 Nichol made good provision for his family, for twice 
 a year he went down to the nearest town and laid in 
 his stores, leaving Nan at Farmer Hughes's, on the lake. 
 Added to this, he kept a cow, and Nan had learned to 
 make good bread and butter. 
 
 Dr. Arnold reverently asked a blessing on the meal 
 ore they partook of it, and Nichol remarked, "We
 
 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 113 
 
 have nothing of that up here in these mountain parts, 
 sir." 
 
 "God is here, Nichol, in all the majesty of his works: 
 one would think that the full heart ought to worship 
 Him in such a grand chapel as these'wooded cloisters." 
 
 " Somehow we forget Him, sir." 
 
 The listener thought how much of just such forgetful- 
 ness prevailed among humanity, surrounded by Christian 
 churches, amid the blaze of the Gospel. Truly, the soul 
 unrenewcd is everywhere alike dead to God dead as 
 regards spiritual life. 
 
 "You had better not camp out to-night," said the 
 hunter. " With your blankets and our skins we can spread 
 up sleeping room for all the party : it 's too cold on 
 the mountain at uight. I suppose that you must be 
 very tired, and would like to go to rest early." 
 
 " First, with your permission, we will have evening 
 prayer. Our boys have fine voices: I think that you 
 would like their music." 
 
 " Do just as you please, sir ; my little cabin is yours 
 while you are with us." 
 
 Nichol and Nan sat on a bench near the door, listen- 
 ing to the delightful music as it filled the cabin on this 
 summer evening, the first time that the worship of Al- 
 mighty God had ever been observed beneath that roof. 
 Dr. Arnold selected a portion of the Sermon on the 
 Mount, read it in an impressive manner, and then engaged 
 in solemn, fervert prayer remembering the dwellers at 
 10* H
 
 114 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 the cabin, the two sitting reverently with their face* 
 bowed upon their hands, while the rest knelt around the 
 mercy-seat. Had an angel stopped at Nichol Lescure's 
 humble cabin on that summer night? for so wondered the 
 rude hunter as he silently wiped the moisture from his 
 eyes. 
 
 " That was a grand sermon that you read, sir," said 
 the man ; " who preached such good words as that? " 
 
 " The Lord Jesus Christ, Nichol, when he wad on 
 earth, more than eighteen hundred years ago." 
 
 " P remember, when I was a little chap, my mother 
 used to take me to a church in Canada, and there I used 
 to say my prayers before a crucifix, and heard now and 
 then about Jesus, but more about the Virgin ; but it has 
 been so long, and I have lived such a wandering life 
 here in the wilderness, that I have forgotten both." 
 
 " He will not forget you, Nichol, for He is coming 
 again to judge the world, and if you have not made Him 
 your Saviour here, He cannot be your friend then." 
 
 The hunter listened attentively, and then replied : " I 
 have been very careful to lead a pure and honest life in 
 all my dealings, sir ; and would n't do what some of the 
 Christians down below are not ashamed to do." 
 
 " That will not do for a plea there, Nichol ; for, ' Ex- 
 cept a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of 
 God.'" 
 
 Stretched out upon the cabin-floor, the weary travel- 
 lers slept more delightfully than they could hare con-
 
 WEST BROOK PARSONAGE. 115 
 
 ceived of, apart from the comforts of civilized life, and 
 by the peep of day were up again; and, after a hearty 
 breakfast, following their guide, were off on their march, 
 singing, at the top of their young voices, "A life in the 
 woods for me ! " 
 
 A half-day's journey through the woods brought them 
 to the clearing of the Newcombe Farm, commanding a 
 magnificent view of the chief mountain summits of the 
 Adirondacks, looming up to heaven in all their melan- 
 choly grandeur. 
 
 Travelling on still, they reached the shores of Lake 
 Henderson ; and the boys were greatly excited by the 
 appearance of a young fawn, startled by the appearance 
 of human beings. True to a hunter's instinct, Nichol 
 took aim at the innocent creature before one word could 
 be said, and, wounding the leg, disabled the poor thing 
 from walking. The party were hungry, and therefore 
 the advent of the fawn was welcome as Friday to Robin- 
 son Crusoe. When poor Fan crept to Nichol, lying down 
 at his feet, and looking up timidly into his face with her 
 full daik eyes, the hunter patted the pretty creature's 
 head ; Dr. Arnold turned an inquiring look at each of 
 the boys, who shook their heads at an unspoken thought. 
 
 " Not to-night, nor to-morrow, nor next day, poor Fan : 
 we would rather all be hungry," said Dr. Arnold. 
 
 " There are fine trout in the lake," said Nichol ; " let 
 us try our luck . I could n't see that poor thing killed." 
 
 It was a successful effort, and a good supper of trout
 
 116 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 rewarded the humanity of the travellers, which Nichol 
 speedily prepared. 
 
 Taking a boat after supper, they had a charming view 
 of the Indian Pass, an opening between two of the 
 loftiest mountains of the group, Echo Mountain and 
 Mount Towanus, both in full view. Just before them, on 
 the shore of the glassy lake, stood three splendid deer ; 
 their branching antlers, towering above their graceful 
 heads, elevated as though listening for enemies : one 
 sight of the travellers was enough ; for dashing into the 
 lake, they were speedily out of sight. 
 
 " I wish that we could see a hunt," said Warren. 
 
 "It isn't unlikely," said Nichol, "for a party of 
 hunters is out now." 
 
 Suddenly, the cries of the hounds came across the 
 lake. 
 
 " There they are," said the guide. 
 
 Soon after, a gallant buck, with antlered head erect, 
 was seen standing upon the cliff opposite, and in the next 
 minute, the panting creature was battling with the 
 waters, the hunters all in hot pursuit. 
 
 Nichol is watching too, with lifted rifle fires wounds, 
 but does not kill his game at the first fire : another shot 
 is more successful. Bringing the boat near, the poor 
 thing was taken on board, and carried to a thicket near. 
 It was time to think of arrangements for the night. 
 With the help of the boys, the stakes were driven into 
 the ground, the canvas tightened as a covering, thi
 
 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 117 
 
 gum-elastic spread upon the ground, and pillows of the 
 same material for the head ; and then the boys thought 
 that it would be grand to sleep thus in the wild solitudes 
 of the Adirondacks. 
 
 It was a moonlight night, and the party stood in 
 solemn silence viewing the grandeur of the scenery 
 the moou sailing in her majesty over the transparent 
 lake, whose clear waters reflected its silver rays upon its 
 quiet bosom. 
 
 Dr. Arnold uncovered his head as he repeated : 
 
 " The heavens declare the glory of God; and the fir- 
 mament showeth His handy-work. 
 
 " He telleth the number of the stars : He calleth them 
 all by their names. 
 
 " Praise ye Him sun and moon : praise Him all ye 
 stars of light : 
 
 "Mountains and all hills, fruitful trees and all 
 cedars, 
 
 " Praise ye the Lord." 
 
 The first night's rest beneath the glittering firmament 
 was a new feature in the pilgrimage. Comfortably dis- 
 posed of, they slept soundly, and by early dawn were 
 astir again, for they actually contemplated the ascent of 
 Mount Towanus, the Indian name meaning " the sky- 
 piercing." 
 
 Nichol gave dismal accounts of the undertaking, but 
 young spirits were not to be deterred. While they were 
 discussing the propriety of the movement, several
 
 118 WEST BROOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 hunters joined their party ; each having some terribls 
 account to give of dangers to those attempting the 
 ascent. One told of a fearful snow-storm that had over- 
 taken him at this very spot and season. Another had 
 been overtaken, the year before, by a mountain flood, 
 which so filled the brooks with rushing waters, that he 
 found it impossible to descend ; and seeking another route, 
 was lost in the wilderness so long that even the dogs did 
 not know him when found. A third, on waking from 
 sleep, had found himself surrounded by rattlesnakes ; 
 and another had made a narrow escape from a bloody 
 panther. 
 
 The boys heard it all ; but, listening to the songs of 
 birds in the tree-tops, looking down upon the gentle 
 moss and tangled flowers, out upon the vistas of valley 
 and hill, and upward to the soft sunny skies above them, 
 they laughed with provoking incredulity, and waving 
 their banners, said, " Let us try : others have succeeded ; 
 why not we ? " 
 
 The trouble was about poor Fan, for, unable to walk 
 yet, they were obliged to carry her wherever they went. 
 
 " We cannot leave her : she is a light little thing," 
 said Warren ; " I guess we can manage among us." 
 
 Full of spirits, they started, expecting to be gone two 
 days, with one night in the woods, on the way. It was 
 an interesting study to Dr. Arnold, to watch the different 
 characters of the boys in their efforts to overcome obsta- 
 cles. Warren, with his strong, indomitable will ; Allan,
 
 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 119 
 
 Kith his quiet,. determined perseverance; Anhie had but 
 little effort to make, for Dickey did the work for hiiu , 
 Harry Seymour, with his weak, irresolute, fitfV ptfcrts ; 
 and George, with his constant calls upon his cv/.r/anions 
 for help. 
 
 Over many immeasurable miles, over rude rocks and 
 treacherous bridges of the mountain torrents, up and 
 down, around and among the chasms of the pathless 
 forest, onward the party tramped. 
 
 At the close of the first day, Harry and George 
 begged to be left behind. 
 
 " What would become of you, boys, all alone in these 
 dark forests ? " said Dr. Arnold. " That can never be : you 
 must exert yourselves a little more. What say you to 
 going back, Warren ? " 
 
 " Going back, Dr. Arnold, after having reached such 
 a height ! My motto is, Excelsior ! " 
 
 "And mine, too," said Allan, " though I am very 
 tired." 
 
 " We must kindle fires to-night," said Nichol, " for 
 these mountains are infested by wolves and panthers at 
 all times." 
 
 " Suppose the fires go out, Nichol," said Warren. 
 
 " That must not be : I will keep watch." 
 
 They had not been long in their tent ere a singular 
 noise, like the crying of an infant, was distinctly heard. 
 
 "What is that, Nichol?" said Warren, putting his 
 head out of the tent.
 
 120 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 " That 's one of the varmints, boy, a genuine panther ; 
 but I '11 keep him off: he '11 not come anear a fire, not he." 
 
 " Are you sure, Nichol ? " said Harry Seymour, his 
 teeth chattering with terror. 
 
 " Purty sartin of that, boy ; they don't like fire. Go 
 to sleep, boys : I '11 take kere of the tent." 
 
 Early in the morning, off again, the difficulties in- 
 creasing as the top was nearing. Many a time in the 
 course of the day did the boys have to stop, panting and 
 breathless, to wipe the sweat from their brows. 
 
 " It will take another day, sir," said Nichol : " the boys 
 can't stand it and must stop two hours' in the middle 
 of the day." 
 
 His prophecy was correct, for it was not until the mid- 
 dle of the third day that the guide pointed out the height. 
 
 Seizing his banner, Warren planted himself firmly by 
 the side of his guide, and was the first to reach the sum- 
 mit ; where, with glowing countenance and exulting voice, 
 he placed his flag upon the top of Mount Towanus, call- 
 ing out, " Hurrah ! hurrah ! we 're here at last I " 
 
 And there, from that mountain height, they surveyed 
 the glorious landscape. After resting several hours, 
 they commenced the descent ; and after a day's repose, 
 visited the Indian Pass a wild gorge precipitously 
 walled in at one point by the colossal cliffs which impart 
 such features of grandeur to the landscape. And now 
 they were ready for a return to the hunter's cabin. 
 
 Strange what effects contrasts have upon passing
 
 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 121 
 
 objects! When first our travellers came in sight of 
 Nichol's cabin, it had seemed to them like a wild wilder- 
 ness, indeed : now they hailed its curling smoke as an 
 indication of returning civilization, compared with the 
 wild and awful solitudes which they had left. They 
 were glad to rest once more upon the grassy sward before 
 the hunter's cabin, reading letters from home, which had 
 been brought to Nan in their absence. 
 
 Dr. Arnold and Warren are in deep conversation, the 
 latter stretched out upon the grass, looking upward to 
 the grand scenery around him. 
 
 " Look at those magnificent trees, Dr. Arnold : how 
 much more impressive than any church that I have ever 
 visited ! Here is stupendous height, and that leads the 
 mind upward ; here is breadth immeasurable, and that, 
 too, aids our attempts at worship ; and look through those 
 arching branches, forming such mysterious cloisters : the 
 woods are full of thoughts of God." 
 
 " That is all true, Warren ; but this worship of nature 
 that you speak of, does not reach the wants of man: 
 it might have done in Eden ; but not now, upon this 
 polluted earth." 
 
 " You remember Horace Smith's Ode to the Flowers, 
 Dr. Arnold?" 
 
 " I do, Warren, and own that it is exquisite poetry ; 
 but we need more than that. Our Father knew what 
 was in man, and therefore he planted a church upon 
 
 earth, organized it, and called upon the children of meii 
 11
 
 122 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 to enter its fold, and feed upon the food which it offera 
 to weary pilgrims: beside, Warreu, there is a social 
 boi.d connecting us all, and by the closeness of the 
 church relation we are bound together as one family, 
 having common joys and sorrows, common wants, com- 
 mon hopes, and a common home : hence our Book of 
 Common Prayer. How long do you think that Chris- 
 tianity could exist upon earth, if man everywhere 
 worshipped only nature ? " 
 
 Warrtn lay silent for a while. 
 
 " I wish I did not think so much, Dr. Arnold so 
 many doubts and difficulties chase each other in my 
 head." 
 
 " They can all be settled by the word of God, Warren , 
 but by nothing else remember that. Come, boys, let 
 us sing our evening hymn.' 
 
 And, seated around upon the grass, they joined in 
 singing : 
 
 " Softly now the light of day 
 Fades upon my sight away; 
 Free from care, from labor free, 
 Lord, I would commune with Thoe." 
 
 They are spending several days now at the cabin, only 
 going off far enough to return every evening ; and many 
 interesting conversations do the boys have with Nichol 
 and Nan about their wild, adventurous life. 
 
 " How do you get along in winter, Nan ? " inquired 
 Allan.
 
 WESTBROOK. PARSONAGE. 123 
 
 " Dreary enough, until I learned how to read." 
 
 " How did you learn ? " inquired the boy. 
 
 " When father goes away to sell his game and buy 
 stores, he leaves me twice a year at Newcombe Farm, on 
 the lake ; and there I met with a kind lady, who taught 
 me how to read, and gave me a heap of good books." 
 
 " How do you get your clothes made, Nan? " 
 
 " Mrs. Hughes gets them made for me when I go down. 
 I have nice times there, for she has a girl, named Susan, 
 about my age ; and we are so sorry when I have to go 
 back to the mountain." 
 
 " Shall you always live here on the mountains, Nan ? " 
 inquired Warren. 
 
 " 1 don't know : father wanted to send me to school 
 last year, but I could n't leave him all alone here in this 
 lonely place, and so I don't know what is to become of 
 rue : maybe father '11 go back to Canada some day ; he 
 says I have an aunt there." 
 
 Dr. Arnold lost no opportunity to speak to Nichoi 
 upon this subject, and obtained from him a promise that 
 he would not keep Nan here always, for he saw that it 
 was " a hard lot for such a young thing, with none of 
 her own kind to speak to." 
 
 It is now the last night before their return. They are 
 all stretched out upon the green grass, with Fan among 
 the group. She has recovered the use of her limb now, 
 can skip about as merry as any of them, and there is 
 not one who would be willing to leave the fawn behind.
 
 124 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 " It seems as if we had been away six months, instead 
 of a few weeks," said Warren. 
 
 " We shall all feel the benefit of our journey aftei 
 our return," said the preceptor, " when we recover from 
 our fatigue." 
 
 Warren wore a peculiarly thoughtful look, and Dr. 
 Arnold continued : " What, are you thinking of, War- 
 ren?" 
 
 " Of the future : I wonder where we shall all be ten 
 years hence ? I shall be twenty-five then." 
 
 " Have you ever thought of a profession yet ? " 
 
 " Not exactly, Doctor : but there is a future of fame 
 ind honor, where I hope to make my mark. No yard- 
 sticks nor clerk's desk for me." 
 
 " And you, Allan, what do you desire ? " 
 
 " A life just like my father's to be just as good and 
 useful." 
 
 " And Archie Murray ? " 
 
 " A quiet Christian home in the country, where, with 
 dear sister Annie for my housekeeper, we can serve God 
 together." 
 
 Harry Seymour was lounging upon the stump of <, 
 tree, toying with the trinkets of a gold watch-chain, a 
 3light sneer upon his handsome face. 
 
 " And you, Harry ? Let me know your thoughts." 
 
 " All I want is plenty of money, that I may enjoy 
 myself buy fine horses, beautiful pictures, live in style, 
 travel, dash, with nothing to do."
 
 WESTBKOOK PARSONAGE. 125 
 
 ' Aud then ? " said the preceptor solemnly. 
 
 ' What do you mean, Dr. Arnold? " 
 
 " All this must end, Harry; and then, when this short 
 life is over, do you ever think what follows ? " 
 
 " I don't trouble myself about such things, now ; timft 
 enough for that." 
 
 " Has George any aspirations ? " asked the gentleman, 
 with a serious look. 
 
 " I want to make money, to be busy among the bulls 
 and bears of Wall Street, to heap up piles of gold, and 
 to be called one of the millionaires of New York." 
 
 " And these are the aspirations of immortals of 
 beings destined for eternity ! Allan and Archie alone 
 have objects worthy of their nature. Warren may reach 
 the pinnacle of fame; but that will not make him 
 happy. Harry may revel in self-indulgence, but the sati- 
 ated senses will be his tormentors; and George will spend 
 sleepless nights fearing to lose his gold ; while Allan and 
 Archie will enjoy the blessedness of a life spent for the 
 glory of God and the good of man here, and the un- 
 speakable bliss of endless happiness hereafter." 
 
 " I should like to know what we are all to be," said 
 Warren. " Suppose we agree to meet at Little Rugby 
 ten years hence, and truly relate our experience ? " 
 
 " Agreed," said all the boys. 
 
 " Thai is, if we are all spared," interposed Dr 
 Arnold. 
 
 " That of course," replied Warren. 
 11*
 
 !26 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 Each one then noted on his tablets the date of this 
 engagement. The remainder of the evening was spent 
 in settling accounts with Nichol, distributing books and 
 tracts, and reminding the father of his duty concerning 
 Nan, obtaining his promise to write to Westbrook, if 
 any trouble should come upon the poor girl. Early in 
 the morning, they bade farewell to the Adirondacks, 
 ai>d returning as they came, the boys soon recovered 
 their merry spirits, which had been somewhat subdued 
 among the grand and sombre objects of nature by which 
 they had been encompassed. They found it rather diffi- 
 cult to take home with them three animals instead of 
 two for Warren said that Alice must have the fawn; 
 and it cost Dr. Arnold some trouble to find a freight- 
 car, where animals were conveyed comfortably. 
 
 At the end of four weeks, we find them all at home 
 once more ; Alice charmed with her pet, and the family 
 group highly entertained by accounts of their summer 
 travel in the Adirondacks.
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 THE PASTOR'S AID. 
 
 * He that hath pity upon the poor, lendeth ante the Lord y nd 
 look, what he layeth out, it shall be paid him again." 
 
 fTIHE summer tour has been both profitable and 
 * delightful ; but the children eagerly return once 
 more to their pleasant household ways. The memory 
 of the grand mountain scenery, with its wild, roman- 
 tic features, will remain powerfully impressed upon the 
 hearts of the young travellers ; but the music of the 
 birds in the low trees of the orchard, and the perfume 
 of the sweet flowers around the parsonage were never 
 so precious as on this morning, when they met again 
 around the family altar. 
 
 " What is our subject to-day, Margaret? " 
 
 " The duty of benevolence, papa." 
 
 "A most delightful theme: and what have you gath- 
 ered from the Holy Book ? " 
 
 " ' Whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, 
 do ye even sr to them: for this is the law and the 
 prophets.' " 
 
 " And yours, Warren ? " 
 
 13T
 
 128 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 "'He that soweth little, shall reap little; and he that 
 eoweth plentifully, shall reap plentifully. Let every 
 man do according as he is disposed in his heart, not 
 grudgingly, or of necessity ; for God loveth a cheerful 
 giver.' " 
 
 " Let me hear yours, Allan." 
 
 " ' God is not unrighteous, that he will forget your 
 works, and labor that proceedeth from love ; which love 
 ye have showed for his Name's sake, who have ministered 
 to the saints, and yet do minister.' " 
 
 " This is mine, papa," said Alice. " ' Whoso hath this 
 world's goods, and seeth his brother have need, and 
 shutteth up his compassion from him, how dwelletb 
 the love of God in him?'" 
 
 " I am ready now for Edward's." 
 
 " ' To do good, and to distribute, forget not, for with 
 such sacrifices God is well pleased.' " 
 
 " Now Sunbeam's ? " 
 
 " ' Blessed be the man that provideth for the sick and 
 needy ; the Lord shall deliver him in the time of trou- 
 ble.'" 
 
 " A blessed and pleasant duty, dear children, we have 
 been considering, and one that seems especially pleasing 
 to our common Father. By-and-by, when we have 
 more time, I want to talk over this matter." 
 
 After family prayers, the good pastor is passing down 
 the lane, bent on an early errand of mercy to a suffering 
 member of his flock.
 
 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 129 
 
 " Can't you spare a minute, papa ? " said Alice. "Just 
 go with me to the summer-house : my head is brimful of 
 thoughts, and I want you to help me get them in some 
 order." 
 
 Mr. Hastings took out his watch : then, with a smile, 
 said, " I can spare a half-hour, daughter." 
 
 Taking his hand, she tripped lightly over the green 
 orchard, and seating himself, said pleasantly : " Now for 
 the labyrinth, Alice." 
 
 " Well, you see, papa, we each have a little bank of 
 our own : Father Morgan always leaves us something ; 
 Aunt Gertrude and Aunt Helen send us frequent 
 presents ; and I have been thinking how much good we 
 might do, if we only knew how. We always give some- 
 thing to the missionary fund at Sunday school ; but then 
 I want something here at the parsonage, just for our own 
 family." 
 
 "What would you like to do, Alice?" 
 
 " I have three questions to ask, papa When? How? 
 What?" 
 
 " Now, Alice, I shall not at present answer your ques- 
 tions ; but I '11 just leave you to think how objects of 
 nature work, and then come again and tell me your 
 thoughts. But good morning now, my love," and the 
 father stooped to imprint a kiss upon the sweet young 
 face, that looked so lovingly in his. She ran on before 
 
 him, opening the garden -gate for him to pass out, and 
 
 I
 
 130 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 then, slowly turning back, whispered to herself: "I an. 
 to look around on what God has done." 
 
 " What are you about, Alice ? " said sister Margaret. 
 " You appear to be dreaming all day, and mamma 
 wants us, I know." 
 
 " Does she, Mary ? then I am ready ; " and away 
 tripped the child, having found something to do. 
 
 " I have all these aprons to make for Lucy ; can't you 
 help me ? " said the lady. 
 
 " Gladly, mamma ; just show me how ;" and soon the 
 child was seated by her mother's side, busily plying 
 her needle, while her sweet voice sang : 
 
 " The mite my willing hands can give, 
 
 At Jesus' feet I lay; 
 Grace shall the humble gift receive, 
 Abounding grace repay." 
 
 When the task was done, Alice was out in the sum- 
 mer-house again. 
 
 " I wonder what papa means? There is the sun, how 
 does he work? All day long, and what for? just for 
 the good of man. There are the moon and stars, they 
 shine at night, and what for ? for the good of man and 
 glory of God." Many other thoughts came crowding 
 into the young brain, as she mused all day about the 
 puzzling questions of doing good : repeating again and 
 ajrnin, " When ? How ? What ? " 
 
 At worship, the father detained the family group
 
 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 131 
 
 awhile, and smiling, said, " Alice has been puzzled to- 
 day : now we must all help her ; she wants to bo doing 
 good, here at the parsonage, in a little band, I suppose?" 
 
 " Yes, that 's it, papa ; but now I want my first ques- 
 tion answered : When?" 
 
 " Can any one help Alice to an answer ? " said the 
 father. 
 
 " Whenever we have opportunity : is not that so, 
 papa ? " said Margaret. 
 
 " That is an excellent answer." 
 
 " Now, daughter, let me ask a question have you 
 been looking around to-day ? " 
 
 " Yes, papa, and thinking so very nard : I watched the 
 sun, papa." 
 
 " And what did you find out, Alice ? " 
 
 " That he shines all day for the good of man." 
 
 "What of the flowers; can you tell me, Margaret?" 
 
 " They cheer our hearts, perfume the air with their 
 sweetness; and many of them are useful in other 
 ways." 
 
 " What does the sun do? " 
 
 " I know, papa," said little Lucy ; " he warms the 
 earth, and makes the plants grow ; and he warms the 
 water, and makes the cool showers fall." - 
 
 " When does he do this ? " 
 
 " At all times, papa." 
 
 " Now we have answered your question. When must 
 we do good ? "
 
 132 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 " But he 's a great big sun, and we are so little not 
 even stars, papa," said Lucy. 
 
 " Stop awhile, darling; we'll find a place even for little 
 Sunbeam." 
 
 " Now comes my next question, papa : How ? " said 
 Alice. 
 
 " There is a beautiful answer to that in one of our 
 texts, papa," said Allan : " ' Not grudgingly, or of neces- 
 sity ; for God loveth a cheerful giver.' " 
 
 " That is not just what I mean," said Alice. " Perhaps 
 the other question tells what I want better: In what 
 
 "As the most good is done in bands or societies, I 
 suppose that is what you are looking for, Alice?" 
 
 " Yes, papa ; but I am more in the dark than ever." 
 
 " Think over the different societies at St. Barnabas'." 
 
 " There is the Dorcas Society, papa we could not 
 interfere with that ; and then there is the Missionary 
 Society that is too hard to follow ; then there is the 
 Mothers' Meeting." 
 
 " Pet Alice conducting a Mothers' Meeting, ha ! ha ! " 
 laughed brother Warren. 
 
 " I never thought of such a foolish thing, Warren : I 
 was only naming the different things. Then there is the 
 Mite Society that won't do either ; and there is the 
 Sunday school we are all too young to teach." 
 
 " Suppose I drop a word ? " said Margaret. " We want 
 to use our money and our time in some way to do good
 
 WESTBEOOK PARSONAGE. 133 
 
 to the bodies and souls of poor, or sick, or ignorant 
 people ; is not that what you want, Alice ? " 
 
 "Suppose, Alice," said her father, "that we pray 
 most earnestly to have our hearts filled with the love of 
 God : then we need not go searching about for ways to 
 do good ; for every breath of our existence will then be 
 a spontaneous benediction." 
 
 "Now we must have a name," continued Alice. 
 " There is the Gleaners no, that won't do ; for we are 
 not that, nor the Mite Gatherers either." 
 
 " How will Young Disciples do ? " asked Allan. 
 
 " Are we all really that ? " asked Margaret. " That 
 won't do either, I am afraid." 
 
 " What do you think of Sowers, or Workers, or Busy 
 Bees?" 
 
 " I don't like these names either, Allan." 
 
 " How will Dewdrops do ? " inquired Allan. 
 
 " It does not express what we want," answered Mar- 
 garet. 
 
 "The Little Flock," "The Children of the Parson- 
 age?" 
 
 "No no," said Alice. "Just let me think: we 
 want to help papa in his work among the poor, and 
 needy, and sorrowing. I have it ! ' The Pastor's Aid ; ' 
 that 's the name." 
 
 "Papa roust be president, mamma vice-president," 
 said Warren, " I secretary, Margaret treasurer, and all 
 
 the rest managers." 
 12
 
 134 WESTBKOOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 " That 's a new way, Warren, to elect one's- self to 
 office," said papa, laughing. 
 
 " It 's altogether novel, papa, and we won't quarrel, 
 shall we?" 
 
 " No no," said all the voices ; " Warren is the 
 best secretary." 
 
 " Now, how shall we begin ? " said Alice. 
 
 " Go about with your eyes open," answered mamma. 
 " You may not see much at first ; but if your hearts are 
 in the work, there is not a day without its holy mission." 
 
 " We are to report at first once a week on Saturday 
 evening, just after worship," said Warren. 
 
 The parents were deeply interested in " The Pastor's 
 Aid," but determined to give no more hints. Marga- 
 ret and Alice were often seen now busily engaged in 
 talking in the summer-house, but as yet have not accom- 
 plished any thing. 
 
 " Jacob is really sick," said Debby ; " he needs some 
 one to give him medicine and bathe his head with cool 
 water : I can only run up now and then, poor fellow I I 
 hate to leave him so much alone." 
 
 " Work for ' The Pastor's Aid,' " said Margaret. " I '11 
 stay with him to-day. But stop we were to go out with 
 Mrs. Lacey this afternoon, to take that delightful ride. 
 Well, I must give it up ! you go, Alice ! " 
 
 "I'll stay with him to-morrow," was the child's reply 
 
 And this was the first act of mercy performed b^ 
 " The Pastor's Aid."
 
 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 135 
 
 " ' Not grudgingly, or of necessity,' " said Margaret, as 
 she entered the room with a cheerful face, and took her 
 sent by the sick man. 
 
 "You are very good, miss," said the invalid, as he 
 felt the refreshment of the cool linen cloths upon his 
 burning head. 
 
 Margaret saw the carriage drive off with the party , 
 but kept down the feeling of regret, and resumed her 
 seat by the sufferer, happy in the thought that she had 
 resigned a pleasure for a duty. 
 
 The next day we find Alice in the sick man's room, 
 and the parents smiled as they said to each other, 
 " Work for ' The Pastor's Aid.' " 
 
 Next day, papa met Alice going out with her little 
 basket. 
 
 " Which way, Alice? " said the pastor. 
 
 " To get some lemons for Jacob, papa. We are finding 
 work." 
 
 " What are you about, Allan ? " asked his father, see- 
 ing him busily employed with paper, twine, and scissors. 
 
 " Making some kites for the little Watsons. You know 
 that they had such a good father : he is gone now ; and 
 I heard the boys say to each other, as they watched the 
 kites upon the common, ' No kites now !' The father's 
 gone, papa, but they shall have their kites." 
 
 For the afternoon, the orphans were soon made happy 
 as the rest by Allan's act of kindness. This was all 
 that they had to report the first Saturday evening :
 
 136 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 " Twenty-five cents spent for poor- Jacob, the sacrifict 
 of two days' uleasure for his comfort, and the expendi- 
 ture of twenty-five cents for the orphan boys." 
 
 Warren laughed heartily at the wonderful work of 
 the Pastor's Aid ; but the parents did not for they 
 looked deeper than did their son. 
 
 Margaret and Alice were out walking, when, by the 
 road-side, they saw' a poor, ragged child, without shoes 
 or stockings, weeping bitterly. 
 
 " What is the matter, little girl ? " inquiied Margaret, 
 in kind and sympathizing tones. 
 
 " My mother died last night : we have no way to bury 
 her. I have no one to care for me, now that she is gone." 
 
 " What is your name?" 
 
 " Maggie Dodd," was the reply. 
 
 "Where do you live, Maggie ?" inquired Margaret. 
 
 " If you will come with me, I will show you." 
 
 The two girls followed the desolate child to a wretched 
 home in the most miserable part of Westbrook. The 
 story was a true one, as the neighbors testified. 
 
 " Come home with us, Maggie," said Margaret Hast- 
 ings, " and we will see what can be done." 
 
 Taking the little one by the hand, Margaret led her 
 to the parsonage, and, taking her into the kitchen, 
 begged Debby to give her a good meal, and then went 
 into the sitting-room to consult mamma. 
 
 "We will find the grave-clothes, mamma," said Mar- 
 garet ; " but how can she be buried ? "
 
 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 137 
 
 " Mr. Robb, the sexton, will attend to it ; he can get 
 all that is necessary from the overseers of the poor. 
 But what is to be done with the poor child ? " 
 
 " She seems like a nice little thing, mamma, and the 
 neighbors all give her a good character ; we can give 
 her clothes, and can't we get her a place ? " 
 
 " We will try, Margaret. I heard Mrs. Lacey say, the 
 other day, that she would like to bring up a little girl, 
 for Ellen's time will soon be out." 
 
 The rest of the week was busily occupied with the 
 poor orphan child. By the close of another, she was 
 comfortably housed with Mrs. Lacey, and the Pastor's 
 Aid had done a good service in this charitable work. 
 
 " Getting along, my dear," said papa, as the sccuiul 
 report was read on Saturday night. 
 
 Maggie was placed in the Sunday school too, and the 
 young girls always felt as if Maggie was in some sense 
 their protegee. Work was multiplying now, for the cool 
 weather was coming on, and we find the girls busy in 
 knitting socks for the more destitute in the Sunday 
 school, Warren and Allan hunting up shoes and cast-off 
 clothing, and Edward and Lucy helping to buy flannel 
 for the old people. There was no lack of occupation 
 now, for the heart was in the work of the Pastor's Aid. 
 
 Late in the fall, a letter came from Nichol Lescure, 
 stating that he was laid by with rheumatism, and would 
 be housed all winter. Fortunately, he had got his sup- 
 ply of fuel under the shed, and provision enough to last 
 12*
 
 138 WESTBBOOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 until spring ; but he was in need of medicine, and Nan 
 of suitable clothing, for he had been unable to take her 
 down to Mrs. Hughes in time. If anything could be 
 sent soon, before the snow-storms commenced, Nan would 
 go down to the farm, and they would find a way to send 
 the box up the mountain. 
 
 "More work for the Pastor's Aid," said Wartvu. 
 "Now we shall have something worth doing; but our 
 funds are getting low. I '11 ask Harry Seymour he '11 
 give us something, and so will Dr. Arnold ; but not a 
 cent will we get out of George : he is too selfish for 
 that." 
 
 His words proved true the Arnolds contributed, 
 and so did Harry; but George had exhausted his 
 month's allowance so he said, which no one believed. 
 The box was filled up flannel for Nichol, warm clothes 
 for Nan, plenty of medicines and books selected from the 
 children's library, which they had read over and over 
 again. 
 
 " Won't Nan enjoy all this ? " said Allan, as he saw 
 the books packed away in the box. And so the Pastor's 
 Aid progressed, establishing the household flock in 
 practical benevolence, but by no means forgetting their 
 accustomed contributions at St. Barnabas'. In about 
 two weeks, they received a grateful acknowledgment of 
 r.he arrival of the box, and a repeated charge not t<j 
 neglect poor Nan if the father should be called away : 
 "For she is a good girl to her old father," wrote
 
 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 139 
 
 Nichol ; " and if I am spared, she shall go back to 
 Canada in the spring : but \ve are shut up now, for the 
 snow is falling daily, and we shall soon be banked up 
 for three or four months." 
 
 " That was a happy thought, Alice," said her father, 
 when he had read the next report of the Pastor's Aid ; 
 " happy for tbe recipients, but most for the originators 
 of this little working-band. May God continue to blesa 
 you *i your work"
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 ONE OP THE FLOCK SMITTEN. 
 Even BO, Father, for so it seemed good in Thy sight' 
 
 TTTE have an important subject to-day, my children," 
 said the pastor. " Let us hear what you have found 
 about the carnal mind." 
 
 " I have found most in the book of Romans, papa," 
 said Margaret; "and first, 'For to be carnally minded is 
 death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.' " 
 
 " And yours, Warren ? " 
 
 " ' Because the carnal mind is enmity against God ; 
 for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed 
 can be.' " 
 
 " I have one, papa," added Allan : " ' So then they 
 that are in the flesh cannot please God.' " 
 
 " Let me hear yours, Alice." 
 
 " ' That which is born of the flesh, is flesh ; and that 
 which is born of the spirit, is spirit.' " 
 
 "Will this do, papa?" said Edward: "'And you 
 hath he quickened who were dead in trespasses an! 
 sins.'" 
 
 '* Yes, my son, that is a very suitable passage. 
 
 140
 
 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 141 
 
 reiuember, dear children, that this is a description of the 
 nature which is brought with us into this world, and 
 which must be spiritually changed ere we be made fit 
 for the kingdom of heaven." 
 
 At the close of morning prayer, the father said : " The 
 new horse is in the carriage, children do not meddle 
 with him, for we are unacquainted with his disposition 
 yet ; but I am inclined to think him very spirited." 
 
 There is mourning at the parsonage, for old Brownie 
 is dead, the faithful creature that had drawn them for so 
 many years. 
 
 Warren is impetuous and self-willed, daring in his 
 nature, and, like all boys, fond of horses, and of display- 
 ing his strength and courage. He is standing at the 
 gate, with Alice, his darling pet: she is a beautiful 
 child, with deep blue eyes, and a profusion of golden 
 curls ; she is a sparkling little girl, very fond of brother 
 Warren, who is proud of his lovely sister. They are 
 admiring the new horse, who stands there pawing the 
 ground, as though impatient to be off. 
 
 "Isn't he splendid, brother?" said the child. At 
 that moment he gave a low whinny, turning his head 
 toward the two. 
 
 "I do believe that he wants us to get in the carriage," 
 said Warren; "suppose we do?" 
 
 "Would it be right, Warren?" said the child. 
 
 " I don't mean to drive off: I only want to see what he 
 would say to us?" Lifting Alice in, he took his place
 
 142 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 on the driver's seat, and, taking the reins lightly in hia 
 hand, laid them on the horse's neck. The touch of the 
 reins was enough for the spirited animal he started off; 
 and Warren tried to check him, but could not recover 
 the reins, which had dropped from his hand, and were 
 striking the animal's shanks repeatedly. Before War- 
 ren could regain possession of them he was in full gal- 
 lop, and it was in vain to try to stop him. 
 
 Jacob heard the noise, and saw the danger ; he fol- 
 lowed the flying carriage, making a zigzag course, until, 
 striking upon a large stump of a tree, Alice was dashed 
 out of the carriage, and Jacob was just in time to save 
 her from the hoofs of the animal. 
 
 Warren was in agony as he bent over the insensible 
 child. " Is she dead, Jacob ? " said the boy, wringing 
 his hands. 
 
 " I think not, for the heart is beating ; but we must 
 get her home immediately ;" and lifting the child in his 
 arms, he hurried with her to the parsonage. 
 
 " Run on before, Master Warren," said the man, " and 
 bring in Dr. Lacey." 
 
 Fleet as the wind, the boy soon reached home, and 
 after having prepared the family for the sight of their 
 sweet Alice, he hurried over to the doctor, who had not 
 yet started on his morning tour. Upon examination, he 
 pronounced the spine seriously injured, but could not 
 tell the final result for weeks yet. Papa stood by witb 
 a troubled, reproachful face, as he looked at Warren.
 
 WE8TBROOK PARSONAGE. 143 
 
 " Don't reproach me, papa," said the boy. "I did not 
 aiean to drive off: we only took a seat in the carriage, 
 to see how the horse would act ; the reins fell around his 
 feet, and that started him. I know what you would say, 
 papa we should not have got in ; but don't reproach 
 me I am punished enough." 
 
 Weeks of great suffering followed this distressing acci- 
 dent, and Warren spent all his leisure time by the bed- 
 side of the sufferer, a most devoted and faithful nurse. 
 
 There is a consultation of eminent physicians, at thd 
 close of twelve weeks, and the sentence has gone forth : 
 " Alice will never walk again." 
 
 Warren was in the entry, listening with fearful anx- 
 iety. He overheard the dreadful words, and clasping 
 both hands to his throbbing head, he rushed away to 
 his room, where he remained all day, pacing the floor 
 in agony, or tossing upon the bed, a pitiable sight to be- 
 hold. Repeated messages had been sent to him, but his 
 door was fastened ; at length his father knocked : 
 
 " Open the door, Warren : I have something to say to 
 you, my son." 
 
 " Please, dear papa, spare me not yet I cannot see 
 any one : I am not fit to see those whom I have so 
 afflicted." 
 
 "By-and-by, my son, I will be back again." To- 
 ward evening the father returned. " This time I must 
 come in, Warren." The boy arose and unlocked th<- 
 door. With haggard face, and bloodshot eyes, he met
 
 144 WESTBKOOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 his father's pitying gaze. " Here is a cup of tea, War- 
 ren : you must take it it will revive you ; and then you 
 must come to Alice : she is the only one that can com 
 fort you sweet, patient child!" 
 
 " How can I look at her, papa ? Have I not blighted 
 her young life, papa? her sweet, young life? Alice! 
 Alice ! " and the boy raised his clasped hands over his 
 burning head. 
 
 Dr. Hastings took the hands between his own, put 
 back the dark locks from his orcw, and bathed his face 
 in cool water, laying iced cloths upon his head. 
 
 " So comforting, papa ! " said Warren, as he laid down, 
 somewhat quieted. " How did she bear it, papa ? " 
 
 " Almost like an angel, Warren ; she says, ' It is God's 
 will, I can bear it, papa ; ' and ever since she has been 
 whispering words of peace to her mother and the rest. 
 Come, now, Warren, she wants to see you." 
 
 Leaning on his father's arm, the suffering boy went 
 slowly along the passage, until he reached the door of 
 his sister's room. 
 
 " Stop a minute, Warren they are singing." 
 
 And the sweet voices within, in low, soothing strains, 
 sang the words of that beautiful hymn : 
 
 " Thy will be done." 
 
 They stopped, and Dr. Hastings opened the door. 
 Alice was lying on her bed, the most composed of all 
 that suffering group. Long confinement and suffering
 
 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 145 
 
 hal paled the roses on her cheek, but the lily tint was 
 just as lovely, and the deep blue eyes turned to the 
 door with such a look of love, as, smiling, she extended 
 her arms, and said, " Dear, dear Warren, come to me; " 
 and folding her arms around her brother, she pressed 
 sweet kisses upon the boy's cheek and brow. 
 
 " You are weak, dear : come, lie down ; I have a great 
 iloul to say, and the rest will leave us by ourselves." The 
 'loor closed, and the two loving hearts were alone ID 
 their sorrow. 
 
 " Now, Warren, you must not grieve so : it is God's 
 will, or I would not be lying here. You did not drive 
 the animal he started himself." 
 
 " Yes, sister, I know that ; but I persuaded you to get 
 in." 
 
 " Still, Warren, nothing happens without God's knowl- 
 edge : you know the sparrow does not fall to the ground 
 unless he knows it, and I know that we are better than 
 the sparrows." 
 
 " But you are so young, Alice, and such a lively bird: 
 how can you live shut up in the house all the time? " 
 
 " I shall not be, brother ; Dr. Lacey says that I can 
 have a carriage made, which can be drawn by the hand, 
 and that I must go out every day. You will draw me, 
 and so will Allan, and everybody at the parsonage ; 
 why, papa, mamma, and everybody would act horse for 
 /Vlice." 
 
 " But are you to be always on the bed, Alice ? " 
 13 K
 
 146 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 "Not always, brother: papa is going to have a swing- 
 ing couch made, on wheels, that can be moved about 
 anywhere, with an arrangement for sitting up at any 
 height, by hinges at the head-board. I am getting bet- 
 ter now, and I can soon read, and sew, and draw ; and I 
 am to be down in the little room, next to the library, all 
 day, and carried up at night." 
 
 Warren was sobbing again : the very sweetness ago- 
 nized the boy. She laid her hand gentiy uron his brow, 
 and whispered, " Don't cry so, dear Warren : we shall 
 have many sweet hours together ; and I am one of the 
 Pastor's Aid yet. I shall not go to school any more, 
 but Dr. Arnold will give me lessons twice a week, as 
 soon as the doctor says that I am ready. All the meet- 
 ings of the society will be in my room, Warren, and 
 I can do more now than I used to." 
 
 "How is that, Alice?" 
 
 " I have been thinking a great deal about it, wl>eu 
 alone. I can write little notes to children, and to poor 
 people, and to sick people, and perhaps they may be 
 willing to attend to a little girl's words, when they come 
 from a suffering couch." 
 
 " Do you really feel happy, Alice ? " 
 
 "Not yet, Warren, but contented. By-and-by, when 
 I get used to my couch, then we shall have merry times, 
 again ; we are not going to sigh and cry all the time." 
 
 This interview was a great comfort to the boy, and 
 daily did he seek the sufferer's room, where gradually
 
 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 147 
 
 ne learned to hear this great sorrow patiently. In 
 a few weeks more, the swinging couch arrived ; cush- 
 ioned and placed in the little room down stairs, Alice 
 was laid upon it, and Warren rocked the cradle, for such 
 it really was. 
 
 " You must learn the sweet cradle-song, brother, and 
 when I am in pain, you shall sing it ; I mean Gott- 
 schalk's; it is so soothing: go play it, Margaret; I can 
 hear, if you open the parlor-door. Is not this delightful, 
 Warren ? Here I am in the midst of you all, close by 
 mamma's sitting-room so near papa that he can run in 
 and get his twelve-o'clock lunch with me in sight of 
 the sweet orchard in hearing of the singing birds. 
 Mamma can sit here with her sewing, and Margaret can 
 soothe me with her sweet music on the parlor organ. 
 Then, in the afternoon, you can bring round my little 
 carriage, and we can ride through the pleasant lanes, 
 and I can enjoy life yet, Warren." 
 
 Alice spent much time now reading her Testament, 
 and the Holy Spirit, with all His enlightening and sanc- 
 tifying power, was her teacher. As soon as she was 
 dressed in the morning, she would say, " Now, mamma, 
 my little Testament then leave me alone for half an 
 hour; this is my sweetest hour until evening conies 
 round again." Always present at morning prayer, she 
 still took her part in the selection of the daily texts. 
 Every member of the family vied with each other in at- 
 tentions to the sweet child ; and the lovely flowers, alwayi
 
 148 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 on her table by the side of her couch, gave daily proof 
 of the love bestowed upon Alice Hastings by the people 
 of St. Barnabas'. Smitten, indeed, in the early days of 
 bright, happy girlhood ; but in this case truly did " pa- 
 tience have her perfect work." 
 
 Alice is growing in grace under the discipline of suf- 
 fering. It is esteemed a privilege by many to sit by her 
 couch, and hear her tell, in her own touching way, about 
 the goodness of God, and all that is done to make her 
 happy ; and many an impressive sermon is preached un- 
 consciously in that little room of privation and trial. 
 
 But there is another visitation at the parsonage the 
 little delicate lamb, baby Emily, suddenly taken from 
 the flock, and translated to the kingdom above. It is 
 the first empty chair in the family group ; but \vith the 
 bereavement comes the comfort, for they feel that the 
 frail little blossom is sheltered in her Father's house 
 from the rude blasts of this lower world, and know thai 
 they shall meet again.
 
 CHAPTER XL 
 
 ENGLESBY TERRACE. 
 " For the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God." 
 
 is a fine site for a residence but a few rods 
 from the parsonage, and the inmates of the latter 
 have often wished that it might be occupied by some 
 agreeable neighbor. It was the highest situation any- 
 where near, and the fresh green of the grassy slope 
 seemed exactly the spot for a beautiful lawn. There 
 were many fine trees, too, on the hill, the property ex- 
 tending back to the pretty creek bordering this part of 
 Westbrook. One day, a carriage drove up to the hill, 
 and a lady and young girl, accompanied by a gentleman, 
 stepped out. Both were in deep mourning, and gave 
 rise to some agreeable speculations among the young 
 folks at the parsonage, as they walked around the 
 premises, the gentleman measuring distances. In a few 
 weeks, the workmen were there, breaking the ground, 
 and Warren remarked : 
 
 " I think that we are going to have neighbors on the 
 hill, papa : the workmen are already on the premises." 
 
 The children were deeply interested in watching the 
 13 149
 
 150 WESTBEOOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 progress of affairs, as the handsome browiwtone house 
 rose rapidly. In the meanwhile, one of the new orilcr 
 of ministers is about to take up his abode at Westbrook, 
 bringing with him the fossils in which he imagines there 
 is life. A number of the inhabitants are tainted with 
 the defunct theology, and must have a chapel of their 
 own, where they can enjoy High Ritualism, as they have 
 it in the neighboring city. 
 
 The family at the parsonage somehow associate the 
 new mansion on the hill and the embryo chapel to- 
 gether, for a clergyman in peculiar garb is often seen 
 walking around the grounds, conversing with the work- 
 men, and frequently, with the lady in mourning, seems to 
 be giving advice. 
 
 It is soon announced that the corner-stone of a new 
 chapel will be laid about eight blocks from St. Barna- 
 bas', to be called St. Gregory's, and the minister is the 
 Rev. Hugh Moncrief. 
 
 The two buildings proceed until the cold weather 
 obliges the workmen to stop until spring. 
 
 There is a letter from Mrs. Hughes at the Adirondack 
 Iron Works, telling that Nichol Lescure is no more, and 
 that poor Nan is at the Newcombe Farm, homeless and 
 pennyless, asking, at the same time, if the former visitors 
 at the mountains can do any thing for her. 
 
 Dr. Arnold is consulted.
 
 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 161 
 
 " We cannot refuse the call, can we, sisters ? " said the 
 good man. 
 
 " I think not," was Mary Arnold's quick reply. 
 " We could make such a girl very useful in our family, 
 und it might be a great blessing to the poor child to 
 bring her within reach of the Gospel." 
 
 " She shall come," said the brother, and, writing im- 
 mediately, Mrs. Hughes replied that her husband was 
 going on the following week to New York, and would 
 be there on Thursday at the hotel-depot with the child, 
 where he would wait for some one to take her to West- 
 brook. 
 
 Margaret and Alice were greatly interested in the 
 prospect of a stranger added to the Westbrook circle. 
 
 " More work for the Aid, sister," said Alice. " We 
 must hunt up something for Nan, for I suppose she will 
 hardly look civilized here." 
 
 With the help of Mrs. Lacey and the ladies at Little 
 Rugby, they gathered quite enough material for a decent 
 outfit in a few days. Dr. Arnold was at the post on 
 the day appointed, and poor Nan silently took his hand, 
 bursting into tears ; for the memory of the summer 
 visitors had always been fraught with pleasant associa- 
 tions, and was now especially linked with her departed 
 father. 
 
 "You have friends at Westbrook, Nan," said Dr. 
 Arnold : " don't gneve too much they are waiting for 
 you."
 
 152 WE8TBROOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 Toward evening they arrived at Little Rugbj, and 
 the ladies wondered how they were going to make any- 
 thing civilized out of such a wild, rough-looking child 
 as the one brought to their fireside. Large and muscu- 
 lar for fourteen, with a brown, weather-beaten skin, and 
 shaggy black hair, shrinking away from strangers, 
 almost afraid to raise her eyes, which were the only 
 redeeming features of her face ; but when she did raise 
 them for a moment, Margaret Arnold saw that they 
 were large, lustrous, and full of feeling. 
 
 Dr. Arnold went over for Margaret after tea, and the 
 soft dark eyes, with the low, sweet tones of voice that fell 
 upon the ears of the orphan child, seemed at once to 
 inspire her with confidence ; for coming quietly to her 
 side, she laid her hand in Margaret's, and seemed quite 
 satisfied with her new friends. 
 
 "This is a subject for Alice," said Dr. Arnold. " Nan 
 must go over on Saturday afternoon- I am sure that 
 Alice will do her good." 
 
 Next morning she was early at the parsonage, and the 
 two girls were soon busy, with the help of mamma, in 
 devising ways of making Nan a little more presentable. 
 
 On the following day, Nan was present at family 
 prayers, and listened very attentively to the instruction 
 of the good pastor. 
 
 " What is our subject to-day, Margaret? " 
 
 "The duty of repentance, papa ; and this is my text: 
 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized
 
 WESTBEOOK PARSONAGE. 163 
 
 every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the 
 remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the 
 Holy Ghost.' " 
 
 " I am ready for yours, Warren." 
 
 " ' I tell ye nay, but except ye repent, ye shall all 
 likewise perish.'" 
 
 " What has Allan to say ?" 
 
 " ' And the times of this ignorance God winked at, but 
 uo\v commandeth all men everywhere to repent.' " 
 
 "Has Alice any?" 
 
 " ' And they went out and preached that men should 
 repent.' " 
 
 " I am waiting for Edward's ? " 
 
 " ' Repent ye, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.' " 
 
 " Now Sunbeam's ? " said the pastor, with his smile for 
 the little one. 
 
 " ' Repent ye, and believe the gospel.' " 
 
 " You have brought me excellent texts, my children, 
 on a very important subject. Man is everywhere a sin- 
 ner, and needs to repent before God ; but true repentance 
 is the gift of the Holy Spirit, and for this we must pray, 
 that he would enable us to see our sins and to exercise 
 that godly sorrow which needeth not to be repented of." 
 
 Nan looked around with a bewildered expression, for 
 she wondered where they got all those ' vords from . 
 :*he was sure that she knew none. 
 
 Two days of altering and fitting, with Mrs. Lacey's 
 help, did wonders ; and when Nan made her appearance
 
 J54 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 at Little Rugby at the close of the third day, the ladies 
 scarcely could believe that there could have been such a 
 transformation. The short, skimped, brown dress was 
 exchanged for a dark de laine, made high in the neck, 
 with a crimped ruffle, and a neat, white apron. Good 
 boots and stockings had replaced those completely worn 
 out ; and a straw hat, with black ribbon, placed upon hair 
 neatly combed, and black and glossy now, gave quite a 
 civilized appearance to the mountain girl. 
 
 " Are n't they good, Dr. Arnold ? " said the girl, her 
 dark eyes swimming in grateful tears. 
 
 " Yes, Nan ; you have found friends now. Miss Mar- 
 garet is one of the kindest and best ; and Miss Alice 
 well ! you '11 find out all about that, dear child, on 
 Saturday afternoon." 
 
 The ladies at Little Rugby found Nan to be docile 
 and willing, very anxious to repay her kind benefactors 
 for what they had done for her, but utterly ignorant of 
 all the customs of civilized life, so that they had much 
 to teach how to sit in a proper, feminine manner 
 what uses to make of her fingers how to enter a room, 
 and when not to enter and how to take care of her per- 
 son. But there was good progress ; and what she once 
 really learned, she was not apt to forget. 
 
 The appearance of Alice Hastings had made a deep 
 impression upon the girl, for she had never conceived of 
 anything so spiritual as the lovely child, who was now 
 her teacher. Words from such a source came fraughl
 
 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 155 
 
 to Nan with great power ; and whenever she returned to 
 Little Rugby from these interviews, she could relate all 
 that hud passed, and the ladies comforted Alice with 
 the assurance that she had no more hopeful pupil than 
 poor Nan Lescure. 
 
 But her first visit to St. Barnabas' was one not to be 
 forgotten ; for notwithstanding all the instruction of the 
 ladies, concerning deportment in the house of God, she 
 was so struck with wonder that she was an object of 
 much amusement to the young folks near her. With 
 eyes roving about, and mouth open, she watched the 
 congregation and the minister; and when the organ 
 struck up, Nan started to her feet with a bound, and, 
 facing the organ, wondered what there was up in that 
 high gallery. Nan had never been in the house of God 
 before, and when Miss Mary tried to help her find the 
 places in the Prayer Book, there was but little devotion 
 in that day's service in the Arnold pew, for curiosity 
 was so wide awake, that nothing could silence her whis- 
 pered questions ; but she tried in some degree to imitate 
 the manner of the people rather too closely, for Mies 
 Mary had told her to watch her neighbors, and follow 
 their example, adding that she would know the mean- 
 ing of everything hereafter. Unfortunately for the first 
 lesson, there were strangers present on that morning at 
 Si. Barnabas', and Nan selected the most demonstrative 
 in her first attempt at outward worship. Miss Marj 
 observed persons smiling near her, and could scarcely
 
 156 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 restrain a smile herself, when she saw Nan imitating, in 
 a wonderfully awkward manner, the bowings and genu- 
 flections of several ladies of the ritualistic order, not only 
 in the Creed, but in all the Glorias, evidently satisfied 
 with herself. The Hastings children had one glimpse, 
 mid the father was pained at the sight of Edward and 
 Lucy, first glancing at Nan, and then covering their 
 eyes iu their efforts to hide their laughter, whispering 
 every now and then at some new attempt at imitation. 
 Miss Mary was careful, after that, how she told Nan to 
 follow the example of her neighbors. 
 
 The winter passed rapidly away, for all were busy 
 people, both at the parsonage and at Little Rugby. 
 Alice was deeply interested in her protegee, for now she 
 was full of questions, and drank in Scriptural knowledge 
 with great avidity. 
 
 Early in the spring, the build iug on Englesby Terrace 
 recommenced, and, by the first summer month, was com- 
 pleted. The young people at the parsonage asked per- 
 mission of the workmen to go through the building, 
 which they found to be an elegantly finished mansion, 
 with all the conveniences of modern days. There was 
 one room on the second floor, adjoining a large, front 
 chamber, which most excited their curiosity, having a 
 large bay-window, of the richest painted glass ; the walls 
 also were illuminated and adorned with pictures of 
 Scripture scenes. There was an especially fine painting 
 of the Virgin, which overlooked something like a small
 
 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 157 
 
 altar, covered with a richly embroidered cloth, reaching 
 to the floor ; on each end of the altar were silver can- 
 dlesticks, \?itli a crucifix in the centre, and on one side 
 lav the Prayer Book, the Book of Hours, and a copy of 
 the Director ium Anglicanum, and a Bible. 
 
 "Can you tell me the lady's name?" said Margaret, 
 to an upholsterer, passing through the room. 
 
 " I think it is Sherwood, a very wealthy lady from 
 New York, who is coming here with her daughter to 
 live." 
 
 " Is she a Roman Catholic ? " inquired Warren. 
 
 "I believe not," said the man, smiling: "she is one 
 of the ritualists ; halfway to Rome, I should say." 
 
 The house was partially furnished, the halls and stair- 
 case adorned with large and elegant pictures set in 
 niches, especially one of the Nativity and the Ascension. 
 Flowers were blooming in the garden, for men had been 
 at work there from early spring. It was evidently the 
 home of affluence; but not of enlightened piety. So 
 thought Margaret Hastings, as she turned homeward. 
 
 For several days longer, rich furniture was arriving, 
 and the mansion was frequently visited by the lady in 
 mourning. 
 
 One morning, at an early hour, Margaret perceived 
 the lady, accompanied by a very young girl, in sable 
 weeds also, walking in the grounds. 
 
 " I think that the strangers have come, mamma," said 
 
 the young lady. " The younger one is a sweet-looking 
 14
 
 15S WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 girl of about fifteen, and seems very attentive to her 
 mother. I hope that we shall have agreeable neighbors." 
 
 Seclusion seemed, however, to be what the lady de- 
 sired seldom going out, except to ride, or to attend 
 upon the services at St. Gregory's. 
 
 Mrs. Sherwood was the widow of Howard Sherwood, 
 a wealthy merchant of New York, who at his death 
 left a princely fortune to his widow and child. They 
 had been a united, happy pair, and the bereavement had 
 BO bowed down the widow's heart, that she had entirely 
 renounced the gay world in which she had formerly 
 moved, and turned her thoughts to preparation for 
 another world. Unfortunately, she had cast her lot 
 among the high ritualists of New York ; but there 
 was too much of a longing desire to know the truth, 
 too much consciousness of estrangement from a holy 
 God, ever to be entirely satisfied with the glitter and 
 sensuous worship of St. Agapius'. To be sure, there was 
 emotion of a certain character during the processional 
 singing There was something of awe and superstitious 
 reverence when at the Holy Communion she was 
 taught that she bowed in the presence of the real body 
 and blood of our Lord. She would have felt the same at 
 hearing the strains of Stabat Maier, or during the sing- 
 ing of the Miserere ; but that was not spiritual worship. 
 She would have felt the same at an opera where dra- 
 matic performance sometimes partook of a religious 
 character ; but neither was that spiritual worship.
 
 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 159 
 
 Anxious to know the truth, Mrs. Sherwood read the 
 Bcriptures daily; and there she found justification by 
 faith the new birth, adoption, sanctifi cation, and con- 
 scious assurance of peace with God. These were distant 
 oases in the spiritual life never yet reached; for the 
 mirage of the ritualistic desert constantly misled her 
 thirsty search, only to tantalize her weary wanderings. 
 But, under the guidance of the Rev. Hugh Moncrief, she 
 still attended upon the daily service at St. Gregory's, for 
 she knew nothing better. 
 
 Her daughter Agnes was a lovely girl of fifteen, moat 
 carefully trained in her mother's faith. Imaginative, 
 refined, talented, there was much in this sensuous wor- 
 ship, these object-lessons of false doctrine, to fascinate a 
 young and ardent nature, and Agnes was an enthusiastic 
 devotee. 
 
 Taught that she was truly regenerated in the sacra- 
 ment of baptism, at an early age she had been confirmed, 
 and brought to the Holy Communion ; and so the young 
 creature thought herself a real Christian. 
 
 Agnes possessed many personal attractions a grace- 
 ful form, a clear olive skin, where the tints of the peach 
 gave brightness to the dreamy dark eyes, a profusion of 
 silky hair, dark as the raven's wing, and a smile whose 
 fascination captivated all hearts. 
 
 We find her, one summer evening, walking near the 
 parsonage grounds the windows are open, and it is the 
 hour of evening prayer. Margaret Hastings is presid
 
 160 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 ing at the organ the rich voices within are singing the 
 gweet evening hymn : 
 
 " Glory to thee, my God, this night, 
 For all the blessings of the light: 
 Keep me, keep me, King of kings, 
 Under thine own almighty wings." 
 
 Agnes is impressed by the solemn music, as it comes 
 stealing through the windows, riveting her footsteps near 
 the large tree at the gate of the parsonage. Then 
 came the tones, but not the words, of the pastor's 
 evening prayer. She is still leaning against the tree, 
 when Margaret and Warren come out on the piazza, and, 
 arm in arm, walk out into the orchard. Agnes walked 
 slowly homeward, filled with the solemn thoughts of the 
 music at the parsonage. 
 
 " I wish that you could have heard the sweet evening 
 hymn at the parsonage, mamma," said the young girl ; 
 "it was so heavenly. I never heard anything that 
 impressed me so much." 
 
 " They say that Mr. Hastings is one of the evangeli- 
 cals, Agnes; and that means opposed to the views 
 of the Holy Catholic Church." 
 
 " Then I suppose that I saw the son and daughter ; 
 she is about eighteen such a lovely girl, and her 
 brother equally interesting. I wish that they would call 
 upon us, mamma." 
 
 " I dare say that they will, Agnes ; but I don't core
 
 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 161 
 
 for much intimacy; we don't think alike, and there 
 would be no harmony in our religious views." 
 
 In a few days, Mrs. Hastings called upon her new 
 neighbor. There was much in Mrs. Sherwood to 
 attract lady-like manners ; a sweet, sad countenance, 
 rendered still more interesting by her widow's dress; 
 and evident refinement of taste. 
 
 " We have long wished for a neighbor on the hill," 
 said the pastor's wife ; " and I hope that you will not be 
 a ceremonious visitor." 
 
 " I have lived a very secluded life since my husband's 
 death," was the reply, "seldom going out, except to 
 church ; but I should be glad to see your family fre 
 quently. Agnes was quite charmed with the peep that 
 she had the other evening of your son and daughter." 
 
 " If you ever feel disposed to step in at St. Barnabas', 
 you will always find a seat at No. 10, in the middle aisle, 
 near the pulpit." 
 
 Mrs. Sherwood smiled as she replied: "I would return 
 the courtesy by inviting you to No. 5, at St. Gregory's ; 
 but I suppose that Mrs. Hastings would not like her 
 family to be seen among us ritualists." 
 
 " It is probable that we may accept your invitation 
 occasionally," was the courteous reply ; for Mrs. Hast- 
 ings was too much of a Christian lady to indulge in free 
 remarks on a visit to her new neighbor. A pleasant 
 impression was left upon the minds of both ladies ; and 
 14* L
 
 162 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 Mrs. Sherwood took an early opportunity to return the 
 visit. 
 
 Really pleased with all that she saw at the parsonage, 
 she was especially impressed by the youthful sufferer, 
 who lay so patiently on her couch, and who received the 
 visitors with such a sweet, pleasant smile. 
 
 " How long have you been confined to vvur couch, my 
 dear?" 
 
 " Two years," was the meek reply. 
 
 " I suppose that you look forward to your recovery, 
 my dear, with great anxiety ? " 
 
 Alice dropped her eyes as she replied : " I have no 
 such prospect, Mrs. Sherwood. This is my couch as 
 long as I live." 
 
 Tears suffused the eyes of both visitors, who could not 
 reply. 
 
 " I am very happy, Mrs. Sherwood. I do not suffer 
 much. I am surrounded by loving friends. I can sew, 
 and read, and write, I can help the Pastor's Aid yet, 
 can teach a class of little girls once a week ; and have 
 the hope of heaven at last, when all is over. Then I have 
 such a father! Do you know my father, Mrs. Sher- 
 wood?" continued the child, fixing her eloquent eyes 
 upon the lady's face. 
 
 " I have not the pleasure, Alice ; but hope to know 
 him soon." 
 
 " I have not told you the half of my blessings ; hut 
 you '11 find them out by coming to see me often."
 
 WE8TBBJ)OK. PARSONAGE. 163 
 
 At the close of the visit, Mrs. Sherwood and Agnes 
 both kissed the dear child ; and, from that day, the lady 
 jjent frequent offerings of love to the invalid ; sometimes 
 a bunch of sweet flowers, at others a basket of rare 
 fruit ; sometimes a little sum for the Pastor's Aid, and 
 occasionally a lovely picture for ner rx>m.
 
 CHAPTER xn. 
 
 CHRISTMAS AT ST. BARNABAS'. 
 
 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, and good-will 
 towards men." 
 
 seasons come and go, with their sunshine and 
 their shadow, and through their misty gates march 
 out the immortals : this in the world of nature. In the 
 kingdom of grace, the Church, too, has her seasons 
 marching closely in the footsteps of her glorious Master. 
 For weeks the Advent trumpet has been calling to 
 Christians to prepare their welcome for their Lord in 
 more exultant peals, as the Feast of the Nativity is 
 drawing nigh. 
 
 It is now a winter evening at the parsonage. The 
 snow is falling fast without ; and the couch of the in- 
 valid is wheeled into the family parlor. 
 
 "Draw down the curtains, mamma," said Alice. 
 " Please raise me up on high. I feel well to-night ; 
 and I have yet so much to do before Christmas. All 
 my little girls must have a hood for the cold weather ; 
 and I can knit just as well at night as in the day- 
 
 time." 
 
 1M
 
 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 165 
 
 The family are gathered around the fireside, for there 
 is a low grate sending out its glowing light and heat 
 
 " Is n't this pleasant, mamma ? " said Alice. " Man> 
 'ma and Margaret, Warren and Edward and Lucy." 
 
 Just then, the door opened, and, to the surprise of all 
 present, in stepped the pastor, in wrapper and slippers, 
 evidently prepared for an evening at home. Alice's 
 bright eyes sparkled with delight, as she said : 
 
 " And dear papa, too ! I wish that I could " She 
 checked herself, and added : " Come here, papa ; let me 
 kiss you on both your dear cheeks!" Drawing him 
 down, she continued, " No lecture to-night ? Are we to 
 have you all to ourselves ? Is n't that delightful ! " 
 
 " No lecture, dear," replied papa ; "and I rather think 
 no visitor on such a night ; and I am to have a concert 
 here, at home." 
 
 Up jumped Warren ; and, turning over the music 
 book, he brought Margaret to the organ. 
 
 " Let us practise some of our Christmas hymns," said 
 Alice. " It is coming on pretty fast." 
 
 " What first ? " said Margaret, taking her seat at the 
 instrument. 
 
 " ' God Rest Ye, Merry Gentlemen,' " said Alice ; and 
 all the sweet voices joined in singing the several parts 
 of that old hymn. 
 
 "Now, 'Three Kings of Orient,' " said Allan. 
 
 " Now for mine," said papa. " It is a great favorite 
 among the ritualists; but, never mind, it is a sweet
 
 j66 WESTBBOOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 hymn, and we can enjoy it here in the parsonage 
 parlor." 
 
 With full hearts and sweet expression the whole 
 compan} sang " Jerusalem the Golden," Alice knitting 
 busily all the while, and the family group wondering 
 if anything more lovely in human shape had ever 
 graced the earth. The faint color was returning to 
 her cheek once more; the eyes were soft and lustrous 
 again ; a sweet look of saintly piety gave tenderness to 
 the beauty which had once been so brilliant ; the golden 
 hair lay parted on the forehead, descending in waving 
 curls around the fair young face. 
 
 In the midst of their enjoyment, a ring came to the 
 hall -door. 
 
 " There, now ! that is a visitor," said Warren. " I fear 
 that our pleasant party will be broken up." 
 
 The hall -door opened, and the knocking of snow 
 from the feet upon the entry carpet indicated a call. 
 In a minute or two, the bright, sunny faces of Mrs. 
 Lacey and Sarah peeped in at the parlor -door, the 
 former with a basket in her hand. 
 
 " Let me take your hood and cloak," said Mrs. Hast- 
 ings. 
 
 " I just imagined such a family party," said the vis- 
 itor, "and I have brought some splendid bellflowers and 
 English walnuts just the thing for a winter fireside." 
 
 " Thank you, dear madam," said Warren, who had 
 by this time changed his mind as to the intrusion.
 
 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 167 
 
 Knitting in hand, the ladies were soon at home, and 
 the music commenced again. 
 
 At the close of the entertainment, a very lively party 
 gathered around the table, where they enjoyed the feast 
 brought by good Mrs. Lacey. 
 
 " Show Mrs. Lacey my beautiful present," said Alice ; 
 and Margaret led the way into the little room, lighting 
 the gas. The ladies were delighted by the sight of a 
 melodeon that stood against the wall, and a picture of 
 Christmas-eve that hung above it. 
 
 " That is the gift of Mrs. Sherwood, our new neigh- 
 bor," said Mrs. Hastings. " She seems to have taken a 
 great interest in Alice, and there is scarcely a day that 
 she does not send something." 
 
 " What a pity that she is such a ritualist ! " said Mrs. 
 Lacey. " I hear that she even goes to secret confession 
 to Mr. Moncrief." 
 
 " We must not believe all that we hear, Mrs. Lacey ; 
 though, according to her own account, she is a devoted 
 ritualist." 
 
 "Is not that a lovely picture?" said the child, as 
 they returned to the parlor. " I tell papa that I must 
 have a party too on Christmas-eve." 
 
 " But you know, dear, that we don't have parties at 
 the parsonage," replied the father ; " for we can make 
 no distinctions among the people." 
 
 " But I know that you will let me have such a one as 
 I want, papa, where the Saviour himself would come,
 
 168 WE8TBKOOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 if he were on earth. Let me read you some of my 
 passages ; " and taking her little Testament from behind 
 the pillow, she read : 
 
 " ' When thou makest a dinner or a supper, call not 
 thy friends, nor thy brethren, neither thy kinsmen, nor 
 thy rich neighbors ; lest they also bid thee again, and a 
 recompense be made thee. 
 
 " ' But when thou makest a feast, call the poor, the 
 maimed, the lame, the blind; 
 
 "'And thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recom- 
 pense thee ; for thou shalt be recompensed at the resur- 
 rection of the just.' 
 
 " Now I have been thinking of just such a party, and 
 have hit upon a plan." 
 
 " Let us hear it, Alice," said Mrs. Lacey ; " perhaps 
 I can help you." 
 
 " I can find plenty of guests," said Alice, " among 
 the poor communicants. There is old Aunty Miller, 
 who is nearly blind ; and there is Robert Jordan, who 
 is lame and sick ; and Matty Hoskins, so long a crip- 
 ple ; Jenny Thompson, poor and old ; Daniel Homer, 
 paralyzed ; Letty Fenton and her grand-daughter, and 
 my six little scholars : fourteen in all." 
 
 " How in the world are you to provide for so many, 
 Alice ?" inquired the father. 
 
 " I know," smiling. " I shall write to Mrs. Sher- 
 wood, and the Arnolds, to Miss White, and Miss Van 
 Zandt. I know Mrs. Lacey will help me ; and so will
 
 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 169 
 
 Father Morgan, who will be glad to come to my 
 party." 
 
 " It is a bright thought, my dear," said Mrs. Lacey, 
 " and you may depend upon me for help." 
 
 Papa gave his consent, and the pleasant evening 
 closed with a few words of prayer. 
 
 Mrs. Hastings went to the door with her visitors. It 
 was snowing and drifting now with great violence. 
 
 " This is making work for us, Mr. Hastings," said the 
 benevolent lady, " for such storms always bring suffer- 
 ing ; so to-morrow I must on with my water-proof and 
 over-shoes, and be off early to my district. Good night : 
 God bless you all." 
 
 For the next four weeks, Alice was a busy, happy 
 little creature. The ladies all sent their contributions, 
 so that each guest should carry away something ; then it 
 was Alice Hastings' Christmas party, and all the people 
 of St. Barnabas' were ready at any time to give her 
 pleasure. 
 
 Christmas-eve is here. The two rooms adjoining are 
 richly dressed with evergreens, which the sexton has 
 brought in from the woods, and helped the young people 
 to arrange. There are spicy cedar, shining laurel, holly, 
 and ivy, with bright scarlet haws, and lovely flowers, 
 sent by ladies from their conservatories, for dear Alice 
 Hastings. The sweet child is dressed for the occasion 
 in a warm, blue merino. {Something of the former 
 
 brightness rests upon her face. By the side of her couch 
 16
 
 170 WE8TBROOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 stands the table, on which are spread out her gifts for the 
 guests. Early in the evening, the hall-bell commenced 
 ringing, and Warren handed in the guests. " Happy 
 Christmas ! " said Alice to each newcomer ; but it was 
 with some sadness in the tones that the visitors echoed 
 the wish to the young creature, stricken down so early 
 in her bright existence. When all had assembled, Mar- 
 garet took her seat at the organ, and the whole party 
 sang the old Christmas hymn : 
 
 " While shepherds watched their flocks by night." 
 
 Then they were invited out to the dining-room, whither 
 Alice was conveyed too, enjoying the sight of the good 
 supper spread out upon the table by the bounty of the 
 good ladies of St. Barnabas'. There were turkey, and 
 cranberry-sauce, and ham, mashed potatoes and other 
 nice vegetables, with mince-pies and plum-pudding in 
 abundance. Alice, perhaps, was the happiest of the 
 whole party, for her own hands had done so much in 
 spreading the board. After supper, back again to her 
 own room, where, reclining upon her couch, her own fair 
 hands distributed the hoods, and handkerchiefs, and 
 wurm stockings, with a bag of bonbons and a Christmas 
 book to each little girl. Then papa came in, and talked 
 so happily to the people about the blessed Saviour, 
 whose advent they were so soon to celebrate. Then 
 several more sweet hymns and a prayer : then the guests 
 came forward to take leave of the young girl.
 
 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 171 
 
 " God bless you, Miss Alice ! " said Aunty Miller, who 
 was nearly blind. 
 
 " He does, Aunty, for I am very happy," was the low 
 reply. 
 
 Then old Robert limped up to the couch, and said, 
 " I shall remember you, Miss Alice, in the cold, winter 
 days, when I wear this good, warm muffler." 
 
 " And I shall remember you, Robert, when I see the 
 snow-storms, and shall be so happy." 
 
 Then each advanced one by one, to give and receive a 
 parting blessing. 
 
 It were hard to say which pillow was most visited by 
 happy thoughts that night ; but it does seem as if Alice 
 Hastings must have felt communion with the Christmas 
 angels, as she looked out upon the silver moon, sailing 
 through the clouds, with the peculiar brightness of the 
 sharp winter atmosphere. 
 
 By early dawn, the Christmas chimes were ringing the 
 joy-bells for the Feast of the Nativity, and as Alice lay 
 awake, listening to their music, she called her sister. 
 " Margaret, Margaret, wake up ! Don't you hear sing, 
 ing outside of the window?" 
 
 Margaret sprang suddenly from her bed, and there, 
 out in the moonlight, stood a company of children, 
 trained by the teachers of the Sunday school, and mar- 
 shalled by Dr. Arnold. They sang several Christmas 
 carols, after the fashion of old times, the children giving 
 the choruses in grand style.
 
 172 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 AH were astir early in the morning, calling out from 
 room to room the sweet salutation of " Happy Christ- 
 mas ! " After breakfast the family assembled for morn- 
 ing worship. 
 
 " Now, children, for the Christmas texts," said papa. 
 " What idea should be most prominent at this season, in 
 connection with our Lord ? " 
 
 " That of his coming as our Saviour, papa," said Mar- 
 garet, " and this is my text : ' And thou shalt call his 
 name Jesus: for he shall save his people from theii 
 sins.'" 
 
 " What have you, Alice ? " 
 
 " ' For unto you is born this day, in the city of David, 
 a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.' " 
 
 " And yours, Warren ? " 
 
 " ' And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among 
 us.'" 
 
 "What have you, Allan?" 
 
 " ' God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, 
 seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on 
 in the world, received up into glory.' " 
 
 "And what have you, Edward?" 
 
 " Just the same as sister Margaret," was the reply. 
 
 " And so have I," said Lucy. 
 
 "I perceive, dear children," said the pastor, "that 
 your thoughts have all taken the same direction in 
 searching for passages proclaiming the Lord Jesus as 
 our Saviour. If the^, were but one, it would be suffi-
 
 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 173 
 
 cient for the heart of faith to rest upon. Let us never 
 forget that ' He came to seek and save that which was 
 lost;' and let us be very certain that he has really 
 saved us." 
 
 After worship, the family met in the parlor to ex- 
 change their gifts of love, and at the usual hour assem- 
 bled at church to celebrate the grand event in the 
 history of Christianity. Dressed, according to the good 
 old custom, in bright Christmas greens, everything wore 
 a look of cheerful gratitude. 
 
 The joy-bells, the music, the prayers, the sermon were 
 all full of tiie one grand theme of the Incarnation, and 
 the blessings connected with that wondrous advent. 
 While this religious celebration lasts, the world can 
 never lose its hold of this starting-point in the history 
 of its Redeemer. For more than eighteen hundred 
 years the feast has been observed all over Christendom, 
 and will probably roll on until that glorious day which 
 ushers in the Second Advent of our Lord, amid the 
 pomp and splendor of that day of triumph the long 
 expectation of the Christian Church all fulfilled. 
 
 On their return home, many gifts were found for the 
 pastor's family, all more or less valuable, but all free- 
 will offerings of love to the dear household, among which 
 was a package for Margaret from Dr. Arnold. 
 
 " Why don't you open it, sister ? " said Warren, with 
 a look of mischief on his face. 
 15*
 
 174 WE8TBROOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 Margaret blushed as she replied : " I will directly, 
 brother." 
 
 Taking it to another part of the room, she found that 
 it contained a beautiful copy of Longfellow's Poems, 
 accompanied by a note, which she did not read now, but 
 hastily put it into her pocket for a more quiet corner. 
 
 In the afternoon, the mothers' meeting assembled at 
 the church, where the ladies distributed winter com- 
 forts among the grateful women. 
 
 Thus ended a happy Christmas-day at St. Barnabas', 
 leaving behind it a warmer love to the Redeemer, more 
 earnest longing for his blessed Second Advent
 
 CHAPTER Xlil. 
 
 A SPIRITUAL HARVEST. 
 
 And the Lord added to the Church daily such as should b 
 tared." 
 
 "OLESSED St. Barnabas'! standing as it were be- 
 --' tween earth and heaven with its messages of peace 
 and love, its earnest ministry, its praying people, its 
 spreading arms of benevolence, embracing all classes of 
 human misery and guilt. Blessed sanctuary ! where the 
 dews of Heaven were constantly descending ; for the 
 Holy Spirit seemed ever to dwell more or less with this 
 favored people. To cross its threshold was to take leave 
 of earth, and stand almost in the vestibule of heaven. 
 
 This may seem an exaggerated description of a church 
 militant, but it had its counterpart once in the recollec- 
 tion of some, in declining years now, who sat beneath just 
 such a blessed, holy ministry. They will recognize the 
 picture as they peruse these pages ; for it is ever in the 
 memory of one who now writes the history of St. Bar- 
 nabas' and its sainted rector. 
 
 The ministry of Dr. Hastings was eminently one of 
 prayer. Ever near the mercy-seat himself, he taught
 
 176 WESTBBOOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 his people the true source of spiritual prosperity. Real- 
 izing the truth of such teachings, they loved to pray. 
 
 But he was a wise, judicious guide. Conscious that 
 the praying members of a church are held up before the 
 people as examp'es, bo was careful to select the most 
 intelligent and devotedly pious among the young men 
 of St. Barnabas' ; and these he trained. Chiefly candi- 
 dates for the sacred ministry, they were supposed to be 
 more fitted than others, whose lives were more in the 
 world, for these public services. 
 
 There was a company of twelve or fifteen who con- 
 ducted the Saturday night prayer-meeting, and who 
 took turns in providing the conductors for a month at a 
 time. They were notified of the same, and, it was pre- 
 sumed, made some preparation before the hour of 
 prayer ; consequently, there was no hurried approach to 
 the mercy-seat no crude words of mere repetition, 
 often so irreverent in extempore prayer. The music, 
 too, was in charge of the same committee, and the lan- 
 guage of our beautiful service, so eminently spiritual 
 and reverent, might always be felt mingling, subduing, 
 elevating, in all these more social services. These meet' 
 ings were held sometimes after the Friday night lecture ; 
 at eight o'clock in the morning, during the season of 
 Lent ; on especial fast-days appointed by the rector ; and 
 sometimes on Sunday afternoon, after service. 
 
 Dr. Hastings was not always present himself at these 
 meetings, but kept a constant oversight, and was very
 
 WEST BROOK PARSONAGE. 177 
 
 careful quietly to put aside any whose lives did not 
 accord with their high profession. If there were such 
 cases, a private note, with a few passages of Scripture, 
 came first, as a gentle admonition ; and, where discipline 
 was necessary, no public exhibition was ever dreamed 
 of at St. Barnabas'. The sad erasure from the list of 
 communicants was all that was known of any who dis- 
 graced their profession by unholy lives. 
 
 It was always esteemed a great privilege, when the 
 state of his health permitted the rector to be present at 
 the prayer-meetings, especially on Saturday evenings ; 
 and if only coming in with a slow and solemn step, after 
 the services had commenced, every heart felt the pre- 
 ciousness of the few impressive words of exhortation 
 that fell from his lips ; or, at other times, seated at the 
 reading-desk of the lecture-room, with closed eyes and 
 heavenly aspect, in sweet, low tones, he would com- 
 mence 
 
 " Come, Holy Spirit, heavenly dove," 
 
 in which all would join, with earnest devotion in the 
 time-honored hymn. 
 
 There were signs about the pastor now that often 
 caused a sigh, as, with measured steps, he entered the 
 house of prayer. Many remembered, in the years past, 
 with what a buoyant tread he had gone in and out 
 among his beloved people ; but the feebleness had come 
 so gradually that it had not hitherto alarmed his flock. 
 Still he labored " in season and out of season," from
 
 178 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 house to house, as well as in the sanctuary, for the gooO 
 of souls. 
 
 Dr. Hastings was not a brilliant preacher, but he 
 was eminently clear, earnest, impressive. There was 
 solemnity in his calm, holy countenance, music in his 
 rich tones, and that in his whole aspect which declared 
 the fact that, as an ambassador for Christ, "he -warned 
 every man, and taught every man in all wisdom." He 
 was never known to preach a sermon once upon 
 ministerial superiority, or in any way to arrogate to 
 himself a priestly distance between himself and his 
 flock. 
 
 Dr. Hastings loved the souls of his people, and they 
 loved their honored pastor. He lived in their midst 
 the Christ-life, in all its saintly purity ; and they vene- 
 rated the representative for their Master's sake. In the 
 abodes of the rich, or the cottages of the poor, love was 
 the magnet which drew all hearts ; and it would be hard 
 to find a pastor of so few words, who wielded among his 
 people such unbounded influence. 
 
 He was a burning and a shining light ; a loving, 
 faithful, diligent pastor, with sound common sense, so 
 necessary in these degenerate days of tinselled Christi- 
 anity. The one solemn word eternity, uttered in his own 
 impressive manner, or the two, repent, believe, did infi- 
 nitely more good than all the traditions of men, masked 
 Episcopacy, or in other words, the foppish ritualism of 
 i.'odem days.
 
 WESTBKOOK PARSONAGE. 179 
 
 There v.ere many blessed seasons of ingathering at 
 St. Barnabas', and we are about to record one such 
 rich spiritual harvest. 
 
 Dr. Hastings has become familiar with the stately 
 steppings of the witness for his Lord and Master, as he 
 draws near the flock, and frequently, after Friday even- 
 ing lecture, invites any to meet their pastor in the ves- 
 try-room, who are anxious about the things that make 
 for their everlasting peace. 
 
 On such occasions he was peculiarly happy in his 
 choice of subjects, and always selected passages that 
 were awakening, close, practical. 
 
 At this peculiar season, he delivered a course on the 
 text : " I have a message from God unto thee ; " divid- 
 ing his hearers into classes, which he addressed sepa- 
 rately the serious countenances and the whispered 
 words, as the silent company passed out of the lecture- 
 room, gave evidence that the word had fallen upon good 
 ground, ready for the Gospel seed. 
 
 Then came another course, from the words : " Is it 
 well with thee?" which produced powerful impressions 
 upon many hearts, especially the young. 
 
 A course of Sunday evening sermons were delivered 
 at this time from the passage: "Run, speak to this 
 young man ; " and many a careless spirit was arrested 
 in its worldliness by these awakening sermons. 
 
 In the midst of this season of revival, there came a 
 notice of the Bishop's visitation, when he proposed to
 
 180 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 hold a confirmation at St. Barnabas'. Margaret and 
 Allan Hastings are among the company who gather 
 with the praying band in the vestry-room after evening 
 lecture. The sister saw the lingering, hesitating step of 
 her brother ; and although she was herself a professing 
 Christian, she felt that her encouragement might have 
 much to do with Allan's decision, and so she whispered : 
 " Come, Allan, I will go with you ; papa will be so 
 glad." 
 
 The father glanced toward his son with a look of 
 tender interest, and in the few words addressed to the 
 company gathered around him, his remarks were espe- 
 cially directed to cases like his ; for he knew the char- 
 acter of his boy. 
 
 Next day, we find him knocking at the door of his 
 father's study. 
 
 " Come in," said the pastor's voice, for he imagined 
 who was there. 
 
 " Sit down, Allan, close by my side, and tell me all 
 that you have to say," said the father. 
 
 " It seems so little, papa it is just to say that the 
 notice on Sunday seemed addressed to me. And ever 
 since, the words of your sermon have followed me all 
 the week : ' The Master is come, and calleth for thee : ' 
 I am ready, papa ; can I come ? " 
 
 " A very few questions will decide, Allan. You have 
 been carefully taught the theory of the Gospel plan, 
 have you any of its experience? "
 
 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 181 
 
 " I know that I am by nature a sinner, papa ; I feel 
 that very often : I know that I need a Saviour, and I 
 believe that I have taken him for my own. I have 
 heard so constantly about our dear Lord, that sometimes 
 I am afraid that mere habit may influence me ; but then 
 I know that I want to give my whole heart to Him, 
 who gave His life for me: may I come?" 
 
 The father laid his hand upon Allan's head in bless- 
 ; ng, as he knelt by his side, saying : " Let us pray." 
 
 And there, in this silent study, he poured out a full 
 heart before God, his Father, for a blessing on his dar- 
 ling son. 
 
 They rose from their knees. The father passed his 
 arm around Allan's waist, and pressing a warm kiss 
 upon the downy cheek, said : 
 
 "Not only my dear son, but a brother now, a bro- 
 ther in the Lord. May your path be that of the shining 
 light, Allan!" 
 
 Alice has heard of the Bishop's visitation, and of 
 Allan's decision, and has sent for papa to come to her 
 couch 
 
 "Will you leave us alone, Margaret?" said the in- 
 valid, as the door opened, admitting her father. 
 
 " Come, sit down close by my side, dear papa," said 
 the child ; " for I have much to say to you. Margaret 
 has told me about Allan, and I am so glad. I wish 
 that I might be one of that company, papa. Am I too 
 
 young to own that I love the Lord ?" 
 16
 
 1 82 WE8TBROOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 " Not too young to be a Christian, Alice. If you 
 hare truly repented of your sins, and believe with your 
 whole heart in the Lord Jesus ; if you have truly 
 renounced the service of the world, the flesh, and the 
 devil, and, by God's help, intend to lead a new life, 
 come, renew your baptismal vow, and give yourself 
 openly away to the Saviour, who died for you." 
 
 " I think that I can say ' Yes ' to every one of those 
 conditions, papa. One thing I am sure of, and that is, 
 that I truly love the precious Saviour, and want to be 
 His forevenand ever ; but there are many things I don't 
 understand yet ; many things that seem to mark the old 
 Christians of the New Testament, that I don't know 
 anything about." 
 
 The pastor smiled, as he replied : 
 
 " Remember, my love, that you are not one of the old 
 Christians of the New Testament, only a babe in 
 Christ. First, then, you must lisp the words, and totter 
 with the feeble steps of infancy ; then with the stronger 
 gait of youth, then with the firm tread of a mature and 
 steadfast Christian. God knows our feeble frame, Alice, 
 and does not look for the fruits of ripened faith in the 
 mere babe in Christ." 
 
 " All that I want to know then, papa, is, am I really 
 a babe in Christ?" 
 
 "Yes, Alice; if you have a child's faith, a child's 
 love, a child's obedience, then you are a Christian 
 child."
 
 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 183 
 
 " Then I may come, papa, and own my dear Saviour 
 before the world?" 
 
 " Come, and welcome, my child. Jesus is ready to 
 receive just such as you." 
 
 " If we could only see dear Warren among the candi- 
 dates, papa, how happy we should be !" 
 
 " Yes, Alice ; but God has different ways by which to 
 bring to himself the souls that Jesus has redeemed. We 
 must pray and trust, my love ; and now let us seek our 
 Father's face." 
 
 Alice closed her eyes and folded her hands so meekly, 
 while the pastor poured out his heart in lively gratitude 
 for the spiritual mercies thus far bestowed upon his 
 household, and in earnest prayer for those who still 
 stood aloof from the Saviour. 
 
 The day of confirmation has arrived; and on the 
 afternoon of the sacred Sabbath, a solemn crowd have 
 assembled at St. Barnabas'. The aged Bishop, with his 
 silver hair, his saintly face glowing with benevolence, 
 and the tottering steps of age, is seated in the chair, 
 looking at the large company of candidates who are 
 seated in the front pews. It is a solemn, impressive 
 scene, for all ages are represented in that group : old 
 age, middle life, and fresh, ardent youth are there. 
 There are about fifty ready to consecrate their all to 
 Jesus; for there are none there who imagine that to 
 know the Creed, the Lord's Prayer, and the Ten Com-
 
 184 WEST BROOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 mandments, by itself, entitles them to the name of 
 Christian. 
 
 Every heart is touched at the sight of Alice Hastings, 
 drawn up the aisle by her brother Warren near the 
 chancel. She is dressed in pure white, and a holy ex- 
 pression of saintly devotion rests upon her lovely coun- 
 tenance. Warren is just about to turn away, to take 
 his seat among the worshippers, when Alice whispered : 
 
 " Will ye also go away, Warren ? " 
 
 " I am not ready, Alice." 
 
 The boy entered the pew, and it was with a serious 
 face that he listened to the solemn sermon from the good 
 old Bishop, who was his father's uncle. Then came the 
 singing of two verses from the hymn, sacred in the 
 memory of thousands : 
 
 " happy day, that stays my choice 
 
 On thee, my Saviour, and my Qod: 
 Well may this glowing heart rejoice 
 And tell thy goodness all abroad." 
 
 While these words were sung, the candidates slowly 
 and solemnly approached the chancel, and then the con- 
 firmation service proceeded, with its simple, impressive 
 language, its earnest, fervent prayer. When the 
 Bishop stepped down the aisle to lay his hands upon 
 the sweet invalid in the carriage, many voices joined 
 audibly in the fervent Amen uttered by the pastor and 
 Father Morgan, who was present on this occasion.
 
 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 185 
 
 After all were confirmed, then came the loving worda 
 of the faithful pastor, reminding them what a solemn 
 vow they had just made in the presence of Almighty 
 God. Nearly all were his own spiritual children, and 
 as he spoke to them of the trials and temptations that 
 would beset them on their journey to the heavenly city, 
 he commended them to the warm love and sympathy of 
 their fellow-Christians, who had travelled in the pil- 
 grim's road for so many years before them ; but most of 
 all did he point them to the guidance, the love, and the 
 example of their blessed Saviour. 
 
 Then, at the close of the services, while the last verses 
 of the sweet hymn were sung, with solemn step the can- 
 didates returned to their pews. 
 
 The Methodist and Presbyterian ministers were pres- 
 ent, for they highly esteemed the good rector of St. Bar- 
 nabas', and as they passed out, stopped by the side of 
 the carriage, to give their blessing and the hand of 
 Christian fellowship to the young disciple. Mrs. Sher- 
 wood and Agnes, too, were there, deeply impressed by 
 the solemn service that, at St. Barnabas', meant so much. 
 
 Warren, too, has had many serious thoughts through- 
 out this holy day ; but the proud heart is not ready to 
 submit to the reign of the Lord Jesus yet. The sight of 
 his sainlly sister deeply affected him: "But then," he 
 argued, " Alice has nothing else. The bright world of 
 fame is before me, and beckons me forward. I dare say 
 
 that I shall become a Christian some day, but not yet* 
 16*
 
 186 WESTBKOOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 Edward and Lucy had their own artless talk, when 
 they were alone. " Did n't Alice look holy, Edward," 
 said Lucy, " when the Bishop laid his hands upon her 
 head ? I am sure that she is one of Jesus' lambs. When 
 I am a little older, I '11 ask papa if I may not be con- 
 armed." 
 
 " I wonder why Warren was not among them," said 
 Edward. " I suppose that he 's too proud to own that he 
 is a sinner, before all the people." 
 
 " I hope that he will be a good Christian yet, Ed- 
 ward, for it would be a dreadful thing for any at West- 
 brook Parsonage not to be a servant of the Lord." 
 
 The good Bishop remained until next day, and, assem- 
 bled in the parlor, he addressed words full of holy unc- 
 tion to the new candidates at the parsonage ; for there 
 were four in that household Debby and Jane belonging 
 to the company. 
 
 Warren remembered the words of Alice, and lay long 
 awake, thinking of the tender expostulation, and won- 
 dering if it were possible that there might be eternal 
 separation in the world to come not from Jesus, for he 
 had not learned to love him but from the dear, pre- 
 cious ones at home. 
 
 Very carefully were the new disciples instructed in 
 their duty, and posts of usefulness assigned to each, ac- 
 cording to their ability. There were no isolated Chris- 
 tians at St. Barnabas', but at once they were brought 
 acquainted with each other, and a few private words from
 
 WE8TBROOK PARSONAGE. 187 
 
 tht j^istor directed especial care over some particular 
 case, in need of sympathy and encouragement. Truly it 
 was a band dwelling together in unity, and very sweet 
 and comforting were the pastor's remarks, at the familiar 
 lecture, on the week following, from the words : " I have 
 nu greater joy than to hear that my children walk in 
 the truth." Comfort, guidance, encouragement were in 
 the precious message. Inspired by these heavenly teach- 
 ings, Christian love was here in its highest exercise ; and 
 here it might be sung from full hearts 
 
 " Blest is the tie that binds 
 
 Our hearts in Christian love ; 
 The fellowship of kindred minds 
 
 Is like to that above. 
 Before our Father's throne 
 
 We pour united prayers; 
 Our fears, our hopes, our aims are one, 
 
 Our comforts and our cares." 
 
 Then followed a course of rich instruction from the 
 words: " Speak to the children of Israel that they go for- 
 ward." Here it was that a broad line of distinction was 
 drawn between the children of the world and the chil- 
 dren of God ; and though the spirit of true benevolence 
 was inculcated toward all men, none thought of joining 
 hands with the world of the ungodly, for higher, holier 
 joys were to be found on this mount of privilege ; and 
 the favored members of St. Barnabas' could at all times 
 answer to the seductions of the world, " I have a great 
 work to do, therefore I cannot come down."
 
 188 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 Unbounded was the influence of the meek and lowlj 
 pastor of St. Barnabas'. The vigor of youth had passed 
 away, but the ripened graces of the Spirit spread a halo 
 of peace over the saintly face, and imparted a depth of 
 tone to the musical voice of Dr. Hastings. In every de- 
 partment his influence was felt ; in the field of benevo- 
 lence, where the people were always 'ready to respond to 
 his calls, in the field of activity, where a hive of busy 
 workers were always at work. Mr. Moncrief wondered 
 how it was, for he knew much of the power of St. Bar- 
 nabas'. 
 
 " Here," said he, " am I preaching and teaching, 
 making everything attractive, holding up the divine 
 power of the ministry, teaching the difference between 
 priest and people, showing that disobedience to us is 
 disloyalty to God, and what do I see? just a few dis- 
 posed to work, but no heart is in their services ; when 
 here is this feeble man, with his faltering step, his pal- 
 lid face, his failing health, wielding a power second to 
 none. He wants means to carry out some grand scheme 
 of benevolence he speaks a few plain, practical words, 
 and at once the people respond by thousands ; he wants 
 workers, and at once come forward a willing band. 
 How is it ? For he is one of the humblest and most un- 
 pretending of men." 
 
 Here is the great secret Study it, Rector of St. 
 Gregory's, and all others of like spirit. 
 
 Dr. Hastings keeps himself in the background,
 
 WEST BROOK PARSONAGE. 189 
 
 comes with no priestly arrogance, no high and lofty 
 claims; but, holding forth his Master's claims, present- 
 ing his Master's image, preaching his Master's Gospel, 
 he is beloved for the Master's sake, and *,hus he wields 
 a power all unsougm, lor tne peupic of St. Barnabas 
 have "learned to esteem kim. highly in love for AM 
 work's sake."
 
 UHAPTEB XIV. 
 
 u And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city 
 of Thya;ira, which worshipped God, heard us; whose heart the Lord 
 opened, that she attended to the things which were spoken of Paul." 
 
 A LICE HASTINGS' disease has taken a new form, 
 -* for now she is subject to hours of extreme suffer- 
 ing, when spasms rack her delicate frame. 
 
 At such times, a darkened room, a quiet couch, and 
 whispered words of holy prayer send Warren rushing 
 from the house, pacing up and down the students' 
 walk at Little Rugby, or along the shady banks of the 
 creek. He generally stays until the paroxysm is over. 
 He can scarcely bear the saintly patience of the gentle 
 sufferer, as she presses his hand, on his return, between 
 her own, and whispers : 
 
 " Better, Warren. Jesus comforts me. He was with 
 me all the time. What should I do without Him now ? 
 He sends nothing but what we are able to bear. Come, 
 sit down by me a little while, and read me some sweet 
 hymns." 
 
 Warren took his seat, and Alice pointed out what 
 she wanted. 
 
 190
 
 WE8TBROOK PARSONAGE. 191 
 
 It generally took several days for her to recover from 
 these attacks, and Warren was devoted in his atten- 
 tions. 
 
 " You may open the shutters now, Warren," said the 
 sister, " and let in the sweet fragrance of the flowers." 
 
 The boy obeyed, and pushing aside the curtain, Alice 
 said with a smile : 
 
 " These days of suffering prepare the way for great 
 enjoyment, Warren ; for I don't believe that any of 
 you can know how sweet the flowers seem after hours 
 of pain." 
 
 "Do you think that you can ride to-morrow, Alice?" 
 said the brother. 
 
 " I think not to-morrow, but next day, for my back 
 is quite sore to-day. I have a great deal to do among 
 my friends, Warren ; for it has been some time now since 
 I have been among them. Father Morgan is so good, 
 and keeps me all the time supplied with books, and 
 the tracts, and money." 
 
 In a few days Alice is ready for her ride, and, in her 
 soft white hood and wrapper, she looks almost like one 
 taking leave of earth, so pale, so pure, so heavenly is 
 the sweet face. 
 
 Warren lifted the transparent little hand and kissed 
 it ; and drawing him down close, she said : 
 
 " Dear brother Warren, how good you are ! " 
 
 " Which way, Alice ? " said the brother. 
 
 "Along the border of the creek, and then home by
 
 192 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 the way of Aunty Miller's. I have something to give 
 her." 
 
 Propped up by pillows, Alice lookeNl around upon 
 the fair face of nature with a serene and holy joy, for it 
 was a bright, balmy day ; and her talk to Warren was 
 that of a cheerful child. Passing down a small street 
 that led to the creek, Alice was shocked by the lan- 
 guage of a man walking just behind her carriage. 
 
 " Tell him to come here, Warren," said the sister. 
 
 " He may abuse you, Alice." 
 
 " No, he could not do that, brothe/." 
 
 Warren stepped up to the man. 
 
 " There is a helpless child in that carriage, who wants 
 to speak to you, my friend." 
 
 The man, surprised, stepped forward, evidently im- 
 pressed by the sight of the saintly face that met his 
 gaze. 
 
 She extended her hand. He seemed almost to shrink 
 from touching its puritv. 
 
 " You see, my friend," said the young girl, " that I 
 cannot walk, but 1 am very happy. I want to ask you 
 a few questions. Have you the use of your limbs 
 your eyes? Have you good health?" 
 
 "What makes you ask me these questions, little 
 miss ? But I answer that I am neither lame, nor blind, 
 nor sick." 
 
 " Do you know who gives you all these blessings ? " 
 continued Alice.
 
 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 193 
 
 The man hung his head as he replied, "I suppose 
 that you would tell me that God has done it." 
 
 "Yes, my friend ; and yet, just now, you were cursing 
 that holy, blessed Name. Oh, how you hurt me ! Don't 
 commit such wickedness again. Remember, my friend, 
 that we must all die, and after death comes the judg- 
 ment." 
 
 "I suppose that you are the minister's daughter," 
 said the man. " I Ve heard about you before ; and I 'm 
 ashamed that you should have heard me swear." 
 
 " It is God that you have offended, my friend. Think 
 of that not poor little Alice Hastings." 
 
 " It is a very bad habit, miss, I know, and I '11 try to 
 break it up." 
 
 "Here is a tract," said Alice. ''Will you promise 
 me to read it?" 
 
 "That I will," said the man; "and maybe I'll do 
 better. I thank you, miss, for caring for a poor fellow 
 like me." 
 
 " Good-by, my friend. If you want to see me, call 
 at Westbrook Parsonage. But give me your name and 
 address before you go.'* 
 
 The little carriage passed on, and the man stood 
 looking after it. 
 
 " That 's what they call a little missionary, I suppose," 
 eaid the man. "A fellow must listen to such a one a? 
 tnat." 
 
 Passing quietly along, many a pleasant greeting was 
 17 N
 
 194 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 extended to the child, for she was generally known in 
 Westbrook. 
 
 Coming in sight of the creek, a sound of loud ami 
 angry voices struck upon their ears. 
 
 " Look there, brother ! " said Alice. " Do part those 
 wicked boys ! See how they are fighting." 
 
 They were little fellows, and Warren soon succeeded 
 in holding them apart. Both were crying with anger, 
 and stood viewing each other with a fierce expression, 
 Turning for a moment, they were attracted by the sigh t 
 of the pale occupant of the carriage. 
 
 " Come here, boys," said Alice ; " I have something to 
 say to you. Are you any relation to each other ? " 
 
 " We are brothers," said one. 
 
 " Why, then, do you quarrel ? " inquired the child. 
 
 " Jim threw my kite into the creek," said one. 
 
 " And Sam tried to tear my hair out," said the other. 
 
 " Do you know what the Bible says, boys ? ' Little 
 children, love one another.' " 
 
 "A fellow can't love one that tries to hurt him all the 
 time." 
 
 " But you need not strike back again, Sam, need you ? 
 If, when Jim is angry, you try to be kind, he would soon 
 become ashamed. Just try now, and see if he is not 
 ready to make up." 
 
 Jim was beginning to relent, for he had heard much 
 if Alice's conversation with his brother, and was deeplv 
 vnoved by the gentle words from such an afflicted suflhrer
 
 WESTBROOK PA11SONAGE. 195 
 
 " Come here, Jim," said Alice. * Are you sorry for 
 throwing away Sam's kite?" 
 
 He hung his head a moment, and replied : " I did it 
 when I was angry, miss ; but I am very sorry now, and 
 will give him mine in the place of it, when we get 
 home." 
 
 " Do you hear that, Sam? " said Alice "Now, you 
 must be friends, boys ; and remember how much happier 
 you are, when you love each other." 
 
 The boys stepped forward and shook hands, while 
 Alice gave to each a tract on brotherly love. Taking 
 their names and address, she bade them good morning ; 
 and passed on along the shady creek. She was growing 
 more cheerful every step of the way ; for her loving 
 spirit shed its brightness over tree and bush, over sky 
 and water, all reflecting a glow within the placid bosom. 
 
 Plucking wild flowers that grew by the wayside, and 
 enjoying the song of the birds, they turned at last into 
 the little street where the blind woman lived. Aunty 
 Miller was sitting at the door with her knitting, for, 
 blind as she was, she was quite expert at this. 
 
 " How do you do, aunty ? " said the young girl. 
 
 " Is that you, Miss Alice ? I wondered what had 
 become of you." 
 
 " I have been very sick, aunty ; but am better now. 
 liow are you getting along?" 
 
 " God is very good, Miss Alice. With help from the 
 church-alms, the kindness of friends, and my knitting,
 
 196 WESTBBOOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 f have all that I need, and a little mite to grve every 
 Sabbath day." 
 
 " I have brought you some good little books, aunty : 
 I know that you can't read them ; but Becky Taylor 
 has promised to come every Saturday, after my class is 
 over, and read to you." 
 
 " God bless you, Miss Alice ; with all your suffering, 
 you never forget us poor people." 
 
 " That is my happiness, aunty : but I must go now ; 
 I have several more to see. Good-by." 
 
 Going on still farther some gentle words at Robert 
 Jordan's, with a book that she had promised ; a visit to 
 Matty Hoskins, the cripple, and a few delicacies with 
 Letty Fenton closed the ministry of that day. Very 
 quiet and unobtrusive had it been : but if angels do 
 minister to living saints, doubtless some walked by the 
 coach of Alice Hastings all that summer day. Coming 
 home through the more frequented streets, Mrs. Lacey 
 met the carriage, and, opening a little basket that she 
 carried, dropped a few ripe peaches in her lap, and 
 pressed a warm kiss upon the soft cheek. Mrs. Sher- 
 wood saw who was coming, and at the gate she too mot 
 the invalid with a bouquet of the sweetest flowers. 
 
 By this time, Alice was bright as a lark ; and when 
 she entered the house, Margaret hastened to her, and 
 taking off the hood, said: "Why, really, Alice, you 
 have brought back some pale roses on your cheek, 
 Your ride has done you good."
 
 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 197 
 
 ' It has been su>jh a happy morning, sister ; for I find 
 that I can do some work for the Pastor's Aid yet ; but 
 I am a little tired DOW. Please give me a biscuit 
 and a glass of milk ; and then I '11 take a short nao 
 before dinner." 
 
 It is fine weather, and Alice spends much time out of 
 doors in the pleasant orchard, either knitting or sewing, 
 while one of the family reads to her from some enter- 
 taining or useful book. It is a very inviting picture, 
 and many a visitor drops in to chat awhile with the 
 interesting invalid, who, propped up in her couch 
 under the green shade of the low, spreading trees, 
 enjoys these seasons of social intercourse. 
 
 Mamma keeps an eye upon the company, and when 
 she thinks Alice is growing weary, sends out a little 
 lunch, or warns them that it is time to rest 
 
 She is very much interested in the pigeons that build 
 their nests in the tower of St. Barnabas', and Warren 
 and she have succeeded in taming the little creatures so 
 well, that they flock around the couch as soon as they 
 see it brought out in the orchard, to get their supply of 
 corn, cooing around Alice, and many of them lighting 
 upon her hand or on the head-board of her couch. 
 She has named many of them, and it is an entertaining 
 sight to passers-by to watch their gentle movements 
 with their young friend. 
 
 Alice is thirteen, now and we meet her on the morn* 
 
 ing of this day at family prayers. 
 17*
 
 198 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 " We Luve an interesting subject for our texts to-day/' 
 said the pastor. " I hope that you are all well prepared; 
 for nothing is more important in the whole range of 
 Christian doctrine than the subject of faith." 
 
 " I have mine, papa," said Margaret : " ' Faith is the 
 substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things 
 not seen.' " 
 
 " What have you, Allan?" 
 
 " ' Without faith it is impossible to please God.' " 
 
 "And yours, Warren?" 
 
 ' The" just shall live by faith.' " 
 
 " What has Alice on the subject? " 
 
 " ' For we walk by faith, not by sight.' " 
 
 " And what has Edward ? " 
 
 " ' By grace ye are saved through faith.' " 
 
 " I am waiting for Lucy's ? " 
 
 " ' And He said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved 
 thee ; go in peace.' " 
 
 " You have brought excellent passages, my children," 
 said the pastor, " showing what faith is, and how abso- 
 ^.utely indispensable it is in the work of our salvation. 
 For every step of our way to the heavenly city is in the 
 march of faith called upon to reach after joys which 
 ' eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered 
 into the heart of man ; ' so that we have constant need 
 to pray, ' Lord, increase our faith ! ' 
 
 After worship, the family offered their congratula-
 
 WE8TBROOK PARSONAGE. 199 
 
 lions to Alice upon her birthday, all coming with their 
 love-gifts, however small. 
 
 It is generally known among the people of St. Bar- 
 nabas', and all day other gifts of love arrive, to show 
 that she is remembered. Mrs. Sherwood sends a beauti- 
 ful picture of Easter morning, and Mrs. Lacey a picture 
 of the family at the parsonage. 
 
 " How lovely this picture is ! " said Alice. " How did 
 Mrs. Lacey know that I would rather have it than any- 
 thing else? Both shall hang in my little room where I 
 can see them all day long." 
 
 In the afternoon, Alice received her young friends 
 out in the orchard, where they enjoyed an hour in 
 childish games Alice looking on with great pleasure, 
 checking Edward and Lucy whenever she saw the least 
 appearance of selfishness ; but all in such a quiet way, 
 that no one but the children knew what she whispered 
 in their ear, when she called them to her side to give 
 her gentle hints. 
 
 " Let the guests choose the games, always, Edward," 
 whispered Alice ; "even if you don't like them." 
 
 " I can't bear ' Pussy wants a corner ; ' it is such a 
 baby-play." 
 
 " Never mind, Edward ; don't you see how the little 
 ones like it ? It pleases them, and that ought to please 
 you, brother." 
 
 At the close of the afternoon, assembled in the parlor, 
 the children partook of some refreshments. And kissing
 
 200 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 sweet Alice Hastings, all went home very happy, each 
 having something to tell of her pleasant ways. 
 
 But rainy days shut Alice up in the house, and then 
 ehe is busy with her correspondence, for she is very 
 fond of sending her little notes around. She has not 
 forgotten Jim and Sam McGowan, the little boys that 
 quarrelled. We find them now and then at the parson- 
 age, and in regular attendance at the Sunday school of 
 St. Barnabas : therefore are they in the list remembered 
 in the prayers of Alice Hastings. 
 
 " What is the use, Alice, of spending your time over 
 that worthless sot, Dan Galway ? " said Warren. 
 
 " He answers my notes, always, brother ; and says that 
 he ha* nearly given up the habit of swearing, ever since 
 that day that we met upon the road." 
 
 Aunty Miller waits too for the little notes that Becky 
 Taylor reads to her, and Robert Jordan says that they 
 always come to him like dew after a hot day. 
 
 Nan Lescure comes in for her share, and Miss Mary 
 says that the wild mountain-girl is softening daily under 
 the gentle influence of Alice Hastings. Truly the pale 
 invalid is an important member of the Pastor's Aid, 
 with her gentle words, her little notes, her holy prayers, 
 her sweet example. 
 
 Mrs. Sherwood is drawn to the parsonage frequently 
 by the sufferer, and never comes without her offering of 
 fruit or flowers, or other delicacies. We find her thus 
 domesticated one morning, by the side of the couch of
 
 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 201 
 
 the invalid ; both she and Mrs. Hastings occupied with 
 needle-work. There is still a look of fixed despondency 
 on the face of the visitor ; for she has not yet found the 
 peace of the blessed Gospel : but she is learning to talk 
 more freely to her neighbor upon the great subject that 
 interests them both. 
 
 " How is it, Mrs. Hastings," said the lady, " that you 
 seem to dwell in such an atmosphere of peace? I have 
 been so long searching for the true Church of Christ ; 
 and now that I have found it, I am still without a 
 sure hope of heaven, my frames of mind are ever jjo 
 variable." 
 
 " It will ever be so, my dear madam," said the pastor's 
 wife, " so long as you depend upon frames and euiutious 
 for your comforts. While we are in this mortal body, 
 subject to all its infirmities which cloud our earthly joys, 
 and surrounded by so much in the outer world to disturb 
 our peace, it would be a sad thing, indeed, if there were 
 no unchanging rock no harbor of peace where our 
 little bark might ride at anchor : such an unchanging 
 rock, such a harbor of peace we find in Christ only; 
 so long as we keep our eye upon Him, the soul is at 
 peace ' 
 
 "But I dare not come to this infinitely holy Saviour; 
 He is so far removed out of mortal sight, so high, so 
 distant, that I shrink from an approach which to me 
 seems so presumptuous, and therefore I have been taught 
 that, in compassion to our infirmities, God hath instituted
 
 202 WE8TBROOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 an order upon the earth, to mediate between our soul* 
 and God. But here, too, I find a difficulty : these priests 
 are themselves fallible men, and though I believe that 
 there is such an order in the Church, even that does not 
 impart the peace that you enjoy." 
 
 Alice had been listening all the while to this conver- 
 sation, with great interest, and in an interval of silen. t . 
 said, "I wish that you could talk to my papa, Mrs. 
 Sherwood ; he could comfort you, and make the way so 
 plain : he says that it is not the Church that saves us, 
 it is Jesus Jesus only. His is such a grand, large 
 Church, Mrs. Sherwood the Holy Catholic Church, 
 that we profess to believe in, every Sunday the whole 
 body of true believers throughout this great, large 
 world. I do love to say those beautiful words, for it 
 seems as if we were stretching out our arms so wide, to 
 embrace all who love our Master." 
 
 " It is a beautiful faith," said Mrs. Sherwood ; " but I 
 have been told that it is a great error a mere delusion ; 
 and that all not regularly ordained are in a state of 
 schism ; if so, then we commit a sin in fraternizing with 
 such." 
 
 " Monstrous ! " said Mrs. Hastings; " denouncing re- 
 jecting those whom the Lord has blessed." 
 
 " I want to know the truth, Mrs. Hastings," replied 
 her visitor, " but there are great difficulties in my 
 way." 
 
 The family at the parsonage were greatly interested in
 
 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 203 
 
 their visitor, and Alice said, as she closed the door, 
 "We will pray, mamma, that God would lead her to 
 our precious Saviour then she will be happy." 
 
 Agnes, too, is a frequent visitor, for there is so much 
 in that favored household to attract. We find her, one 
 morning, seated with Margaret, by the couch of the 
 invalid, Agnes engaged on a piece of very rich em- 
 broidery. 
 
 "What are you doing?" said A-ice. "That is very 
 beautiful work." 
 
 "I am embroidering an altar cloth," replied the 
 young lady. 
 
 " An altar cloth," replied Alice ; " what for ?" 
 
 " For the altar at St. Gregory's," replied Agnes. 
 
 " Why, have you an altar," inquired Alice ; " papa 
 says that ours is a table. It seems very strange to have 
 two names for the one thing, in the same church : why 
 do you call it an altar?" 
 
 " Mr. Moncrief says that is the proper name, for there 
 is the place of sacrifice, and there is the sacrificing 
 priest." 
 
 "What sacrifice, Agnes?" inquired Margaret Hast- 
 ings. 
 
 "The sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ," replied 
 Agnes. 
 
 " We are taught that our Lord was offered once for all 
 upon Calvary," replied Margaret. 
 
 "And we are taught that whenever the Holy Commu
 
 204 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 nion is administered, at the time of consecratioii, the 
 Lord himself, in some mysterious manner, swift as a 
 lightning flash, descends from heaven, and enters bodily 
 into the holy elements ; and because the Lord himself is 
 there, we worship the elements hence the altar decora- 
 tions, altar lights, incense, flowers, processions, facing 
 the east, and reverential bowings." 
 
 "And do you believe all that, Agnes? "said Margaret, 
 with a look of surprise upon her eloquent face. 
 
 "I do, and much more, too that is the reason for the 
 ise of priestly vestments." 
 
 " I have heard a great deal of talk, lately, about an 
 lib, and a chasuble, about a tunicle, and dalmatic, in 
 our Protestant Episcopal Church," said Margaret. " Will 
 you show me, Agnes, in our Book of Common Prayer, 
 where they are authorized ? " 
 
 Agnes looked slightly confused as she replied, " I do 
 not think that they will be found there ; but we use an 
 English book, called the Director ium Anglicanum, and 
 the Priest's Prayer Book." 
 
 "What right have we, Protestant Episcopalians, to 
 use such books ; have we not an authorized service- 
 book?" 
 
 " That does not forbid the use of such, our minister 
 says." 
 
 " That argument would bring in a flood of anything 
 that the fancy of man could invent." 
 
 "We don't like the word 'Protestant Episcopal,'"
 
 WE3TBROOK PARSONAGE. 205 
 
 said Agnes ; " we prefer the word ' Catholic,' and want 
 to bring back the good old days of the ancient 
 Church." 
 
 Alice lay v?ry silent for awhile, her eloquent eyes 
 fixed upon the face of Agnes Sherwood, with a tender, 
 sorrowful expression, as she said : " Do these foolish 
 things bring Jesus nearer, Agnes ? When you go to the 
 communion of our Lord, does it seem as if He spoke the 
 words of peace?" 
 
 "I never felt that, Alice, for the thought that the 
 Lord himself was so near, that I was actually feeding 
 upon his body, inspires me with fear and trembling, not 
 with love." 
 
 " Only listen to our Saviour's precious words, Agnes," 
 said the youtuful Christian : " ' Come unto me, all ye 
 that travail and are heavy laden, and I will refresh 
 you.' Jesus means what he says, and if we come in 
 faith He will bless us." 
 
 " I have no such feelings, Alice ; Mr. Moncrief says 
 that such familiarity is presumptuous." 
 
 " Our Lord seemed to encourage the most intimate 
 and affectionate relations between himself and his dis- 
 ciples, when he was on earth," said Margaret ; "and He 
 is the same yesterday, to-day, and forever partaking 
 of the hospitalities of Lazarus and his sisters eating 
 even with publicans and sinners, and allowing John to 
 recline upon his bosom. Surely, this compassionate Re- 
 deemer is no less loving and faithful now." 
 16
 
 206 WESTBfiOOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 " I wish that I could feel so," said Agnes, " but I dare 
 not. Clouds of mystery surround the Saviour that I am 
 taught to worship." 
 
 " What a pity," said Alice ; " you lose so much ! 1 
 can tell him anything, and I know that He is touched 
 with the feelings of my infirmities ; and though I am a 
 sinful child, it was for exactly such that He came."
 
 CHAPTER XV. 
 
 EMMAUS. 
 "Did not oar hearts burn within as, when he t&lked idth m by the way?" 
 
 fTl HERE is to be a convocation of the brethren at St. 
 -L Barnabas', and it is a season of unusual interest, for 
 not only are the members expected, but large numbers 
 of clergymen, called together by the peculiar exigencies 
 of the Church of their affections. Mr. Morgan is the 
 first, for he is anxious to know how so many are to be 
 provided for. Debby has become accustomed to the 
 ways of the good man, by this time ; and therefore, as a 
 matter of course, puts away five pairs of chickens, two 
 fine hams, two large tongues, a pot of fresh butter, and 
 a large basket of eggs. 
 
 "Will that do, Debby?" said the visitor. 
 
 " How many do you expect at the parsonage?" 
 
 " Four clergymen, I think ; but there will be company 
 at every meal, and I will see that all is right. You '11 
 let me know just what you want, Debby; for these are 
 my children, you know." 
 
 The pastor has vacated his room, and Margaret her^ ; 
 
 and arrangements are made also at Dr. Lacey's, and 
 
 207
 
 208 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 among the people generally, for the entertainment of the 
 strangers. 
 
 Two clergymen, with carpet bag in hand, are already 
 coming up the garden walk. 
 
 " I am so glad tnal we are to have Mr. Thayer an 
 Dr. Nelson," said Margaret ; " they are so different, and 
 yet I like them both so much." 
 
 By this time the clergymen were in the parlor, warmly 
 greeted by the rector, and perceiving Alice in the little 
 room adjoining, Mr. Thayer hastened out, and taking the 
 little hand, said: "And how is my little Alice, now? 
 Though, I see that you are growing tall, my dear." 
 
 " I am pretty well, now, Mr. Thayer, though I have 
 suffered very much since you were here last.' ; 
 
 " You keep close to the Saviour, Alice, I hope ; then 
 your trials seem so much less." 
 
 " That is all my comfort. I am so glad that so many 
 of our Lord's ministers are coming. I can't go to church, 
 only on communion-days, and that not always. But 
 won't you have one of the meetings here, that I may 
 attend?" 
 
 "I dare say that we shall, Alice, for these rooms 
 would accommodate a large number." 
 
 Late in the evening, George Vincent, a young minister, 
 one of Father Morgan's prot&ges, joined the company. 
 
 "We have come together for solemn work," said Dr. 
 Nelson j " in the midst of a sharp conflict in religious 
 Thought. I own that I feel despondent, for so rapid is
 
 WESTBEOCK PARSONAGE. 209 
 
 the progress of the defection in our beloved Church, and 
 so lay the discipline on one side, that I fear we have but 
 little to hope for in the way of relief to brethren whose 
 consciences are burdened with a weight of responsibil- 
 ity." 
 
 "We need heavenly wisdom and divine charity," said 
 Mr. Thayer, "to guide us in our deliberations ; for there 
 ia o much in the movement to excite our indignation, 
 that, ere we are aware of it, we may be impelled by the 
 spirit that our Master rebuked in the disciples of old, 
 who were for calling down fire from heaven to consume 
 offenders." 
 
 " It appears to me that the new developments are mere 
 matters of taste," said George Vincent ; " only an efflo- 
 rescent ceremonial." 
 
 "A ceremonial teaching corrupt doctrine," said Dr. 
 Hastings ; " object-lessons in the Church that we love. 
 If we could believe that these were mere matters of taste, 
 then we might look with pity and surprise upon pageants 
 and postures, on perfumes and scenic decorations ; but 
 they should create alarm, for the great leading minds 
 avow that they are intended to teach doctrines." 
 
 " You take the right view, my son," said Father Mor- 
 gan. "Ritualism is the fruit of Tractarianism. New- 
 man and Pusey knew what they were about, when they 
 so carefully indoctrinated the teachers, and trained a 
 band by a process of reasoning; for one says: 'Without 
 
 dogma, ritualism is an illusion ritual is the visible 
 18*
 
 210 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 expression of divine truth the surest way to teach the 
 Catholic faith, is by the Catholic ritual." 
 
 "They exhibit profound knowledge of the weakness 
 of human nature, when they address the senses," said 
 Dr. Nelson ; " for through these avenues, the most pow 
 erful impressions are made. The central point of Ritu- 
 alism is the same as Tractarianism the real presence, 
 in the communion of the Church and so by every 
 mode, they paint it to the eye. It may be well to quote 
 one of their own leaders, who writes : 
 
 " ' It may be well at this time to restate that great 
 doctrine which is the groundwork of the whole theory 
 and practice of church-worship the true doctrine of 
 the Eucharistic Sacrifice ; and because that doctrine of 
 the real bodily presence is believed by the ritualists, we 
 have lights upon the communion table, incense, "ad- 
 vanced "music; vestments of strange patterns and gor- 
 geous coloring, changing with the seasons; reverences 
 toward the place where the Presence is supposed to be, 
 and bowings and prostrations as acts of adoration.' " 
 
 " Truly this object-teaching should alarm all true 
 Protestant brethren," said Father Morgan ; "but really 
 sometimes it appears only ridiculous, when we see the 
 lengths to which they travel to defend their folly. Only 
 the other day, I read an attempt to prove that the 
 Apostle Paul must have worn vestments, when he sent 
 for the cloak that he had left at Troas." 
 
 A general laugh followed this speech, at the bare idea
 
 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE, 211 
 
 uf rigging the grand Apostle in the millinery and fop- 
 pishness of ritualism. 
 
 " By-the-by," said the quaint old man, " do you know , 
 brethren, that I have found names for all of you ? " 
 
 " Let us hear them," said Dr. Hastings. 
 
 " I call you, Timothy, my son ; Thayer, is John, the 
 beloved disciple ; Dr. Nelson is our Luther; Vincent is 
 doubting Thomas; and you must give me my name, 
 brethren." 
 
 Dr. Nelson smiled and replied : " Zealous, warm- 
 hearted Peter." 
 
 " Yes, that will do," said the old man ; " but one thing, 
 let us all be called by the name of our Master, only." 
 
 There is a ring at the hall -bell, and Bishop Lysle is 
 introduced, most welcome to the group at the parsonage, 
 tie is rather small, with a calm blue eye, thinnish brown 
 hair, and by no means of an imposing presence, and is to 
 preach the opening sermon of the convocation. 
 
 Blessed and holy was the communion of saints m 
 that parsonage parlor, one of those stopping-places in 
 the Christian pilgrimage, where the weary may rest 
 awhile from their toils and conflicts, and commune 
 (ogether of the blessed future in store for those who 
 truly love God. 
 
 " A little taste of heaven, papa," said Alice, as he 
 bade her good night ; " so many of God's dear servants 
 all together, such as we shall dwell with forever." 
 
 " Yes, Alice, only without fault or blemish, cla/l ir
 
 212 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 our Master's image: let us press on, darling, to oui 
 heavenly inheritance." 
 
 " ' Where eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither 
 have entered into the heart of man, the things which 
 God hath prepared for them that love Him.' Good 
 night, dear papa." 
 
 Assembled next morning around the family altar, 
 Bishop Lysle presided, pleased that a cardinal doctrine 
 of Christianity formed the subject of the -family texts 
 that of justification by faith. 
 
 " A doctrine hated by the high ritualists," said the 
 Bishop ; " for one of the writers of that school styles it 
 ' that most anti-missionary and anti-Christian of dogmas.' 
 But we are taught to consider it the rock on which the 
 soul can find its only sure resting-place. Now let me 
 hear some of the texts." 
 
 Margaret spoke first : " ' Therefore, being justified by 
 faith, we have peace with God, through our Lord Jesus 
 Christ.' " 
 
 "This is mine," said Warren: "'Being justified freely 
 by his grace, through the redemption that is in Christ 
 Jesus.'" 
 
 " I am ready for Allan's." 
 
 " ' Knowing that a man is not justified by the works 
 of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we 
 have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified 
 by the faith of Christ, not by the works of the law : for 
 by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified,' "
 
 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 213 
 
 " Has Alice a passage on the subject ? " 
 
 " ' And by him, all that believe are justified from all 
 things, from which ye could not be justified by the law 
 of Moses.' " 
 
 " I have one, Bishop," said Edward, who saw that he 
 was closing the Bible : " ' Much more then, being now 
 justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath 
 through him.' " 
 
 " I have a very nice text," said little Lucy, with a 
 timid voice : " ' But ye are justified in the name of the 
 Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of God.' " 
 
 " Blessed are ye, my dear children," said the good 
 Bishop, " to be so constantly and faithfully taught these 
 precious truths of the Bible : impressed by the Spirit of 
 God, though assaulted on every side, the gates of hell 
 shall not prevail against it." 
 
 In language glowing with love and strong in faith, 
 the Bishop commended the household to the care of 
 the Good Shepherd, confident that he would fulfil hia 
 promises to the children of the righteous. 
 
 Assembled in the lecture-room, there was an hour of 
 blessed intercourse with heaven before the public service 
 in the church, where Bishop Melville, in his own impres- 
 sive manner, addressed the brethren : 
 
 " Let us know where we stand, my brethren, far ad- 
 vanced in the nineteenth century eminently in thelat- 
 ler day of the Gospel dispensation, when we are told 
 that there shall be a great falling away from the faith
 
 214 WESTBfcOOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 in the Church of God. There is much to alarm true 
 Christians, for the very foundations of our hope are at- 
 tacked, and the Church that we love undermined by 
 miners and sappers, who are seeking to weaken the sup- 
 ports of the Protestant faith. Let there be no divisions 
 among us, but as one man let us stand firmly shoulder 
 to shoulder, in defence of the Gospel. There is need of 
 great wisdom in every movement, for we are standing, as 
 it were, on the borders of the Red Sea, as did the Israel- 
 ites of old. They were in danger, too, beset by foes on 
 every hand, but they did not rush into the sea without 
 orders ; when Moses gave the word of command, they 
 marched, and the waters divided on either side, making 
 a safe passage for the mighty host. God will fight for 
 his own Church now, brethren ; let us listen for our 
 Moses' voice watch for his dividing staff and we, too, 
 shall pass through our Red Sea in safety." 
 
 Every eye was fixed upon the tall and dignified form 
 of the venerable speaker, for Bishop Melville was vene- 
 rable now silver hairs crowning his broad, expansive 
 brow; and as the clear, sonorous tones rang out their 
 trumpet notes, many in that listening throng could not 
 but compare him to the Moses of ancient days. After 
 solemn prayer and another hymn, Mr. Thayer arose 
 always a welcome speaker with his heavenly wisdom, 
 his loving spirit : " Let us beware, dear brethren, of 
 harsh judgment ID dealing with the propagators of error, 
 in these troubled days. While we do not give place*
 
 215 
 
 no, not for one hour to the adversary, let us remember 
 that all aro not to be equally condemned. With some, 
 it is very likely a mere sestheticism ; with others, an 
 exaggeration of forms which our Church appoints, but 
 which it has carefully restricted, who have not yet real- 
 ized to what these innovations may lead, and from which 
 they will honestly shrink. Toward such, let us exercise 
 ' the charity which hopeth all things ; ' but with those 
 who avow their purpose to unprotestantize our beloved 
 Church, we must not, cannot hold communion. We can 
 weep over their unfaithfulness to ordination vows can 
 pray for their recovery from the snare of the tempter ; 
 but the right.hand of fellowship must be extended only 
 to those who contend for the faith once delivered to the 
 saints." Deep impressions were made by both of these 
 speakers, and earnest were the prayers put up by that 
 company of the faithful sons of the Protestant Episcopal 
 Church. 
 
 Gathered in the church of St. Barnabas, a listening 
 crowd hung upon the words of Bishop Lysle, with an 
 impressive silence that might be felt. With the zeal of 
 a true apostle, he placed the decisions of Couno.ils and 
 ancient Fathers just where they belonged. We will give 
 an extract from his bold and faithful sermon : 
 
 " Why make our appeal to Councils and Fathers, to 
 patristic, or mediaeval, or modern definitions, when we 
 have veritably infallible guidance the guidance of the 
 men upon whose heads rested the cloven flames at Pen-
 
 216 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 tecost, and whose names are on the foundation-stones of 
 the New Jerusalem? The Apostles, the only unerring 
 guides and governors of the Church, live as perpetual 
 witnesses to the truth. They speak now, as they spoke 
 of old, with decision and clearness. We can consult 
 them with greater convenience than could their own 
 contemporaries. For they are not now dispersed over 
 the earth. Their testimony is combined and complete. 
 Points which they have not settled, never will be settled 
 under the present dispensation ; and where they have 
 spoken, there is no appeal. An eminent divine, identi- 
 fied with the movement that has for so many years dis- 
 tracted the Church of England, avows his readiness to 
 defend ' the real objective presence, the Eucharistic sac- 
 rifice, and the adoration of our Lord truly present under 
 the Eucharistic symbols, as being the teaching of the 
 whole Catholic Church from the time of the Apostles.' 
 He does not defend it as the teaching of the Apostles 
 themselves. Then we say, even if the claim could be sub- 
 stantiated, to what does it amount ? The whole Catho- 
 lic Church, from the first century to the twentieth, can- 
 not establish a doctrine unrevealed in Scripture, respect- 
 ing which the Apostles are silent, or which contradicts 
 their teaching. This is our rock, from which nothing 
 can move us. The Church is built upon the foundation 
 of the Apostles and Prophets, Jesus Christ himself being 
 the chief corner-stone, and our confidence is firm and 
 unwavering, that by them no important question is
 
 WESTBKOOK PARSONAGE. 217 
 
 unanswered no vital truth undiscovered no divine 
 lequireraent left in obscurity and doubt." 
 
 Loyal sons of the Protestant Episcopal Church listened 
 to this stirring, able sermon, with hearts deeply moved, 
 and joined, with renewed devotion, in singing the beau 
 tiful hymn : 
 
 " I love thy kingdom, Lord, 
 
 The house of thine abode, 
 The Church our blest Redeemer saved 
 With his own precious blood. 
 
 "I love thy Church, God, 
 
 Her walls before thee stand, 
 Dear as the apple of thine eye, 
 And graven on thy hand. 
 
 " If e'er my heart forget 
 
 Her welfare or her woe, 
 Let every joy this heart forsake, 
 And every grief o'erflow. 
 
 " For her my tears shall fall ; 
 
 For her my prayers ascend ; 
 To her my cares and toils be given, 
 Till toils and cares shall end." 
 
 Truly there was no need of surpliced singing-boys at 
 St. Barnabas' on that occasion, for the earnest volume of 
 responsive worship that filled th<* church from the clergy 
 assembled, gave full evidence of the majestic power of 
 
 our service, when the people join heartily iu its different 
 19
 
 218 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 parts; for they were all inspired on that day by the 
 example of the fifty clergymen in their midst. 
 
 The venerable Bishop Miles read the Communion 
 Service in his own solemn manner, and tears started in 
 many eyes, as the trembling tones of his voice fell upon 
 their ears, for they seemed to say that his ministry of 
 holiness and love would soon close upon earth. 
 
 Two days were spent together in holy consultation, 
 and the last evening had arrived. A large number had 
 assembled in the parlor of the parsonage, where they 
 communed together for the last time of the things of 
 the kingdom of our blessed Lord. 
 
 Margaret Hastings presided at the organ, and sweet 
 strains of sacred music filled not only the room where 
 they had assembled, but swelling upon the air, had 
 stolen out through the windows, enticing Agnes Sher- 
 wood into the garden of the parsonage, and almost un- 
 perceived into the presence of the worshippers. 
 
 Fresh vows of fidelity, deeper consecration to the 
 Master's service, prayers which could never be forgotten, 
 and exhortations that stirred every heart followed each 
 other until a late hour in the evening, and at the close, 
 all standing, sang the sweet hymn : 
 
 "Blest is the tie that binds 
 
 Our hearts in Christian love; 
 The fellowship of kindred mindi 
 la like to that above."
 
 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 219 
 
 ' Surely the Master was in our midst," said Father 
 Morgan, " for did not our hearts burn within us, while 
 He talked with us by the way? It is not easy to break 
 up such a meeting ; but we must say farewell now." 
 
 As one by one shook the parting hand and uttered 
 the parting blessing, Father Morgan followed George 
 Vincent out into the hall, and, with one arm over his 
 shoulder, and the other grasping his hand, said in 
 earuest, loving tones : " God bless and keep you, my son, 
 for I fear that you are on the borders of temptation, or 
 why do I hear of you so often at St. Gregory's ? " 
 
 " I cannot see so much to disapprove, Father Morgan, 
 for you will own that there was much in the ancient 
 church to admire, and much in the modern to deplore." 
 
 " Listen to an old man's warning, my son, and bewar 
 how you are beguiled from the simplicity that is in Christ. 
 Keep close to the blessed word of God close to the 
 Holy Spirit of God : let no sophistry beguile you from 
 that safe, that blessed path ; but come what may, George 
 Vincent, I am your true friend at all times. Good-by. 
 God bless and keep you." 
 
 Father Morgan returned to the j>arlor to bid farewelJ 
 to several of the brethren who yet remained. 
 
 " We shall meet, I trust, at the Anniversaries in New 
 York," said the old man, " but we will not see George 
 Vincent there, or among us here again; he is among the 
 ritualists, I fear." 
 
 " Hi? is a poetic, sensitive nature," said Mr. Thayer,
 
 220 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 ' and may be led aside by the music and display ; but 
 if the root of the matter is in him, he will come back 
 to us." 
 
 " It has been a precious season," said Dr. Hastings ; 
 " for the Lord has been in our midst blessing his ser- 
 vants : may it be seen in our work hereafter ! " 
 
 The gate has closed upon the last member ; but a deep 
 impression has been made by the visitation Margaret, 
 Allan, and Alice partaking largely of the blessing, and 
 Warren too much impressed by the realities of true 
 piety to make any remarks. 
 
 " What a holy benediction they have left among us ! " 
 aid Alice, as the last one bade farewell. " It seemed, 
 ill the time, just like the walk of the disciples on the 
 way to Emmaus." 
 
 " And so it was, my dear," said the father ; " for we all 
 realized that Jesus was in our midst." 
 
 " Now we know, papa, what the disciples meant when 
 they asked that question." 
 
 "What question, Alice?" 
 
 " ' Did not our hearts burn within us, while he talked 
 with us by the way ? ' "
 
 CHAPTER XVL 
 
 SHACKLES VerSIM FREEDOM. 
 
 "Beloved, believe not every spirit; but try the spirits whether they 
 re of God." 
 
 TTTARREN is eighteen, quite prepared for college, 
 and the idea of a first separation in the household 
 is beginning to sadden the spirits of its members, espe- 
 cially of Alice ; for she is so tenderly beloved by her 
 elder brother. But the world is beckoning Warren 
 away from Westbrook, for his ambition is pointing to 
 the metropolis : there he hopes to realize the dreams of 
 the Adirondacks fame being his idol yet. The time of 
 separation has come at length, and tender emotions are 
 filling the young heart with sorrowful images. He is 
 passing through the green orchard, where he has spent 
 so many happy hours ; and sitting down a moment in 
 the summer-house, the soft cooing of the pigeons in the 
 church tower are drawing tears from the boy's eyes, who, 
 looking around for fear of observation, proudly dashes 
 them away ; but it is hard to keep them back, as he 
 thinks how long it may be ere he sits with Alice under 
 
 the green trees, calling her gentle pets around her. Now 
 19* 221
 
 222 WESTBBOOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 he is in the room under the gable in search of his trunk, 
 when the sight of the old pictures of Lady Anne and 
 Sir Charles brings back the days of childhood, which 
 Warren feels will never come again. 
 
 Strange that such simple things should stir thesa 
 human hearts so deeply! But all Warren's emotions 
 now are sorrowful, for he is not leaving an ordinary 
 home. He is paying his last visit to Little Rugby, and, 
 with Dr. Arnold's arm around his waist, he is pacing the 
 students' walk with his beloved preceptor. 
 
 " You are going into new scenes, among new faces, 
 Warren," said his friend. " Do you ever think of the 
 snares of college life ? " 
 
 "Yes, Dr. Arnold, for some; but I go for study, for 
 improvement, and every thing will bend to that one 
 object." 
 
 "I allude to the snares spread around you by new 
 companions." 
 
 " I am not likely to be entrapped by the dissolute, Dr. 
 Arnold : my pride will keep me aloof from them." 
 
 " Neither am I afraid of that, Warren ; but you wor- 
 ship intellect, and will be drawn to that, even though it 
 is openly arrayed against the truth." 
 
 Warren smiled as he replied : "You know that I was 
 always fond of a tilt with sharp intellects, and have a 
 passion for mental broadswords yet. I can never make 
 friends with shallow-brained fops ; and if I meet with 
 superior minds, must choose such companionship "
 
 WESTBBOOK PARSONAGE. 223 
 
 " They are dangerous, Warren, especially to biich as 
 you. If I could only feel that you were settled in 
 your religious faith, I should not feel so many mis- 
 givings/'' 
 
 " I don't think that there is much to fear in my case, 
 doctor ; for although I have often been tormented with 
 skeptical doubts, there is such a host of evidence at the 
 dear parsonage and Little Rugby, that the chambers of 
 my brain are pretty well filled with able defenders of 
 the truth. There is my honored father, a living epistle 
 himself; my beloved mother, with her saintly life; my 
 sister Margaret, good, precious Allan, and my darling 
 Alice. Why, Dr. Arnold, these blessed faces and their 
 holy words are with my memory always the trouble 
 is somewhere else." 
 
 "Yes, Warren, it is in the carnal mind, everywhere 
 the same antagonist of spiritual piety. But I shall re- 
 member you, my boy, every night, in my most earnest 
 prayers," 
 
 " You will let me hear from you, Dr. Arnold," said 
 the boy ; " for," pointing to Little Rugby, " g ) where I 
 may, that will be my Alm&, Mater still." 
 
 Just then, Nan came running out with a needle-book 
 made by her own hands, to offer to the young man. It 
 was roughly made, for she was only just learning to sew ; 
 but Warren appreciated the motive, and thanked the 
 girl heartily for her little gift. 
 
 An hour's loving counsel and prayer was spent in the;
 
 224 WESTBBOOK PAESONAGE. 
 
 study with the good pastor, and then Alice sent for her 
 brother. 
 
 "How shall I do without you, Warren?" said the 
 sister, as she folded the dear hand within her own. " But 
 I know that it is for your good to go away, and I try to 
 be contented ; but I shall think of you every morning 
 and evening in my prayers, Warren. If I only knew 
 that you were a Christian, parting would not be so sad, 
 for then I should know that God was taking care of 
 you : but out of Christ He is a consuming fire." 
 
 "I am not such a terrible sinner, dear little sis. 
 God is very good and merciful, and he will not deal 
 hardly with one who wants to do right." 
 
 " I know what the Bible says, Warren : ' Except a 
 man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of 
 God."' 
 
 It is the last morning at the parsonage, and the sub- 
 ject is the doctrine of the Holy Spirit. "What" have 
 you upon the subject, Margaret ? " inquired her father. 
 
 " * If ye, then, being evil, know how to give good gifts 
 unto your children, how much more shall your heavenly 
 Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?'" 
 
 Warren is repeating his last text for many months, 
 perhaps never again to join in the holy service ; he feels 
 it as he utters slowly, "'Which things also we speak, 
 not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but 
 which the Holy Ghost teacheth, comparing spiritual 
 things with spiritual.' "
 
 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 226 
 
 AJian, too, has his: "'But God hath revealed them 
 unto us by his Spirit ; for the Spirit searcheth all things, 
 yea, the deep things of God.' " 
 
 Alice, with sweet, low tones, repeats the blessed words 
 as though sht knew their power : " ' Likewise the Spirit 
 also helpeth our infirmities ; for we know not what we 
 should pray for as we ought ; but the Spirit itself maketh 
 intercession for us with groanings which cannot be 
 uttered.' " 
 
 Edward follows with his : " ' For as many as are led 
 by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.' " 
 
 " I have a prayer," said Lucy. " ' Create in me a 
 clean heart, O God, and take not thy Holy Spirit from 
 me.' " 
 
 " Blessed, precious doctrine ! " said the pastor. " Whal 
 should we be in this dark, benighted world, without the 
 light divine? Let us pray that each member of our 
 dear household may receive in its fulness the holy gift." 
 
 It is a cold, drizzly morning, and Warren feels its 
 dreariness, as passing out of the blessed parsonage, he is 
 slowly walking down the garden path, in company with 
 Allan and his father, having left the other members in 
 the house, watching his retreating footsteps with tearful 
 eyes. Drip drip drip fall the raindrops, not only 
 in the garden path, but on the heart in harmony now 
 with their melancholy measure. 
 
 " God bless you, Warren, my son," said the pastor, 
 P
 
 226 WESTBBOOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 taking his leave at the gate. " Let me leave a text with 
 you : ' Grieve not the Holy Spirit of God.' " 
 
 Warren is gone, and the last farewell is spoken at the 
 cars by Allan, who is waiting to catch the last glimpse 
 as the train rushes by, and the hand waving out of the 
 window is answered by one that is dashing tears away 
 from the dark-blue eyes. 
 
 Warren is fairly settled at college, now, much 
 reopected by all the faculty, for he is a fine scholar, ha. 
 a brilliant intellect, high principles, and a warm, impul- 
 sive nature, that gathers friends around him ; but there 
 is still the same repulsion from spiritual piety, for he 
 imagines that it imposes unnatural restraints upon the 
 free spirit, and fetters his manliness by its shackles ; then 
 his aims are all directed to the distant temple of fame, 
 and he fears that many of its requirements would clog 
 his footsteps up the dizzy height. 
 
 There is a debating society among the students, and 
 Warren is one of the most gifted araong its members, 
 always defending the opposite side of all questions, and 
 taking great delight in demolishing what he terms the 
 barricades of old-fogyism, to let in the sunlight of philo- 
 sophy and science ; exercising the power of his logic on 
 what is still unsettled in his own mind. 
 
 After being at college for some months, there comes 
 along a travelling evangelist a burning, fiery preacher, 
 A-lio has obtained permission to preach to the students. 
 Having a fine, flexible voice, a startling, awakening man
 
 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 227 
 
 ner, an expressive eye, and great command of language, 
 he exercises a powerful influence over the young, in his 
 short visitations. But few sober-minded Christians de- 
 sire the return of Brother Hellings, for, generally, what 
 seemed for awhile to be the result of the Spirit's power, 
 proved itself to have been wildfire, burning up the spirit- 
 ual pastures. But a first visitation always creates a stir, 
 and his violent declamations and alarming appeals, ac- 
 companied by a certain sort of machinery, awaken terror 
 and a slavish kind of repentance. He is in the habit of 
 proposing certain tests, by which hearers shall express 
 their decision on the great subject of religion, calling on 
 fhem to " come out upon the Lord's side," and to show 
 that by arising denouncing those who remain seated. 
 Many are wrought upon by these measures, but not 
 Warren Hastings, whose strongest feelings of repulsion 
 were aroused by these violent appeals. One evening, 
 influenced by this aversion, he arose and left the lecture- 
 room, and as he walked slowly down the aisle, the 
 preacher called out : " There goes a poor sinner, straight 
 to ; pray for him, brethren." 
 
 Warren turned round, and fixed an indignant gaze 
 upon the speaker, and then passed to his room, more 
 skeptical, more hardened than ever. 
 
 Several of his young companions were led hastily to 
 connect themselves with Christian churches, but, after 
 the lapse of a few weeks, returned to their former course 
 of life, excepting three. Very unfortunate that Warren
 
 228 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 Hastings should have passed through such a season, for, 
 mingled with the wildfire, there had been genuine vis- 
 itations of the Spirit, for warm-hearted Christians had 
 implored his presence; and Warren, in repelling the 
 excesses of fanaticism, may have grieved the Holy Spirit 
 of God. 
 
 Alice frequently writes to her brother, and thus tries 
 to keep alive in his bosom the impressions of his child- 
 hood's home. She has his picture in her room, among 
 her treasures, and counts the months at first, and now 
 the weeks, ere she shall see the dear original. 
 
 Warren is at home at length, and Alice tells him to 
 stand off, that she may look at the tall young man by 
 her side. " Why, brother, you are taller than papa, I 
 do believe. How very much you have grown ! " 
 
 "And so do you, little sis. Not much stouter, darling, 
 l)ut certainly taller. But papa looks very frail, Alice: 
 how is he now ? " 
 
 " Not often well, Warren ; but you never hear com- 
 plaints from our dear father. But what kind of a min- 
 ister was that at the college, brother, that made such a 
 stir?" 
 
 " One of the ranting order, Alice, that could never 
 have any effect upon me. I listened, sister, 'and thought 
 of the sermon on the mount, and finding no resemblance, 
 I turned away disgusted ; but I met him in the street, one 
 day after that, and I wish that papa could have heard 
 him send me to perdition : so much for Brother Hellings.
 
 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 229 
 
 " What about that debating society, Warren ? I hope 
 that they do not attack the blessed Bible." 
 
 " It is a society that does its own thinking, Alice. I 
 suppose that papa and Dr. Arnold would sometimes be 
 shocked to hear some of the debates ; but though I like 
 the excitement of argument, it does not follow that I 
 adopt all their notions : still, I must own, that freedom 
 from mental shackles is very agreeable. I shall come 
 out right, yet, Alice, but every step of the way must be 
 thoroughly examined." 
 
 Alice looked troubled, and said meekly: "I don't 
 understand all that you say, Warren, but I wish that 
 you knew how blessed it is to feel the precious words : 
 ' Lord, I believe ; help thou my unbelief.' " 
 
 Warren stooped down to kiss the saintly face, saying : 
 " Darling little sis, don't be troubled about brother War- 
 ren, when the defences of the parsonage are all around 
 him." 
 
 He is to spend part of his vacation in New York, with 
 Uncle Richard, his mother's youngest brother : accord- 
 ingly we find him domesticated with the Warren house- 
 hold. The females are devoted members of St. Aga- 
 pius' ; his aunts, Gertrude and Helen, no longer young, 
 spend their days in a round of religious observances, 
 dwarfing, not developing the Christian life. Warren has 
 promised to go with them to church on the following 
 Sunday. 
 
 " There is nothing in the external or internal appear- 
 20
 
 230 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 ance of St. Agapius' unlike other Episcopal churches, 
 until you come to the chancel. This is decidedly 
 Romish in all its arrangements. In fact, there is no dif- 
 ference to be distinguished. First, there are three steps 
 to the altar. This altar is the same in size and form as 
 that of the Church of Rome ; it is covered with a dark- 
 colored cloth, with a large cross embroidered on it ; the 
 top is covered with red velvet and fringe. On it is the 
 altar-service, on a stand similar to that used in the 
 Mass, and something very like a pyx, a box, it seemed 
 to me, covered with a dark cloth, and emblazoned with 
 a cross. Behind this altar is a screen, with a deep ledge, 
 and on this ledge, and directly back of the altar, is a 
 large silver cross. This cross is flanked by two gilt 
 vases, which seemed to me to contain artificial flowers. 
 On either side of the vases are two very tall candle- 
 sticks, with candles ; and on each side of these, three 
 other candlesticks and candles, much smaller. 
 
 "At half-past ten, a man in a surplice placed himself 
 at the organ. A hymn was started, and taken up by 
 boys' voices in the vestry-room. Soon the sound became 
 more audible, and lo ! there issued from the vestry, first 
 a small boy, in a cassock and surplice, bearing a large 
 wooden cross, I should think about six feet long ; then 
 followed some dozen little boys, with folded hands ; then 
 a few men, all in short surplices and cassocks, and finally, 
 the ministers ; one in a white robe, which reached to 
 about the knees, with a black cassock beneath ; and the
 
 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 231 
 
 :>ther with a white garment, of about the same length, 
 but tied about the waist with a cord ; both wore black 
 scarfs. The procession moved slowly up to the altar, 
 singing I know not what. The singers filed off to their 
 sedilia ; the head priest knelt at the rail, with a little 
 boy on either side, and directly behind him knelt the 
 other priest. This latter then commenced to intone the 
 Litany. Directly after the Litany, the head priest 
 arose, and, for the first time, turning toward the people, 
 said that the Fourth Selection of Psalms would be sung. 
 Then the two priests retired. A young acolyte entered, 
 and proceeded to light the eight candles, and, after bow- 
 ing to the altar, retired. The two priests returned, and 
 now the celebrant wore a white robe, reaching a little 
 below the knee, and apparently covering a black cas- 
 sock over the white robe, a cape or cloak, of dark 
 color, embroidered before and behind with a white cross. 
 With folded hands, and on either side a small, surpliced 
 boy, he entered the chancel, and, mounting the steps, 
 stood before the altar, and, of course, with his back to 
 the people, and reverently bowed to the altar : so did the 
 boys, and so did the second priest, who stood on his right, 
 two steps below, and who had changed his stole, so that 
 now it was passed over his left shoulder and under hia 
 right arm. 
 
 " The chief minister then commenced the ante-com- 
 munion service, turning his face to the people when he 
 read the Commandments, and the a immediately back
 
 232 WESTBROOK PAKSONAGE. 
 
 again to his former position, where he remained, while 
 the second priest read the Epistle on the right and the 
 Gospel on the left of the altar. After the Gospel, the 
 Nicene Creed was sung, all facing the altar. At the 
 words, ' I look for the resurrection of the dead,' the 
 priests, boys, choir, and many in the congregation 
 crossed themselves. The junior priest preached a ser- 
 mon. He distinctly told them that the only way to rk 1 
 themselves of unbelief and doubt was the Holy Catholic 
 Church; and if they inquired what was the Catholic 
 Church, he would give them three tests Universality, 
 Antiquity, and Consent. Not a word of Christ as the 
 way, the truth, and the life. Nothing but implicit faith 
 iu Holy Mother Church. A more thoroughly Romish 
 discourse cannot be imagined. 
 
 " After this sad exhibition of a distorted Gospel, th 
 mummery recommenced. The alms were then collected, 
 and then the little boys brought the cup and wine from 
 the credence table. There was no 'fair white linen 
 cloth ' on the table, as the rubric plainly directs. The 
 wine and bread being upon the altar, the little boy8 
 brought to the priest water and a napkin, with which 
 he washed his hands. Then was intoned the prayer for 
 the Church Militant, after which the second priest, facing 
 the congregation, read the invitation ; and at the words, 
 ' with the Father,' &c., he wheeled about and faced the 
 altar. At the Confession, both priests prostrated them- 
 selves before the altar, almost to the floor. In pro-
 
 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 233 
 
 nouncing the declaration of absolution, the head priest 
 made the sign of the cross. The service then proceeded 
 as usual to the prayer of consecration. Standing before 
 the altar, the priest began the prayer of consecration in 
 a very subdued voice. When he came to the words, 
 ' Take, eat : this is my body/ he paused, changed his 
 voice and said them in a whisper ; then paused again ; 
 then bowed his head, and then actually elevated the 
 bread, and the people bowed their heads. The same 
 thing was done with the cup ; it was elevated, and the 
 people bowed again. Then once more prostrating them- 
 selves before the altar, the priest communed. After 
 this, he delivered the bread not to his assistant, nor to 
 the other minister at the rails, as the rubric directs but 
 to the two little boys ; actually putting the bread into 
 their mouths and pouring in the wine. Then he gave 
 the elements to the clergymen at the rails. The two 
 celebrants then faced the people, one elevating the bread 
 and the other the cup, as high as their eyes. The priest 
 who delivered the bread, first made a sign of the cross 
 with it to each communicant. The one who bore the 
 cup did not deliver it at all to the communicant, but 
 poured the wine into his mouth. While this was going 
 on, the organist was performing a voluntary. After ail 
 had communed, the head priest proceeded to consume 
 all the bread that was left and to drink the wine. The 
 little boys then brought him two small silver pitchers, 
 and as he held the cup alternately poured what I sup- 
 20*
 
 434 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 posed to have been water, for the priest thereupon shook 
 the cup, after the manner of Rome, and drank the con- 
 tents. This was done three times, and the cup was re- 
 turned to the table, covered with a black cloth, and by 
 the boy removed to the side-table. In dismissing the 
 people, the sign of the cross was used ; after which, the 
 procession moved slowly out the cross-bearer first, the 
 boys next, the priests last, singing, as when they came 
 in, and bowing to the altar as they passed." * 
 
 And now let us inquire, is this indeed our Protestant 
 Episcopal Church ? Are these things to be tolerated 
 within it ? Have they any countenance in the laws of 
 the Church ? Without law and against law, shall they 
 be neglected as harmless absurdities ? Or shall they be 
 put down as pernicious superstitions ? 
 
 Warren looked and listened, an expression of intense 
 contempt resting upon his face, while he contrasted the 
 mummeries of St. Agapius' with the dignified and rever- 
 ential worship at St. Barnabas', wondering how any one 
 could offer such a service of incense, flowers, lights, atti- 
 tudes, and vestments to the great and glorious God, who 
 fills the universe with his presence, and requires from 
 man the prostration of his spirit, and not the mere will- 
 worship of the body. 
 
 " Is that Protestant worship, Aunt Gertrude ? " said 
 Warren, when they met at the dinner-table. 
 
 * Quoted literally from a clergyman's descr'ption of public worship 
 in an Episcopal church.
 
 WESTBROOX PARSONAGE. 235 
 
 " That is Catholic worship, Warren ; we do not own 
 the name of Protestant." 
 
 " And you really believe that these childish mum- 
 meries are acceptable to the great and holy God. ? " 
 
 " Why not, Warren ? they all have a deep and sacred 
 meaning, all connected with some doctrine of the Holy 
 Catholic Church." 
 
 " Oh, yes, I perceive that the one central idea of God's 
 especial presence at what you term the altar, is the rea- 
 son of all that bowing and wheeling round, and genu- 
 flections innumerable." 
 
 " You have the idea exactly, Warren; that is what we 
 really believe : hence the altar, the lights, the vest- 
 ments." 
 
 Warren started to his feet, and throwing up his hand, 
 said excitedly : " This is the way you make infidels. Men 
 of free, expansive intellects are not to be trammelled with 
 such baby-shows in the house of God. Rather would I 
 follow Colenso in his rationalism, than be bound soul, 
 fast in such shackles of superstitious mummery ! " 
 
 " You shock me, Warren," said his grandma, "to speak 
 so freely of the mysteries of our holy religion don't 
 let me hear it again, I beseech you." 
 
 Unfortunate again that Warren Hastings should have 
 been thrown into such an atmosphere of puerile Chris- 
 tianity, with all his doubts and questions, and unsettled 
 faith. First, into the region of fanaticism at college, and 
 uow into the cloisters of superstition. Verily the bayo-
 
 236 WESTBBOOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 nets of unbelief were bristling now on every parapet of 
 the citadel. 
 
 The ladies are alone after dinner. 
 
 " Was not that shocking, sister ? " said Gertrude 
 Warren. " 1 do believe that our nephew is an infidel." 
 
 He too is alone at night, and the morning texts one 
 'by one come over his waking dreams, as his thoughts fly 
 back to the dear parsonage and the epistles written 
 there. 
 
 " I can never be an infidel," said Warren, " so long as 
 I remember the powerful preaching of that home circle; 
 but I can never be the slave of superstition, nor the 
 puppet of fanaticism." 
 
 Under the influence of powerful habit, Warren 
 repeated the Lord's Prayer, and even the time-honored 
 " Now I lay me down to sleep," ere he closed his eyes in 
 plumber. 
 
 Strange that such a captious nature should yet retain 
 so much of the spirit of a child. 
 
 A mother's love had fashioned the shield of these few 
 simple words of trust and love, and as Warren repeated 
 them so far from home, other hearts at the parsonage 
 were remembering him in their nightly prayers. 
 
 He cannot always restrain the expressions of contempt 
 which are daily awakened by the employments of his 
 aunts, who spend much of their precious time in em- 
 broidering priests' vestments and church decorations. 
 
 "Where is the priests' millinery -shop, Aunt Ger-
 
 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 237 
 
 trude?" said her nephew, one morning; "I should really 
 like to have a peep ; for last Sunday, at church, I heard 
 a young lady say, ' What a love of an opera-cloak that 
 would be ! ' and only think ! she was speaking of the 
 priest's alb." 
 
 " I wish that you would not indulge in such profane 
 talk, Warren," said his aunt ; " you really have no rever- 
 ence in your composition." 
 
 " I own that I have not a whit, Aunt Gertrude, for 
 alb and maniple ; for dalmatic and tunic ; for chasuble 
 and gremial and chirothecse ; but I have for the great 
 and holy God, who must look upon these things with 
 supreme contempt at folly like theirs." 
 
 Repelled by the excesses at St. Agapius', Warren ia 
 led about by Uncle Richard among his own acquaint- 
 ances, where he meets congenial minds, and rejoices in 
 what he esteems freedom from religious shackles. He 
 has met too with his schoolmates Harry and George 
 Seymour rapidly reaching the end of their ambition ; 
 occupying apartmentsat the Metropolitan, the onedriving 
 a splendid carriage and pair, moving in the higher cir- 
 cles of Upper-Tendom, wearing on his young face marks 
 of fast living ; and the other already dabbling in stocks 
 and preparing to enter the arena with the bulls and 
 bears of Wall Street as soon as he is of age: both 
 bearing marks of discontent and ennui ; for they are 
 feeding on the ashes of worldliness ; and when did that 
 ever satisfy the cravings of an immortal spirit?
 
 238 WESTBROOK PA II SON AGE. 
 
 Warren is at home again, with accounts of St. 
 Agapius' that sometimes amuse, but most generally 
 sadden the good pastor of St. Barnabas'. Warren can 
 scarcely analyze his present emotions, there are so many 
 of the seeds of divine truth floating about in the intellect. 
 But should convictions of personal transgression once 
 disturb the present security, then will he learn to wel- 
 come the only remedy for a sin-sick soul. 
 
 He is at college again, and the household at St. Bar- 
 nabas' return to their usual avocations not, however, 
 with the same tranquil spirit of repose ; for there are 
 marks of debility about Dr. Hastings that cause the 
 loving hearts there to send up to heaven many a silent 
 prayer for restoration.
 
 CHAPTER XVII. 
 
 THE MISSION OVER THE HTLI* 
 
 " To the poor is the Gospel preached." 
 
 *"MHREE miles from Westbrook there is juite a grow- 
 -- ing settlement at the Iron Foundery ; but there are 
 no means of grace within reach, and on Sundays, tbt 
 men are lounging about the porches of the little drink 
 * ing-shops; the women gossiping from house to house m 
 dirty, slatternly dress, and the children roving where they 
 please, undisciplined, untamed, untaught. Dr. Arnold 
 had discovered this in one of his rides with Margaret 
 Hastings ; for it is generally understood, now, that the 
 pastor's daughter is likely to be the life-companion of 
 the master of Little Rugby. 
 
 Very tender and holy is the affection bestowed upon 
 Margaret by the good man, and very sweet and reveren 
 tial that cherished in her heart of hearts for Richard 
 Arnold, two qualities insuring happiness in the marriage 
 relation. 
 
 " Let us stop a moment," said Dr. Arnold, in one of 
 these rides ; and calling a little white-haired boy to the 
 side of the carriage, he said: "Have you any schooj 
 
 here, my little man ? " 
 
 289
 
 240 WE STB ROOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 " Nara one," said the boy. 
 
 " Can any of you read ? " 
 
 " Jest a few, sir ; but the fellows don't care it 's first 
 rate to run about all day. We go a-fishing and a-bird's- 
 nesting and something else sometimes, when the hens 
 lay a good lot." 
 
 " Do you like pretty pictures ? " 
 
 " First rate. Have you got any ? " 
 
 " Yes, plenty of them, my little friend ; and it you '11 
 just get together your little friends next Sunday about 
 two o'clock, under that big tree, we '11 come and bring 
 you plenty." 
 
 "We'll be there never fear, sir." 
 
 The carriage drove off, and Dr. Arnold said : " Here 
 is plenty of work for the Pastor's Aid we must take 
 possession at once. Will you come, Margaret ? " 
 
 " Gladly," was the reply. " I should like to labor 
 among these ignorant people. Let us see, how many 
 fia we count upon? There are Allan, Archie Mur- 
 ray, Sarah Lacey, and you and I there are five at 
 once." 
 
 " Sister Mary will come too, for she has no engage- 
 ment on Sunday afternoon." 
 
 Alice was delighted to hear of the oew work. 
 
 " I cannot go, sister," said the young girl ; " but I can 
 help too. I can pray at home that God would bless 
 you, and I can help make clothing for the poor things 
 when the cold weather comes. It shall be under the
 
 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 241 
 
 care of the Pastor's Aid, Margaret ; and I know that it 
 will do good among the people." 
 
 "Dr. Arnold thought of it first, Alice, for he is 
 always looking out for work in the Master's cause. I 
 .hope that it won't be too much for him ; teaching all the 
 week Bible-class Sunday morning, and now this added 
 work : but he says ' it is better to wear out than to rust 
 out.' " And tears filled Margaret's eyes as she continued : 
 "Don't let us talk of that, Alice." 
 
 Sunday came, and Margaret and the Doctor first went 
 alone to spy out the field. Stopping at the appointed 
 place, the little white-haired boy and two others only 
 were in waiting. 
 
 " Not very encouraging," said Margaret, as she 
 alighted from the carriage. 
 
 Followed by the Doctor, who placed two camp-stools 
 under the tree, she took her seat on one, and, while her 
 companion was fastening the horse, entered into conver- 
 sation with little Dick, for that was his name. 
 
 Then Dr. Arnold, accompanied by Margaret's sweet 
 voice, began to sing the words of a hymn, and from 
 several points they perceived the rude children approach- 
 ing, attracted by the music. 
 
 By this time, about ten had gathered under the large 
 tree, and Dr. Arnold unfolded his roll of pictures, large 
 and showy, with abundant matter of instruction the 
 children all held in mute attention as he talked to then) 
 
 in such deep, impressive tones of voice. 
 21 Q
 
 242 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 At the close he gave to each astonished child one of 
 the bright pictures. 
 
 " Is this mine to keep ? " said little Dick. 
 
 " And mine, too ? " said another, and another. 
 
 " Yes, my little friends; and if you '11 come next Sun 
 day, we will bring some more." 
 
 " That we will ! " cried out every voice. 
 
 And so the work grew around them. 
 
 " Sometimes it may rain, boys," said the teacher, 
 "and I think we must have a room now;" for about 
 twenty were in regular attendance. 
 
 "We like the green trees best," said the children. 
 " We don't want to be shut up in a hot room." 
 
 On making inquiries, it was found that there was a 
 long room in the second story of one of the buildings 
 formerly used by the workmen, but now unoccupied. 
 
 It was very gloomy now ; and, being filled with lumber 
 and dirt, Margaret shrank back at first from such an 
 uninviting place. 
 
 "We can make it bright and cheerful," said the 
 Doctor ; " it has plenty of windows : remove the lumber, 
 bring in plenty of soap, water, and whitewash, and some 
 good Sunday-school furniture, and we '11 scarcely know 
 the place. The main thing, now, is to secure the room. 
 I '11 come up to-morrow, after school, and see Mr. Stone : 
 the rest will be easy enough." 
 
 The room was found to be at his disposal, rent free. 
 Margaret and Sarah Lacey came up to oversee the clean-
 
 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 24S 
 
 ing; Dr. Arnold followed with a few forms, chairs, and 
 tables that had just been removed from the Sunday- 
 school room of St. Barnabas', to make room for new 
 ones, and the work went gayly on : the only objection 
 was, that the entrance was from a staircase outside of 
 the building. 
 
 By Sunday afternoon, a cheerful company of twenty- 
 five children took possession of the room, and Allan, 
 Archie Murray, Sarah Lacey, and Mary Arnold joined 
 the laborers. 
 
 The school continued to increase, and Dr. Hastings 
 opened a Thursday-night service for the people. So 
 much had their children improved under the care of 
 their faithful teachers, that the parents were ready to 
 seek some of the benefits of the mission. It was telling 
 upon the neighborhood, in the cleanliness and orderly 
 deportment of the children, the neatness and industry of 
 the mothers, and the increasing desire of many to hear 
 the precious Gospel ; for good news of salvation, through 
 a crucified Redeemer, did Dr. Hastings carry weekly to 
 the people. 
 
 It is considered a branch of the Pastor's Aid ; and 
 Bending its reports monthly to the parsonage, Alice feels 
 herself one of its members, aiding by her prayers, her 
 little notes, and the labor of her hands. 
 
 Father Morgan is ready with his means to aid the 
 good work ; but Mrs. Sherwood cannot step out of the 
 hard shell of ritualism, for she says candidly that she
 
 244 WESTBKOOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 has heard that teachers of other sects labor there, and 
 she cannot think it right to aid irregular proceedings. 
 
 It is the blessed hour of morning prayer at the par- 
 sonage, where the daily manna falls from heaven around 
 the dwelling. It has been a singularly happy, unbroken 
 family, for they have, as yet, lost but one little lamb 
 from the household circle ; but the changing seasons now 
 come fraught with whispering voices to every loving 
 heart, which, as yet, they scarcely breathe to each other. 
 There are marks about the beloved pastor of St. Barna- 
 bas', too plain to be mistaken with every autumn, an 
 increase of cough, debility, and waste of flesh, that are 
 not repaired when the spring birds sing on the trees 
 around the dwelling. Very, very slow is the change ; 
 but the faithful pastor labors on with an eye to the great 
 account, and a heart fixed on heaven. 
 
 The Sherwoods are intimate at the parsonage ; for 
 although so different in religious faith, there are many 
 mutual points of attraction. There are no young com 
 panions that suit Agnes so well as the Hastings children. 
 All?.n and she are especially congenial, for they both 
 love music, poetry, and flowers, and these tastes are 
 abundantly gratified at Englesby Terrace. Then, she is 
 such a dutiful, affectionate child to her widowed mother, 
 so generous in her charities, and gentle in her manners, 
 that she has endeared herself to every member of the 
 family at the parsonage. But she has been absent now 
 two days, and Margaret has stepped over to inquire the
 
 WESTBROOK PABSONAOE. 245 
 
 reason . The servant met her at the door, with the in- 
 telligence that Agnes was very sick with fever, that 
 seemed daily on the increase, and the mother was begin- 
 ning to feel greatly alarmed. 
 
 From day to day there is no improvement ; and Mrs. 
 Hastings spends much of her time with the afflicted 
 mother, sitting up at night, and comforting her with her 
 sympathy and her prayers. Sweet Agnes Sherwood is 
 very ill, her young life hanging upon a slender thread. 
 Dr. Hastings is a daily visitor, and although Agnes is 
 herself unconscious, his holy, heavenly prayers are such 
 a source of strength and comfort to the mother ! Mr. 
 Moncrief is faithful, too ; but in this hour of heavy trial, 
 she needs the strong arm of Christ himself to lean upon, 
 and this she feels always after a visit from Dr. Hastings. 
 
 Agnes is spared to their prayers, and the mother is 
 bound now to the family at the parsonage with enduring 
 ties, which time can never break. 
 
 " It was a great comfort," said the mother, " to know 
 that Agnes had been confirmed so early was a regular 
 communicant, and a member of the true Church of 
 Christ; for I was sure that if she were removed from 
 earth, it would be to go home to heaven." 
 
 " Not on this account, my dear friend," said Dr. Hast- 
 ings ; " for many a deluded soul may have travelled ex- 
 actly such a road, and have no well-grounded hope of 
 
 heaven : not that I would imply such a thing with regard 
 
 21*
 
 246 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 to your precious child, who seems to have a simple trust 
 in Jesus, that He will never disappoint." 
 
 Agnes had a good constitution, and recovered rapidly. 
 It was a happy day when, leaning upon Margaret's arm, 
 she was once more in the midst of the family circ'e at 
 the parsonage. 
 
 "We shall have our pleasant rambles again," said 
 Allan. "You don't know, Agnes, how I have missed 
 you, in these long weeks of anxiety. I have been learn- 
 ing some new music on purpose for you." 
 
 " Let me hear it, Allan," said the young girl. 
 
 " The old times are back again," said Alice ; " how 
 thankful we should be ! " 
 
 Early next morning, Agnes was taking her usual 
 walk : passing by the parsonage, the sweet sound of the 
 morning hymn held her spell-bound for a moment ; and 
 then quietly stepping in, she joined the family at their 
 daily worship. A slight moving on the part of Marga- 
 ret left a chair between herself and Allan, which Agnes 
 took, listening with great interest to the repetition of the 
 daily texts. 
 
 Turning to the visitor, the pastor said, " Our subject 
 to-day, Agnes, is the fruits of the Spirit. Margaret 
 will give me her text." 
 
 " ' But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long- 
 BuSering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temper- 
 ance : against such there is no law.' " 
 
 Allan is ready with his :
 
 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 247 
 
 "'For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and 
 righteousness and truth.' " 
 
 "I have one, papa," said Alice: "'For they that 
 are after the flesh, do mind the things of the flesh ; 
 but they that are after the Spirit, the things of the 
 Spirit.' " 
 
 Edward is repeating his : 
 
 " ' For ye have not received the spirit of bondage 
 again to fear ; but ye have received the Spirit of adop- 
 tion, whereby we cry Abba, Father.' " 
 
 " Now I am ready for Lucy's." 
 
 " ' The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, 
 that we are the children of God.' " 
 
 " Now you see, my dear children," said the pastor, 
 " that all these passages refer to something going on in 
 the soul, between itself and its God ; not connected 
 here with ordinances, although, when they are used in 
 faith, conveying great blessings, the act that appropriates 
 them being faith in the believer ; the agent that gives 
 them any efficacy, the Spirit of God." 
 
 The words were interrupted by a fit of coughing, a 
 sharp pang seizing every heart as they listened to the 
 warning voice. 
 
 Agnes pondered the words of that morning service 
 attentively, and as she walked home she thought how 
 different were the two systems of doctrine at St. 
 Gregory's and St. Barnabas'. Which was in accordance 
 with God's word ? she was mentally ask ing daily.
 
 248 WE8TBEOOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 Mr. Moncrief is not able to preach more than once a 
 day for a short time, and much to Dr. Hastings surprise, 
 he is invited to fill the pulpit in the afternoon. 
 
 " Shall I go or not ? " inquired the pastor of himself. 
 " If I go, it may be regarded as thinking lightly of the 
 practices there ; but then I can preach the simple Gospel 
 to people who hear about nothing but the Church." 
 
 The invitation was accepted, and we find Dr. Hast- 
 ings in the midst of ritualism the processional music, 
 praying to the east, bowing in the Glorias, strange vest- 
 ments, lights and incense, all so offensive to his pure 
 Protestant principles ; but he preached a glorious ser- 
 mon, justification by faith only being his subject and 
 preached it boldly at St. Gregory's. Dr. Hastings was 
 painfully impressed by the whole service, and in the 
 vestry-room affectionately entered his solemn protest. 
 Laying his hand upon Mr. Moncrief s shoulder, he said : 
 " It was hard to realize that the new additions heaped 
 upon our old majestic forms could possibly be the same." 
 
 "We don't wish them to continue the same," replied 
 the rector; "we are growing weary of the bold and vul- 
 gar exhibitions of Protestant individualism, real Puri- 
 tanism, and are going to restore the good old Catholic 
 faith through the Catholic ritual." 
 
 "You will not stop there," continued the good pastor; 
 "whatever endangers the doctrine of justification by 
 faith leads direct to Rome." 
 
 " I must own that I prefer Rome to Geneva," replied
 
 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 249 
 
 Mr. Moncrief. " I know of no regeneration but that in 
 baptism, and rejoice in the doctrine of the presence in the 
 Holy Eucharist as the very food that the soul craves." 
 
 " What then becomes of the Articles in our Book of 
 Common Prayer ? " 
 
 " There is our trouble," said the ritualist ; " if they 
 were only out of the way, we could march on with rapid 
 strides." 
 
 " Thia generation will not see that calamity," said Dr. 
 Hastings. " The work baptized in the blood of Cran- 
 mer, Latimer, and Ridley is not so easily overthrown. 
 There is a sturdy band of true and faithful Protestants 
 left yet, to defend the faith of the Reformers." 
 
 " They destroyed a great deal that was excellent in 
 my opinion," said Mr. Moncrief. 
 
 Dr. Hastings fixed his calm blue eye upon the 
 speaker's face, and asked solemnly : " Have you ever, 
 upon bended knee, asked sincerely for the light of the 
 Holy Spirit, that you may know the truth as it is in 
 Jesus ? " 
 
 " The Church is my interpreter of Catholic truth." 
 was the reply. 
 
 "Through what channels, my friend?" 
 
 "Through the fathers of the ancient Church from the 
 days of the Apostles." 
 
 " Why not go farther back, my brother, back to the 
 Apostles themselves? for on them alone sat the cloven 
 tongues at Pentecost."
 
 250 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 "We cannot agree, I see that," said the ritualist; 
 "our systems are too wide apart." 
 
 " The days of trouble are coming, I fear," said Dr. 
 Hastings. " Freedom cannot always be confined to one 
 wing of the Church that we love ; and if there is not 
 corresponding relaxation of canon law for us, as well as 
 for you, other relief must come to burdened consciences." 
 
 " What relief, Dr. Hastings?" 
 
 "Either reform, or separate organization the saddest 
 remedy that an arrogant course would lay upon us." 
 
 " May our Master defend us from schism ! " said Mr. 
 Moncrief. 
 
 " We should leave the schismatics behind us ; for 
 they have already divided our beloved Church in spirit. 
 But may God defend the right ! I can trust Him. 
 Good day, Mr. Moncrief." 
 
 He extended his hand. 
 
 "Good day, Dr. Hastings. I thank you for your 
 candor and your courtesy."
 
 CHAPTER XVIII. 
 
 A VEIL AT ST. GREGORY'S. 
 
 They have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they 
 hare laid him." 
 
 A ONES has often invited members of the parsonage 
 ^"*- family to accompany her to church ; but, hitherto, 
 none have availed themselves of the invitation. 
 
 There are to be some new ceremonies at St. Gregory's 
 on Good Friday, and Allan has obtained permission to 
 go, for once. 
 
 The chancel railings are draped in black, also the 
 pulpit and the lectern. The altar is covered with sable ; 
 and running round the upper edge is a silver fringe. 
 In front, on this dark ground, is represented the crown 
 of thorns, in the centre of which are three nails, typical 
 of those with which our Redeemer was fastened to the 
 wood of the cross 
 
 The chandeliers are enveloped in black cloth ; and 
 over the large chancel-window, back of the altar, there 
 is a covering of sable, and on this a large cross, made of 
 purple stuff, extending the whole length and breadth. 
 
 Morning service commenced at nine o'c? >ck, the Rev. 
 
 261
 
 252 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 Messrs. Moncrief and Charlier officiating ministers . 
 the former habited in a black chasuble, fringed with 
 silver. At half-past twelve o'clock commenced the ser- 
 vice, called the Three Hours' Agony, celebrated but 
 once before in New York, similar to the service in 
 Catholic countries, and certainly found nowhere in our 
 Book of Common Prayer. 
 
 There was a procession of priests and acolytes, a cross- 
 bearer, incense swingers, solemn music, darkness, and all 
 the accompaniments of a Romish service in fact, a 
 complete drama. 
 
 "Allan is shocked at this exhibition ; and, walking 
 home in silence, Agnes said, at length : 
 
 " Well, Allan, was it not impressive ? " 
 
 " It was a real drama, Agnes our dear Lord's suf- 
 ferings the subject." 
 
 " Why do you object, Allan ? " 
 
 " First and foremost, we have no such service in our 
 Prayer Book ; and it is altogether Romish." 
 
 Mrs. Sherwood has seen so much of pure spiritual 
 piety at the parsonage that she is beginning to crave 
 something better than these object-lessons in this sen- 
 suous worship. She is deeply convinced of sin, and 
 gilded altars, smoking incense, flowers, lights, and pro- 
 cessional music meet no want of an awakened soul. She 
 is conscious of a need that she cannot define ; for there is 
 a veil at St. Gregory's between her spirit and the blessed 
 Jesus, hiding His preciousness from the true penitent.
 
 WESTBROOJK PARSONAGE. 253 
 
 We find her frequently in Mr. Moncrief's study, wh( 
 directs her not to the Bible, but to the Directorium 
 Anglicanum, to the Book of Hours, and daily partaking 
 of the Holy Eucharist ; but Mrs. Sherwood is seeking 
 peace with God, and such counsel does not meet her 
 case. 
 
 She reads of peace with God, of a full assurance of 
 faith, of joy in believing, of a sense of adoption : she has 
 neither. And so she gropes on in darkness, although 
 she is living in the light of the nineteenth century all 
 dim and shadowy to her, obscured by the misty veil at 
 St. Gregory's. 
 
 She has gone once or twice to the lecture-room at St. 
 Barnabas', always returning with a deeper conscious- 
 ness that there is a void yet unfilled in her aching heart. 
 Then she becomes more abundant in charity, more self- 
 denying, and imposes more restraints upon herself; but 
 she is groping still, and carries about a face still 
 shrouded in sadness ; for " they have taken away her 
 Lord, and she knows not where they have laid Him " 
 almost as much entombed to her as when buried in the 
 sepulchre of Joseph of Arimathea. 
 
 " Sir, we would see Jesus," is the dumb language 
 of her spirit a supplication all unanswered at St. 
 Gregory's. 
 
 She is seeking for free access to a throne of grace ; 
 and the smoke of swinging incense and a face directed 
 
 to what is styled an altar is the answer of that pulpit. 
 22
 
 254 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 She needs a Mediator between earth and heaven, and 
 the vestments that mark the divine character of an 
 earthly priesthood are held up before her. The soul ia 
 lifting beseeching eyes to heaven for a sacrifice that will 
 forever atone for sin, and the Holy Eucharist, with all 
 its ancient superstitions of altar, priest, and daily sacri- 
 fice, is spread before the convicted spirit. But neither 
 altar, nor priest, nor swinging incense can satisfy a soul 
 that is athirst for Jesus in His precious offices ; and so 
 she goes with spirit yet bowed down, scarcely knowing 
 that they have taken away her Lord not yet con 
 vinced that she will never find Him here. 
 
 How many immortal souls may be uttering in their 
 silent chambers " We would see Jesus," receiving just 
 such answers from their spiritual guides ! Solemn respon- 
 sibility in those ordained to make known the precious- 
 ness of a Saviour's love, who thus hide the Master behind 
 a veil of superstition ! 
 
 But Good Friday has passed away, and we will de- 
 scribe still farther the " steps forward " at St. Gregory's, 
 quoted from one present on such an occasion, in the 
 i^reat American metropolis of ritualism, on Easter 
 'lay: 
 
 " The candles that had been put out at the Tenebrse 
 of Good Friday were relighted, and the church shone 
 with the brightness of the Easter festival. The service 
 commenced at a quarter bef< re ten, and continued for 
 nearly four hours. At about half-past ten, one of the
 
 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 255 
 
 altar-boys entered with a long taper, and lit the can 
 dies that flanked the altar on either side. These being 
 lit, the strains of distant music were heard, swelling 
 gradually on the ear as the procession entered the vestry 
 door first the cross-bearer, in purple and white ; then 
 two acolytes, with huge candles of colored wax, and 
 dressed in crimson and white ; then another little altar- 
 boy, swinging clouds of incense from a silver censer ; 
 then the banner-bearers the first banner having the 
 figure of the patron saint, his head encircled with the 
 halo of martyrdom, (he was the martyr sacrificed on 
 British soil,) the other being the banner of the Holy 
 Sacrament, on which was painted the sacred ritualistic 
 emblems : finally came the officiating priests. As the 
 procession, with its candles, banners, incense, and 
 cross, ascended the chancel steps, and made its rever- 
 ence to the altar, the scene was quite brilliant and 
 imposing. 
 
 "The ante-communion service was then proceeded 
 with, the music being from Mozart's Twelfth Mass, and, 
 truth compels us to say, very badly sung. Except fre- 
 quent genuflections and crossings, and the obeisance at 
 the statement of the incarnation (" and was made Man ") 
 in the Creed, the service did not differ materially from 
 the ordinary usage <>f the Episcopal Church. At the 
 reading of the Gospel, however, a variation occurred. 
 The Epistle having been read on the Epistle side of the 
 altar, the priests crossed to the left, or Gospel side, and
 
 256 WEST BROOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 Father Niles taking his place on the topmost step, the 
 assisting priest standing on the next step below, held the 
 book on a level with his own eyes and supported against 
 his forehead, and from this the officiating priest read ; 
 while the little boys held their tall tapers on either side 
 of the reader, and the censer-bearer swung incense to- 
 ward the group. 
 
 " Then came the sermon, prefaced by the preacher 
 crossing himself and commending the exercise to the 
 Divine guidance by the words, 'In the name of the 
 Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, Amen,' 
 and the congregation did likewise. The sermon was 
 upon the resurrection of the body, and the preacher 
 Father Worrell of course took the ultra Church view 
 of the subject, and maintained the resurrection of the 
 very particles of our present actual fleshly bodies, sup- 
 porting his doctrine with the usual texts and well-known 
 arguments. Two significant sentences were those in 
 which the preacher cautioned his hearers to ' beware of 
 those blustering private judgments for which the things 
 of God are never too profound,' and in which he made 
 reference to 'her who bare the Holy Child, peerless 
 among created beings.' 
 
 " The discourse was not long, and was succeeded by 
 the communion service, Father Niles being the celebrant. 
 He was robed in a black under-robe, over which was 
 worn the alb, a white garment reaching to the knee, and 
 finished by a deep lace border. Over this was worn a
 
 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 267 
 
 rich white chasuble, bordered with gold braid, and 
 worked with crimson. The mode of administering the 
 communion differs from the ordinary" practice of the 
 Church in that a consecrated wafer is usea in place of 
 the bread. With this the priest first crosses the commu- 
 nicant against the forehead, and then places the wafer 
 in his mouth." 
 
 Truly St. Gregory's is on the Appian Way. What 
 must be thought of our Church discipline, which can 
 bring to trial offenders against canon law on one side, 
 and tolerate practices like these in the Protestant Epis- 
 copal Church ! 
 
 Have we no law for these f no law by which to 
 banish and drive away from the Church all erroneous 
 and strange doctrines contrary to God's word ? Surely 
 surely we have. Surely the Church of Cranmer and 
 Ridley and Latimer will not surrender one inch of the 
 triumphs of that day of reformation. 
 
 But to return to Agnes. She is almost daily at the 
 parsonage now ; for she knows how tenderly the good 
 pastor and his wife waited upon her in her hours of 
 sickness. Frequently we find her by the side of Alice 
 in her excursions out of doors, Allan drawing the car- 
 riage; sometimes by the borders of the creek, in the 
 more quiet streets, or up and down the shady orchard ; 
 frequently stepping in at the hour of morning prayer, 
 for Agnes finds that it is good tc be there. She ia 
 22* R
 
 258 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 seated among them to-day, when they are discussing the 
 abject of the new birth. 
 
 Margaret is ready with her text 
 
 " ' And he said, Verily I say ui to you, Except ye he 
 converted and become as little < hildren, ye shall not 
 enter into the kingdom of heaven.' " 
 
 " I have a good one," said Allan : " ' Jesus answered 
 and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Ex- 
 cept a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of 
 God.'" 
 
 " Have you any passages describing the evidences of 
 the new birth?" 
 
 " I have, papa," said Alice : " ' Whosoever believeth 
 that Jesus is the Christ, is born of God : and every 
 one that loveth him that begat, loveth him also that is 
 begotten of him.' " 
 
 " I have given several to Edward and Lucy. Repeat 
 yours, Edward." 
 
 " ' For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the 
 world : and this is the victory that overcometh the world, 
 even our faith.' " 
 
 " This is mine, papa," said Lucy : " ' Beloved, let us 
 love one another: for love is of God; and every one 
 that loveth, is born of God, and knoweth God.' " 
 
 " You see, my dear children, that these passages refer 
 to a spiritual change which must pass upon our moral 
 uature, ere we are meet for an inheritance with the 
 .saints in light, the great age) .t of which is the Hoi)
 
 VTESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 259 
 
 Spirit, and faith the instrument by which we receive 
 the promised blessing." 
 
 Many a seed of divine truth is thus dropped in the 
 hearing of Alice Sherwood. 
 
 After the service, we find the two rambling together 
 along the banks of the creek, for Alice is not well 
 wiougn to accompany them to-day, and very sweet and 
 hoi} w the intercourse between these young persons. 
 
 Agnes is seventeen now, small and delicately formed, 
 the character of her beauty touching rather than bril- 
 liant ; for there is a world of feeling in the soft dark 
 eyes veiled by the drooping lash. There is such a simi- 
 larity of taste in reference to music, poetry, and the 
 beauties of the world in which they live, that Agnes 
 is beginning to toll her thoughts freely to Allan, who is 
 daily acquiring more influence over the young lady. 
 
 They are communing thus to-day. 
 
 " How is it, Allan, that I feel so differently toward Dr. 
 Hastings from what I do to Mr. Moncrief ; he is really 
 my pastor, but I cannot talk to him as I can to Dr. 
 Hastings." 
 
 " I suppose, Agnes, that it arises from the difference 
 in their claims ; one comes to you as a minister of the 
 Lord Jesus, a shepherd, a guide, a father ; and the other 
 as a priest, to administer the holy mysteries and to ab- 
 solve you from sin." 
 
 " I stand in awe of Mr. Moncrief, and could never 
 come to him with soul-confidence ; but I venerate and
 
 260 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 love Dr. Hastings, and see in him the marks of a true 
 minister of our Lord and Saviour. Both cannot be 
 true, so wide apart in their teachings. Which am I to 
 follow?" 
 
 " Whichever leads to Jesus, Agnes : pray for guidance, 
 keep close to the Bible, give up reading the books of 
 the ritualists they will lead you into the paths of a sen 
 mous religion, certainly not taught by the Apostles. "
 
 CHAPTER XIX. 
 
 WINGS AT ST. BARNABAS'. 
 
 ** Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, 
 that ye may abound in lope, through the power of the Holy Ghost." 
 
 TT is the favored hour of Friday-evening lecture at 
 -*- St. Barnabas', a service largely attended in the lec- 
 ture-room. The pastor is in the reading-desk in his 
 black gown ; for it is the custom of Dr. Hastings to be 
 thus clad at the familiar lecture. There is a growing 
 look of deeper spirituality upon the pale, thoughtful 
 countenance, a more solemn light from the blue eyes, a 
 more tender sweetness around the large mouth, and a few 
 scattered locks of light-brown hair crown the broad, ex- 
 pansive brow. His slow and measured movements in- 
 dicate weakness ; but none who listen to the rich melody 
 of the deep, musical voice, can fully realize that the slen- 
 der frame from which it proceeds can be so very frail. 
 
 The service opens with the words of the sweet hymn, 
 Bung always to the same tune : 
 
 "Far from my thoughts, vain world, begone! 
 Let my religious hours alone: 
 From flesh and sense I would be free, 
 And hold communion, Lord, with thee " 
 
 Ml
 
 262 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 the pastor sitting with closed eyes, joining in the solemn 
 hymn. 
 
 Then came the evening service, so impressive in its 
 simplicity, and then the familiar lecture, full of a pas- 
 tor's tenderness and an ambassador's faithfulness Jesus 
 Christ and Him crucified, the great subject of his min- 
 istry; His offices, His example, His teachings, His holy 
 life, His atoning death, his one absorbing theme. These 
 heavenly doctrines he pressed upon his people's hearts 
 with all a father's love : this the language of his whole 
 ministry at St. Barnabas', as it is his text to-night : 
 
 " For whether we be beside ourselves, it is to God : or 
 whether we be sober, it is for your cause. 
 
 " For the love of Christ constraineth us ; because we 
 thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead. 
 
 " Now then we are ambassadors for Christ ; as though 
 God did beseech you by us, we pray you in Christ's 
 stead, be ye reconciled to God." 
 
 A silence that might be felt rested upon the congrega- 
 tion. There had been a solemn, weeping listener there, 
 who had realized the constraining power of such Gospel 
 preaching, as Jesus, and He only, was held up as the 
 sinner's hope. The message had fallen upon her heart 
 with a sweetness that she had never known before. No 
 mummery of the services of a defunct theology was 
 there ; no embroidered vestments, no processional music, 
 but sweet devotional hymns, in which she could join, 
 and the simple evening prayer, that she had been accus-
 
 WE8TBROOK PARSONAGE. 263 
 
 tomed to before the days of object-lessons. Conscious 
 that she had found wings on which to soar to heaven, no 
 earthly piiest could henceforth delude her spirit. 
 
 No thick veil of excessive ritualism is here to hide 
 the Lord from the believer's vision ; no mirage to entice 
 her footsteps into a mere desert ; but an open Bible, free 
 access to the Great High-Priest, where she may draw 
 near even to the Holy of Holies with perfect confidence, 
 to plead the merits of the one Great Advocate. She has 
 heen borne upward, as it were on angels' wings, at St. 
 Barnabas', and none of the worshippers knew with what 
 sweet tears of holy joy the figure in the mourning dress 
 joined in the hymn : 
 
 "Jesus, Saviour of my soul, 
 
 Let me to thy bosom fly, 
 While the waves of trouble roll, 
 
 While the tempest still is high: 
 Hide me, my Saviour, hide, 
 
 Till the storm of life is past ; 
 Safe into the heaven guide; 
 
 receive my soul at last." 
 
 Here was spiritual, not sensuous worship. No object- 
 lessons here, for here were no objects of sense to discern. 
 The things of sense only can be taught by the objects of 
 sense. Not so the immortal spirit that must be sanc- 
 tified by contact with spirit of a like essence: the things 
 of the Spirit can be discerned only by the spirit. 
 
 After the closing hymn, the usual invitation was
 
 264 WESTBROOK PAH SON AGE. 
 
 given to any desiring religious counsel to meet theh 
 pastor in the vestry-room ; and observing several turn 
 their footsteps that way, Mrs. Sherwood followed. A 
 bright smile of welcome flitted over Dr. Hastings' face 
 as he saw who so meekly took her seat among the little 
 flock. A few faithful words of individual counsel, a 
 fervent, loving prayer closed the service that had com- 
 pletely severed Mrs. Sherwood from a ritualistic min- 
 istry. 
 
 Next morning, we find her at Dr. Hastings' study, 
 with the history of her heart struggles. 
 
 " The law has pursued me with its glittering sword for 
 years," said the lady ; " and all this while I have been 
 taught to rest in everything but Jesus." 
 
 '* That is what might be expected from sacramental 
 theology," replied the pastor. " The sacraments were 
 never intended to originate emotion ; they feed the 
 Christian's faith when rightly received. As in the 
 Lord's Supper, the food is spiritual, and as the soul, in 
 a state of nature, is spiritually dead, it follows that a 
 dead soul mu?t be endued with spiritual life before it 
 can feed upon heavenly nourishment." 
 
 " This is all new," said Mrs. Sherwood. " If the sac- 
 raments do not impart spiritual life, what does?" 
 
 "The Holy Spirit, which is given in answer to be- 
 lieving prayer." 
 
 " I feel, Dr. Hastings, as if I had to begin my Chris- 
 tian life all over again: it has all been so unsatisfying."
 
 WESTBRCJK PARSONAGE. 265 
 
 " It i* all expressed in these simple words," wafe the 
 reply : 
 
 'In my hand no price I bring; 
 Simply to thy cross I cling' 
 
 close to that blessed Saviour every step of your way : 
 keep your eyes ever upon Him, and he will reveal him- 
 self to you as a pardoning, loving Saviour." 
 
 With the docile spirit of a child, she bowed before the 
 mercy -seat, while the good pastor committed her case to 
 the teaching of the blessed Spirit. 
 
 Father Morgan is on a visit to the parsonage, his 
 spirit sorely troubled by the progress of ritualism in the 
 Church of his affections. 
 
 " Here is something for the press," said the old gen- 
 tleman, taking out a small manuscript. " Shall I read 
 Father Morgan's Vision ? " 
 
 Seating himself near the couch of the invalid, he 
 wiped his spectacles, unrolled his manuscript, smoothed 
 its wrinkles, and then commenced : 
 
 " Methought that I was sitting in the church of St. 
 
 , one of the fossil ( hurches of the nineteenth century, 
 
 musing over the defei tions of these latter days. In my 
 waking dreams, this is what I saw: The congregation 
 were assembled at morning prayer. Seated in a side- 
 pew, where I could see the entrance, methought three 
 shadowy forms moved slowly up the aisle, clad in the 
 loose, flowing robes worn in the days of our Lord, girt 
 
 about the loins, and witk uncovered heads. Though 
 23
 
 266 
 
 clearly defined, they were singularly transparent, and 1 
 felt that we were in the presence of the spirits of another 
 world. 
 
 " They glided up the aisle, entered the chancel-rails, 
 and took their seats within, evidently unseen by the two 
 ministers, who proceeded, with their genuflections and 
 their droning voices, in the service of God. One, smaller 
 than the rest, and much less imposing in appearance, 
 stepped forward, and raising his shadowy hand to 
 heaven, called out in solemn tones, that startled every 
 hearer : 
 
 " ' Listen ! listen ! I come with a message from heaven 
 to you, degenerate Christians of the nineteenth century.' 
 " Methought that now these forms were visible, for 
 many started to their feet fully aroused, as the impres- 
 sive voice continued : 
 
 " ' What mean you, Christians of the latter days, by 
 these forms of Judaism ? Having begun in the Spirit, 
 are ye going back to the flesh?' 
 
 " I knew him now : it was Paul, the great Apostle to 
 the Gentiles. 
 
 " ' Is this spiritual worship ? this outward service of 
 posture, and vestment, and processions. What mean ye, 
 ambassadors of the Lord Jesus ? (who seemed now to 
 shrink before him.) Do you call this the Church of the 
 Apostles, left upon earth to defend the faith once deliv- 
 ered to the saints? What was that ancient, simple 
 faith for which so many died ? Hear it, degenerate 
 sons ! Justification by faith, sanctification by the Spirit,
 
 WE8TBROOK PARSONAGE. 267 
 
 a life of holiness, the resurrection of the body, and the 
 life of the world to come: this is Apostolic doctrine! 
 
 " ' Preaching the word from house to house, laboring 
 for immortal souls, giving of alms, and brotherly love : 
 this is Apostolic doctrine. How much of all that is left 
 in this apology for a Christian church this bowing 
 multitude before the idol that their priests have made? 
 I say to you now, what I said to the men of Athens, " I 
 perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious ; " for 
 I find what you call an altar here, on which you claim 
 to sacrifice, an unknown god. The time is short, the 
 dispensation is closing ; the sifting-time is coming, when 
 the tares shall all be burned up, and nothing left but the 
 pure wheat to be gathered into the garner.' 
 
 " Every eye was fixed, every voice was hushed. Me 
 thought that the two ministers were ashy pale as they 
 listened. The Apostle of the Gentiles had uttered his 
 warning ; and then methought that the second arose. 
 The face was heavenly; the dark-brown hair lay in 
 wavy locks around his shoulders ; the voice was sweet, 
 and full of love ; the glance tender and holy. This was 
 he who leaned upon Jesus' bosom ; and, in words of love, 
 he spoke: 
 
 " ' I am he that in the Isle of Patmos received the 
 revelations from heaven the brother and companion 
 still of all true believers. Much of that divine revela- 
 tion has been fulfilled ; the most solemn judgments yet 
 remain, when the Lord Jesus shall descend from 
 heaven, to consume every form of opposition to His
 
 J68 WEST BROOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 kingdom by the brightness of His coming. A shadow 
 of that apostasy is here, and shadows are born of reali- 
 ties. Beware lest, beguiled by the great deceiver, you 
 lose the substance of Christianity while pursuing its 
 counterfeit. I come to warn the true flock of our dear 
 Master ; for, mixed up with all the varying sects of 
 Christendom, we find that little flock. Come out, come 
 out, true followers of the Lamb, from every form of op- 
 position to the true spiritual Church of our precious 
 Master ; for " Behold, he cometh with clouds ; and 
 every eye shall see him. He which testifieth these things 
 saith, Surely I come quickly ; Amen. Even so come, 
 Lord Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be 
 with all who truly love the Lord. Amen." ' 
 
 "Methought that, amid silence deep and profound, 
 the seer of Patmos sat down ; and then arose the third. 
 Tall, commanding, with a glowing eye, in ringing 
 tones he spoke. It was Peter ; free from human pas- 
 sions now, for he had dwelt in the presence of the Lord 
 for eighteen centuries: 
 
 " ' Beware of the seducing spirits of the latter days, 
 who may come clad in forms of beauty, but only to lead 
 away from the true faith of the Gospel of the Son of God. 
 Remember where it is found in its purity in that 
 upper room in Jerusalem, where the cloven tongues sat 
 upon the chosen few. Go back to them for the blessed 
 Gospel. Keep close to their teaching. Whatever de- 
 parts from the spirit of their holy doctrine or practice 
 is of man, and not of God. We leave our warning ! It
 
 WESTBROOE PARSONAGE. 269 
 
 will l>e heeded by the true flock only ; for the Saviour's 
 sheep know His voice and follow Him. 
 
 " ' But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, 
 that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and 
 a thousand years as one day. 
 
 " ' But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in 
 the night, in the which the heavens shall pass away with 
 a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent 
 heat ; the earth also, and the works that are therein, 
 sh'all be burnt up. 
 
 "'Seeing, then, that all these things shall be dissolved, 
 what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy con- 
 versation and godliness.' 
 
 "Awestruck, the people listened. Then the three 
 arose, saying : 
 
 " ' We shall meet again. Farewell, farewell ! ' 
 
 " Then methought that slowly they ascended to the 
 roof, which seemed to open, disclosing a band of angelic 
 spirits; and then, amid strains of heavenly music fill- 
 ing the whole church, they disappeared. 
 
 " Thus ended my vision at St. . Doubtless could 
 
 these holy Apostles return to earth, just such would be 
 their testimony to the defection of these latter days." 
 
 Mrs. Sherwood had been among the listeners deeply 
 impressed by the notes of warning. She was sitting 
 daily now at Jesus' feet, and was learning, under the 
 teachings of Dr. Hastings, the blessedness of joy and 
 peace in believing 
 23*
 
 CHAPTER XX. 
 
 EASTER MORNING. 
 
 * But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the first-fruit! 
 of them that slept. 
 
 "For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection 
 of the dead." 
 
 new worshippers are added to the family group 
 -*- at the parsonage ; Mrs. Sherwood and Agnes esteem- 
 ing it a great privilege to join that little band who meet 
 morning and evening at the mercy-seat. 
 
 She has removed her altar and its coverings, her 
 flowers, and her crucifix, and all other symbols of her 
 former faith. 
 
 A simple table takes the place of the altar, on which 
 are laid her Bible and Prayer Book these, with a kneel- 
 ing-stool before the table, are all that remain of objects 
 of sense. But there is another altar there, now, where she 
 holds spiritual communion with the Great High-Priest 
 of our profession. No Book of Hours, no Directorium 
 Anglicanum, is there. 
 
 She has escaped the shackles of ritualism, and in 
 her holy freedom uses her great wealth in schemes for 
 
 the good of the Church and benevolence to man ; for she 
 
 270
 
 WE8TBROOK PARSONAGE. 271 
 
 has found the Holy Catholic Church for which she has 
 searched so long. When she repeats that article of the 
 Creed now, she can extend her arms very wide, to em- 
 brace all who love our Lord Jesus Christ; for although, 
 in its outward organization, she still prefers the Protest- 
 ant Episcopal Church, she recognizes the great multi- 
 tude of true believers throughout the world as members 
 of the church of the first-born, whom she hopes to dwell 
 with in the church of the resurrection. She is especially 
 attached to the good rector of St. Barnabas', for he is 
 her spiritual father in Gospel bonds, and is anxious to do 
 something to show her gratitude. 
 
 The congregation has grown so rapidly that a transept is 
 necessary, and Mrs. Sherwood gives largely of her means 
 for that purpose ; at the same time begging to replace 
 the old bell by a chime of bells. The offer is accepted, 
 and the work goes on bravely. Mr. Moncrief is much 
 grieved by the loss of his wealthy parishioner; but 
 her choice is a matter of conscience, and there is no 
 redress. 
 
 Agnes, too, is with her mother heart and hand, for 
 she was gradually prepared for such a step, by intimate 
 intercourse with the young people of the parsonage. 
 
 Mrs. Sherwood has no scruples now about aiding the 
 mission over the hill, and, seeing that the field is ripe, 
 and the mission growing, offers to build a chapel herself, 
 calling it St. John's. 
 
 Agnes and her mothel engage heartily in the work
 
 272 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 as teachers, and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in 
 the comfort of the Holy Ghost, are very happy. 
 
 In the meanwhile, Father Morgan has heard of the 
 defection of his former proUgd, George Vincent, for he 
 is avowedly now with the ritualists. He remembers the 
 Gospel precept, and obeys : " Moreover, if thy brother 
 shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault 
 between thee and him alone; if he shall hear thee, thou 
 hast gained thy brother." 
 
 We therefore find the faithful Christian in the study 
 of the young minister, surrounded by pictures of the 
 fathers, the writings of mediaeval days, and on the back 
 of a chair several articles of clerical costume unknown 
 in the service of our Book of Common Prayer. 
 
 " Have I heard aright, my young brother are you 
 really with the retrocessionists ? " 
 
 " I am with those, Father Morgan, who wish to restore 
 the ancient faith of the Holy Catholic Church." 
 
 " So am I, my young brother, only farther back than 
 you. I am for bringing back apostolic, not mediaeval 
 faith : but what do you see in your new faith to prefer 
 to the old paths of the Reformers ? " 
 
 " A worship full of meaning, a revival of verities long 
 buried." 
 
 " Do you experience any more of peace and joy in 
 these appeals to the senses, George, than in ibrinei 
 days?"
 
 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 273 
 
 " There is certainly more solemnity, more awe, more 
 of reverence." 
 
 "I think that if you will analyze your emotions, you 
 will find that they are of the same character that you 
 would experience in the concert-room, at an opera, or 
 any other merely dramatic representation." 
 
 " I think not, Father Morgan ; for in none of these 
 places do we ever hear of a truth so mysterious, so awe- 
 inspiring as the central doctrine of the Holy Catholic 
 Church, that of the real presence in the Eucharist." 
 
 "All overthrown long ago, George, by giant minds 
 who died to seal their faith. I cannot believe that you 
 will always be led away by these fables. Your poetic 
 nature has been your snare; that, joined with a want 
 of watchfulness and prayer in these days of trial, has 
 tempted you away from the simplicity that is in Christ." 
 
 " I thank you for your interest, father," said the young 
 man ; " but thus far I am satisfied." 
 
 Thus ended the conference, Father Morgan having 
 discharged a Christian duty, and George Vincent still 
 joined to his new idols. 
 
 The addition to St. Barnabas' is completed, an assist- 
 ant minister engaged, and the chime of bells hung in 
 the old tower. It is Easter morning a bright and 
 beautiful day ; and assembled in the parlor of the par- 
 sonage, the texts of that day are on the glorious sub- 
 ject of the resurrection. Margaret is ready with hei 
 text:
 
 274 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 " ' For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all 
 be made alive. 
 
 " ' But every man in his own order ; Christ the first- 
 fruits ; afterward they that are Christ's, at his coining.' " 
 
 Alice said, " I have the blessed Saviour's words : 
 ' Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection and 'the life: 
 he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall 
 he live.' " 
 
 "I have also the Master's words," added Allan: 
 " ' Marvel not at this : for the hour is coming, in the 
 which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, 
 
 " 'And shall come forth ; they that have done good; 
 unto the resurrection of life ; and they that have done 
 evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.' " 
 
 "I have a text," said Edward : " ' And have hope to- 
 wards God, which they themselves also allow,. that there 
 shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just anil 
 the unjust.' " 
 
 " This is mine," said Lucy : " ' For the Lord himself 
 shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice 
 of the archangel, and with the trump of God : and the 
 dead in Christ shall rise first.' " 
 
 " We must not overlook the glorious texts in the fif- 
 teenth chapter of Corinthians," said Dr. Hastings : 
 
 " ' Behold, I show you a mystery : we shall not all 
 sleep, but we shall be changed, 
 
 " ' In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last
 
 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 275 
 
 trump : for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall 
 be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 
 
 " ' For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and 
 this mortal must put on immortality. 
 
 " ' So when this corruptible shall have put on incor- 
 ruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, 
 then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, 
 Death is swallowed up in victory.' " 
 
 Dr. Hastings closed the Bible, and sitting silent for 
 a moment, said : 
 
 " Stupendous joy ! Blessed, glorious hope ! Let us 
 thank God on this Easter morning." 
 
 In words of fervent, holy prayer he committed the 
 dear household to the keeping of the blessed Redeemer, 
 and then all joined in singing the Easter hymn : 
 
 " Christ, the Lord, is risen to-day, 
 Sons of men and angels say: 
 Raise your joys and triumphs high, 
 Sing, ye heavens, and earth reply. 
 
 " Love's redeeming work is done, 
 Fought the fight; the victory won : 
 Jesus' agony is o'er, 
 Darkness veils the earth no more." 
 
 Just then the new chime of bells struck up their joy- 
 ful peals, echoed on this Easter morning from city to 
 city, from hamlet to hamlet, from hill to mountain-top, 
 through valley and shady d ill, over the waves of mighty
 
 276 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 rivers, throughout Christendom. Could a human ear 
 catch all those echoing peals, stirring the ripples of the 
 air with such joyful tidings, what a grand chorus of 
 magnificent joy-bells would transport the soul with the 
 yearly tidings that " Christ has risen," and, because He 
 has risen, that we shall rise also. 
 
 Assembled at St. Barnabas', there was the usual cele- 
 bration of the Easter festival, with one of Dr. Hastings' 
 most stirring and eloquent sermons. There was no pro- 
 cessional singing, no embroidered vestments, no brilliant 
 lights ; but there wa* music worthy of the day, a sermon 
 that pictured the glorious kingdom that was coming, 
 holding out expectations big with immortality, and ser- 
 vices that trembled on the lips of thousands, bursting 
 forth at last in one grand chorus of exultation on both 
 continents. 
 
 It was Mrs. Sherwood's first Easter-day at St. Barna- 
 bas' ; and blessed indeed was the communion of saints 
 at the table of our Lord on that holy day. 
 
 " It was a precious day, Dr. Hastings," said the lady. 
 " So different from former occasions, where the awe that 
 filled my mind at the bare idea of receiving the real 
 body and blood of our Lord utterly banished the idea 
 of love ; but to-day it seemed as if I could hear my Lord 
 and Master speaking to my soul in tones so full of love 
 and compassion that my whole being was bathed in that 
 fountain of love." 
 Mrs. Sherwood is a very happy Christian, her viewi
 
 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 277 
 
 of the exceeding love of Christ deepening each day of her 
 mortal life from her own blessed experience now able 
 to tell to the children of the mission how precious that 
 dear Saviour should be to lost and ruined sinners. 
 
 The little chapel on the hill is completed, and Mrs. 
 Sherwood is very active among the people. Agnes, too, 
 has found her work here, not employing her time now 
 in embroidering magnificent robes for the priesthood, 
 but in making garments for the poor and needy in 
 visiting the sick and afflicted, instructing the ignorant, 
 and cultivating the talents which God has given her, for 
 the happiness of those with whom she dwells. 
 
 Warren is still at college, expecting to graduate in 
 another year, and then to read law with Uncle Richard 
 in New York. 
 
 Alice, on her couch of privation, is still one of the 
 most useful of the family chain of the Pastor's Aid ; 
 happy in the ability yet to write her notes and let- 
 ters wherever she hopes that they may do any good. 
 Warren is the recipient of the largest number, and 
 many a silent hour is spent alone in his room, conning 
 over their precious contents. 
 
 Dear little epistles ! full of a sister's love, but fuller 
 of a Saviour's. 
 
 " It is all real here ! " said Warren, as he laid one 
 just received away in his writing-desk. " Sweet, precious 
 Alice ! how little of earthly dross is left in that frail 
 
 frame ! ' 
 24
 
 278 WEStBROOfc PARSONAGE. 
 
 Warren sighed at the thought, for the rapid ripening 
 of her Christian character always came fraught to him 
 with the idea of translation and how could he do 
 without that beloved sister ? More powerful than War- 
 ren dreamed were these little missives ; dropping, seed 
 by seed, the precious germs of truth, watched by the God 
 of all grace, though hidden long beneath a soil hardened 
 by procrastination and semi-unbelief.
 
 CHAPTER XXL 
 
 BECKONING FINGERS. 
 " And the prayer of faith shall save the sick." 
 
 PJHADOWS are thickening at the parsonage, for Dr. 
 *-) Hastings' health is seriously affected; a constant 
 hacking cough, debility, waste of strength until at 
 length he is obliged to suspend his labors; for he is 
 alarmingly ill. 
 
 For several weeks his physicians are anxious, doubtful 
 as to the result. The deepest anxiety is manifested by 
 his affectionate flock, trembling, watching, praying. At 
 length a praying band made his case the subject of 
 ^special prayer and at that very hour the crisis of his 
 disease was passed. The work of recovery was slow, 
 until, by permission of Dr. Lacey, he appeared once 
 more among his people. 
 
 It was in a meeting for prayer, when unexpectedly 
 their beloved pastor stood once more in their midst. 
 The pallid countenance, the faltering footsteps, the 
 solemn, thrilling tones of his voice held the audience 
 spell-bound, as he acknowledged the hand of God in 
 
 his restoration, and returned thanks for the love that 
 
 279
 
 280 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 had watched over him, and the prayers that had brought 
 him in their midst once more. 
 
 But Dr. Hastings was not deceived : notwithstanding 
 this favorable respite, he saw the beckoning fingers, he 
 heard the whispered words, " Come up higher," and day 
 by day he walked now in sight of heaven. 
 
 Nor was his faithful wife deceived : she, too, saw the 
 beckoning fingers, and heard the whispered warning; 
 but she stilled the beating of her heart, and brushed 
 back the scalding tears, that she might minister to his 
 comfort and happiness, so long as he lingered on the 
 shores of time. 
 
 Dr. Lacey says that absolute rest for one year is indis 
 pensable, and a voyage to Europe is decided upon. His 
 people would do anything to lengthen out his valuable 
 life ; and furnish means to send him abroad, and supply 
 his pulpit in his absence. 
 
 Every day, some love gifts reach the parsonage 
 Wrappers for the sea, and for the land; slippers and 
 scarfs, furs and caps a dressing-case thoroughly fur- 
 nished, and a writing-case equally complete. Hampers 
 of delicacies, stores of all kinds for an invalid in fine, 
 there was nothing lacking for the sick pastor, who had 
 worn out his life in their service. 
 
 Father Morgan sends Allan with him as a companion, 
 at his own expense. " For," said the good man, " I would 
 never dream of allowing my Edward to go on such a 
 voyage, alone ; " for although Dr. Hastings has over-
 
 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 281 
 
 stepped the boundaries of middle life, he is " Edward " 
 yet to Father Morgan in the domestic circle. 
 
 " Have you everything, my son ? " said the good man 
 as he examined the comforts provided for him. 
 
 " More than I need," replied the pastor, with moist- 
 ened eyes. " I have so much of everything, that I can 
 supply other invalids, if we have them on board ; an 
 that is really pleasant. God bless my precious people ! " 
 
 It is the last day at the parsonage. Father Morgan, 
 Dr. Arnold, Mrs. Sherwood, and Agnes are present at 
 morning prayer, and so is Warren, who has been sent 
 for to come home. It is a melting season, for who 
 knows whether the same attached circle will ever meet 
 again at the parsonage? 
 
 "We have an impressive subject for our morning 
 texts," said the pastor ; " the future state of the righteous 
 and the wicked, or, in other words, heaven and hell." 
 
 " This is my passage," said Margaret : " ' And these 
 shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the 
 righteous into life eternal ' ' 
 
 " I have mine, papa," said Warren : " ' And many of 
 them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake ; 
 some to everlasting life, and some to shame and ever- 
 lasting contempt.'" 
 
 Turning to Alice with a very tender look, he said : "I 
 am waiting for yours, my daughter." 
 
 " ' For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, 
 24*
 
 282 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight 
 of glory.' And the other, papa : ' The wicked shall be 
 turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.' " 
 
 " Allan, my son, where is yours ? " 
 
 " ' For we know that if our earthly house of this tab- 
 ernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, a 
 house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.' And 
 the other text : ' And fear not them which kill the body, 
 but are not able to kill the soul ; but rather fear him 
 which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.' " 
 
 " This is mine, papa," said Edward : " ' Knowing in 
 yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and enduring 
 substance.' And the other : ' And in hell he lifted up 
 his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar 
 off, and Lazarus in his bosom.' " 
 
 Then Lucy read hers : " ' And I give unto them eternal 
 life, and they shall never perish, neither shall any man 
 pluck them out of my hand.' And the passage for the 
 wicked : ' Who shall be punished with everlasting de- 
 struction from the presence of the Lord, and from the 
 glory of his power.' " 
 
 " These texts are rich and full, my children," said the 
 pastor, " declaring in strong language the doctrine of a 
 future life. May we be sure that our footsteps are tread- 
 ing in the narrow way that leads to heaven ! Now let 
 us pray." 
 
 In earnest, loving words, the father committed hia 
 household to the covenant-keeping care of God hii
 
 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 283 
 
 Saviour ; but those last words were few, for his heart 
 was full. In silence he took leave of hit own family; 
 and then, turning to Mrs. Sherwood, he said : 
 
 " Your kindness will be remembered, dear friend ; for 
 your box contains most valuable comforts." 
 And then pressing Dr. Arnold's hand, he said : 
 " You will look after these dear ones, for my sake." 
 He is passing down the garden-path now, accompanied 
 by Allan and Father Morgan ; for the latter is to see 
 him safely on board the steamer. It is early spring; 
 and stopping at the gate, he turned to take a last look 
 at the dear orchard, and to inhale the perfume of the 
 sweet apple-blossoms, that will always bring back the 
 memory of the parsonage. 
 
 He is gone ; and it is a dreary day in the household, 
 for the pastor is its light and joy. The weary month 
 dragged on, for they were looking for letters now. A 
 short one from Allan announces their arrival papa 
 not very well ; will write in a few days. A longer one, 
 to Margaret and Alice, comes in a few weeks : 
 
 " I am very busy in seeing sights now. Papa does not 
 always go ; but I have plenty of friends ready to take 
 me everywhere. Last Sunday I went to the cathedral : 
 very solemn and imposing, but no processional singing. 
 The choristers entered quietly, took their seats rever- 
 ently, without any show; but the service was very im- 
 pressive. I wonder how our American ritualists would 
 like that? We are staying now at the residence of
 
 284 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 minister of the Church of England one of the choice 
 
 spirits of the day ; and dear papa and Dr. L do so 
 
 enjoy their intercourse in talking over the things of the 
 kingdom, for they are kindred spirits, with like views 
 of almost everything. Papa is certainly better. Every- 
 thing is done for his comfort. His cough is not so trou- 
 blesome ; his flesh and strength are increasing ; but he 
 does not attempt any labor. Assure Dr. Lacey that I 
 will always protect him from importunity. In a few 
 days we are going on a short tour to the Lakes, in com- 
 pany with Dr. L and his son George, a very nice 
 
 youth, with whom I am quite intimate. 
 
 " I do not entirely neglect my studies, for papa keeps 
 a watch upon that. How is dear, precious Alice ? Do 
 write me a long letter. And Warren, too, dear fellow ! 
 I wish that I could see his bright face, and hear his firm 
 step once more ! And Dr. Arnold, dear, valued friend ! 
 I suppose that Margaret and he take the walks on the 
 creek, and up and down the students' path at Little 
 Rugby, yet. Some of these days, I look for nothing else 
 but a flitting from the dear old parsonage of our elder 
 sister to that hall of science. Well, Heaven bless our 
 darling Margaret ! If she is to leave us, I would rather 
 that it should be with Dr. Arnold than any one else. 
 Now, don't blush, sister dear! 
 
 " I suppose that you see" Agnes every day. I fancy 
 her daily visits to the couch of Alice, smell her sweet 
 flowers, and imagine her little baskets of fruit. I wish
 
 WEST BROOK PARSONAGE. 285 
 
 that I could just have one peep at the sweet face one 
 grasp of the little 1 and. When the pictures come, 
 can't you contrive, in some way, to send me hers ? She 
 need not know it ; but, if she gives you any, you can 
 spare me one. My best my warmest love to dear 
 mamma ! How lonely she must be without our father ! 
 Kisses to all the household circle, and a good, hearty 
 shake of the hand to good old Debby and Jane. I could 
 write pages more ; but the carriage is at the door to take 
 us out to dinner. Farewell, my precious sisters ! Write 
 soon and fully to your loving brother, ALLAN." 
 
 Over and over again did they read this free, affec- 
 tionate epistle, and soon despatched the journal that they 
 kept of daily life at the parsonage, that the two absent 
 ones might enjoy the blessedness of their distant home. 
 
 Father Morgan is almost a weekly visitor now ; and 
 Dr. Arnold, too, takes abundant advantage of the pas- 
 tor's last request transacting their business and seeing 
 that everything is comfortable around them. 
 
 The winter is remarkably cold ; and it gives them joy 
 to know that dear papa is spending it in the balmy cli- 
 mate of the South of France. Although improving, still 
 beckoning fingers from the heavenly turrets are calling 
 him home. Of that his dear companion is well assured 
 by the increased spirituality of his letters, from which 
 we give an extract : 
 
 " Just as near to heaven, dearest, when I write from
 
 286 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 Pau, as from the study at Westbrook ; for very precious 
 is my communion with our dear Lord in this distant 
 land. I have learned to resign myself and you, and our 
 beloved children, all entirely into His hands, willing that 
 He should do with us just as seemeth right to Him. 
 
 " We have had a blessed life together, with no ripple 
 to disturb our perfect harmony, and with the hope of 
 spending our eternity in the presence of our Lord and 
 Master. We can bless Him, Emily, for this hitherto 
 happy life; and if it is His will to call me over the river 
 first, you will learn to say, ' Even so, Father.' Time 
 and its sorrows are very short ; eternity, with its bless- 
 edness, none of us can measure. 
 
 "My health is much better, so that I anticipate a 
 return to my labors among my beloved people ; but still 
 this worn-out frame cannot last many years, and we must 
 learn to contemplate the possibility of separation. When 
 we realize that every step of our way is appointed by 
 our Master, all that we have to do from day to day is to 
 take our pilgrim-staff in hand, and march gladly where 
 He appoints. 
 
 " Allan has been a great comfort. So thoughtful, so 
 devoted, so spiritual ; his thoughts all turning seriously 
 to the ministry of our blessed Lord. He is twenty now, 
 and will be ready to enter the seminary when we return. 
 How sweet that word looks ! You may see it realized 
 in the spring, if the Lord wills it so. I am glad to hear 
 what you say of Margaret truly our 'pearl,' as her 
 name indicates. The attachment between our daughter
 
 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 287 
 
 and Dr. Arnold has my full approval. As an earnest 
 Christian, I do not know his equal. May God bless 
 them both ! 
 
 And precious Alice ! God is leading her by another 
 way home to heaven our sweet lily of the valley, send- 
 ing out her fragrance all around her lowly path. Her 
 letters are so comforting ! Doubtless there will be many 
 in her crown of glory that the dear girl dreams not of 
 now, for she has been a blessed member of the Pastor's 
 Aid. How well I remember the day when she came to 
 me with her puzzled face, wondering ' How, when, where 
 she could do some good ? she, a little girl ! ' She has 
 learned, dearest has she not ? in the school of the 
 Redeemer. What a blessed Teacher we have ! 
 
 " And dear, captious Warren ! I have many hopes of 
 him ; for I am pretty sure that the intellect is well for- 
 tified on the subject of religion, notwithstanding his 
 questions and criticisms. It is the heart, that needs 
 renewal : that is the citadel of opposition. What a 
 stalwart Christian he will make ! I am glad to hear 
 such a good account of Edward, for Dr. Arnold's com- 
 mendation means a great deal. And Lucy, too our 
 sunbeam ; tell her that I am delighted with her school 
 reports. My best love and a pastor's blessing to Agnes 
 and her mother, and to the Laceys especially. May 
 God have you all in His holy Raping until we meel 
 again, prays your affectionate husband, 
 
 "EDWARD HASTINGS."
 
 288 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 The winter has passed away. Dr. Hastings is much 
 better ; and after a short passage across the Atlantic, we 
 find him in the spring safely landed at New York, where 
 Father Morgan is ready to meet him. A swift journey 
 brings him in sight of the dear parsonage, after an ab- 
 sence of twelve months. 
 
 They are at the gate now, and the perfume of the 
 apple-blossoms fills their hearts with silent joy, for it 
 comes from the dear old orchard. A quick raising of 
 the parlor shades, a rush into the hall, and in another 
 moment Dr. Hastings is in the midst of his overjoyed 
 family mamma and Margaret clasping each arm, Alice 
 shedding quiet, happy tears, and Warren dashing moist- 
 ure from his eyes too all so blessed in this reunion. 
 
 " You look so much better, papa," said Margaret. 
 " Almost well, I hope ! " 
 
 " I am better, much stronger, my cough relieved, and 
 ready for work once more." 
 
 Warren has graduated with high honors ; Edward and 
 Lucy have grown so much ; but Alice, their sweet lily of 
 the valley, looks so much more frail than when he went 
 away. 
 
 " She suffers much more," said the mother in answer 
 to the questioning look; "but," in a whisper, "so patient, 
 Edward ! it almost breaks the heart to see her, some- 
 times." 
 
 Mrs. Sherwood has seen the carriage, and, with A.gne8, 
 is at the parsonage to welcome the travellers. A bright,
 
 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 289 
 
 swift blush suffused the lovely face of the younger, as 
 she welcomed Allan home again. 
 
 " It has been such a long absence, Agnes," said the 
 youth aside to the young girl; "but we will have the 
 walks again only for a little while, however; for I am 
 to go to the seminary in the fall." 
 
 " For how long, Allan ? " 
 
 "For two years, and then I shall be ready for the 
 ministry of the Lord Jesus." 
 
 Father Morgan has miserable accounts to give of the 
 progress of ritualism in the Church that he loves. 
 
 " Would you believe it, Edward, that they have cele- 
 brated the feast of Corpus Christi in our Protestant 
 Episcopal Church?" 
 
 " The steps forward are very rapid, Father," answered 
 the pastor. 
 
 " Never say that again, Edward : they are all steps 
 backward, my son, to the mediseval days; those days 
 of superstition." 
 
 " Is there nothing to check these proceedings, Father 
 Morgan ? " 
 
 " Not in this diocese, Edward ; they seem to have it 
 all their own way; but it cannot be so always there is 
 a deep undercurrent setting in another channel." 
 
 The sight of the dear pastor in the pulpit of St. Bar- 
 nabas' once more, was indeed an occasion of rejoicing to 
 his flock, testifying their joy in the sweet chimes that 
 pealed forth on the first Sunday morning, from the 
 26 T
 
 290 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 church-tower. Arriving on Saturday, it was not gener- 
 ally known on that day ; but as the people met at the 
 church-door, the joyful news spread rapidly, and it was 
 understood, now, why the church -bells rang out sucn 
 joyful peals. It was a blessed day to Dr. Hastings, for 
 he loved his holy work, and the sight of these familiar 
 faces, all looking so happy, woke a new throb of grati- 
 tude in the pastor's heart. Still, in his hours of retire- 
 ment, the beckoning fingers and the whispering voices 
 quieted the pulses of hope ; and in quiet resignation to 
 the will of God, he pursued his blessed work of having 
 souls. 
 
 Agnes Sherwood is eighteen, and is about to celebrate 
 her birthday at Englesby Terrace. The parlors are 
 thrown open, beautifully decorated with flowers, and 
 Agnes, in her dress of soft, thin muslin, is ready to receive 
 her guests. Her only ornaments, lovely white flowers in 
 her glossy black hair, and a set of jet and pearls, the 
 birthday gift of her mother. The Hastings family, the 
 Laceys, and the Arnolds are the only invited guests. 
 Alice is brought on her couch, for it is one of her best 
 days ; she enjoys the music and the social intercourse. 
 and is ready with her pretty gift of an embroidered 
 toilet-cushion, the work of her own hands. A beautiful 
 basket of flowers, arranged by Margaret and Allan, is 
 placed in the centre of the supper-table. Agnes' harp. 
 Margaret's piano, Warren and Allan's flute, aui tb< 
 irnmcd voices of all, make enchanting music; and the 
 parents of the young people are quietly enjoying the
 
 WESTS ROOK PARSONAGE. 291 
 
 sight of their happiness. Mrs. Sherwood and the good 
 pastor are sitting apart from the rest, engaged in pleas- 
 ant chat. 
 
 " Does it please you, Dr. Hastings, to see the growing 
 attachment out there?" pointing to Allan and Agnes, 
 who were plucking some flowers in the conservatory. 
 
 " They seem very happy in each other's society, my 
 friend," was the reply ; " and I see no reason for check- 
 ing it, if you do not." 
 
 " I could have wished no better choice," said the 
 mother ; " for Allan is everything that one could wish." 
 
 " Only a poor clergyman's son, madam : a very un- 
 equal match for Agnes Sherwood." 
 
 " I desire nothing but what I find in Allan," said 
 the mother ; " but really we are in a hurry settling 
 affairs for them," she continued, "when nothing has 
 been said to me by either upon the subject." 
 
 Supper is announced, and gathered around a table 
 spread abundantly with delicacies, the well -assorted 
 guests spent a happy hour ; at the close, each one 
 taking away the bouquet found at the place assigned. 
 
 Once more in the drawing-room, a side-door opened, 
 disclosing Agnes' class of little girls from the mission 
 on the hill, all made very happy by a neat outfit for the 
 autumn, and a good supper. After they had all par- 
 taken, the children were entertained by some of the 
 sweet music, and, in their turn, sang a very pretty hymn, 
 accompanied by Miss Agnes on the piano.
 
 292 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 It had been indeed a happy birthday, with no draw- 
 back but the pastor's delicate health, and Alice Hast- 
 tings' exceedingly frail appearance. 
 
 In a day or two after the party, Warren took leave 
 of the dear ones once more, to settle in New York, where 
 he was to read law with his Uncle Richard. 
 
 " You will be quite in your element, brother," said 
 Alice ; " plenty of argument, and you know that is your 
 delight." 
 
 " I shall miss you, pet," was the reply ; " but just 
 keep a journal for me, and send it every Saturday, and 
 then I shall know all that goes on here at the dear old 
 parsonage." 
 
 " I will, dear, whenever I am able." 
 
 " Don't hurt yourself on my account, Alice ; but 
 whenever you can, remember me, so far away from 
 home." 
 
 " Not so far, Warren ; you can run down in a few 
 hours." 
 
 " Yes, I know ; but I must be diligent. I can spend 
 Sunday with you sometimes. But, Alice, I want to 
 whisper a word: what do you think of Agnes, for a 
 sister ? " 
 
 " Think, Warren ! I should be so happy but do 
 you think it is really so ? " 
 
 " I think that is the road good old Allan is trav- 
 elling, and she would just suit for a minister's wife
 
 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 293 
 
 But, good-by, pet. Now take care of yourself, for my 
 sake." 
 
 Warren is gone, to prepare for life in the great 
 metropolis Allan is going in a few weeks to the semi- 
 nary, and so the family circle is dwindling slowly. The 
 beckoning fingers still calling home the beloved pastor, 
 seen oniy oy himself. 
 26*
 
 CHAPTER XXII. 
 
 "CBABGE, CHESTER, CHARGE! ON, STANLEY, OH I " 
 
 " Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of me com- 
 mon salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you 
 that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered 
 to the saints." 
 
 A LLAN is ready for departure to the seminary, and 
 -" Agnes is looking forward to a long separation ; and 
 then their pilgrim steps will travel side by side in the 
 service of their dear Lord. 
 
 Father Morgan is at the expense of his theological 
 education, and, after a tender leave-taking, accompanies 
 his ward, that he may see him in comfortable quarters, 
 and well provided with all that he needs. 
 
 Returning home by the way of New York, the good 
 man has tarried a few days in the metropolis, and writes 
 home to Dr. Hastings : 
 
 " Yesterday, I dropped in a moment at St. Agapius', 
 for I had heard that Vincent was one of the assistants, 
 and wished to know the truth. It was indeed with feel- 
 ings of real sorrow that I beheld our young friend 
 habited in the tawdry millinery of that school, partak- 
 ing in its services. 
 
 294
 
 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 295 
 
 " He does not look happy, Edward ; and I hope in his 
 case, that when the novelty has passed away, he will ro 
 turn to the old paths. I was present, too, at the public 
 reprimand of one of our most zealous young preachers 
 of the truth as it is in Jesus ; and I can assure you that 
 my heart burned within me when I remembered the 
 shameful innovations at St. Agapius' all unnoticed, and 
 the alleged irregularity of this young servant of the 
 Lord so publicly reproved. If his was a violation of 
 canon law, let others be brought before the proper tribu- 
 nals, too : let there be justice, uniformity in the services 
 of our Protestant Episcopal Church; but where are the 
 presenters of such ? Have we no laws to reach them ? 
 If we have not, let us make them speedily, or we are 
 gone as a protesting branch of the Church of Christ. 
 
 " I stepped in at one of their meetings, and felt my 
 checks burn at the congratulations exchanged upon the 
 progress of their mummeries. The whole burden of the 
 speeches, ' Try, try, try ; write, write, write ; watch, 
 watch, watch ; preach, preach, preach.' 
 
 "We Americans must have show in every thing : hence 
 it must be brought into the Church of God, that the 
 higher classes may worship God in a manner different 
 from our humbler brethren. The sappers are getting 
 bolder every day, advocating sisterhoods, confession, 
 etc., etc. ; and yet a strait-laced severity is dealt out to 
 violators of questions of discipline, while the sappers 
 and miners, who are undermining the faith of the Church,
 
 296 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 work on unchecked. Iron canon-law for the teachere of 
 a simple Gospel, but a quiet opening of many little 
 secret dcors for the ritualists, that the ' blessed calm ' of 
 the Church may be maintained that ' holy equipoise ' 
 which leans all on one side. ' Open the little doors 
 quietly, be careful that there is no creaking,' say the lead- 
 ers ; ' but keep them open.' 
 
 "Edward Hastings, my dear son, there never was, 
 there never can be a blessed calm, when the true faith 
 left us by inspired Apostles is openly or secretly at- 
 tacked. We have three classes to contend with : one, 
 and that a large class, who say, ' Let them alone, the evil 
 will oure itself/ a system tried since the days of Pusey 
 aud Newman, and we see its fruits. Then another 
 smaller class, who are led by the attractions of the 
 ritual, a poetic, sentimental company, who do not see the 
 specious poison infused through this outward show. A 
 third and more daring class are the openly avowed 
 ritualists, who advocate a return to the practices of the 
 mediaeval days, with all their false doctrines. This is 
 what we have to contend wi j ,h, and God defend the right. 
 
 " I have just read Bishop Melville's address upon the 
 subject of ' Processional Singing by Surpliced Choirs,' 
 demoli .-ning the last plank, I think ; and Dr. Harris' 
 noble sermon on the subject of ' Christian Worship not 
 Symbolical,' calculated to enlighten the minds of the 
 masses of our people. Let us have sermons, tracts, books, 
 prayers, action, in our beloved Church. We know that
 
 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 297 
 
 our Lord has His little flock everywhere throughout the 
 world ; and to such he says, ' Lo, I am with you always, 
 unto the end of the world.' Let that be our joy, our 
 comfort in these days of abounding error and deep trial. 
 " Will you send to the Secretary of the Convention, 
 aud call a meeting of the clergy? We have failed once 
 before the General Convention, but we must knock 
 again. With a father's love to all the dear family at 
 Westbrook, I am yours in Christian bonds, 
 
 "ALLAN MORGAN" 
 
 Father Morgan has not given up George Vincent, and 
 cannot leave New York without paying him a visit. 
 He is received cordially; for the young man cannot 
 forget the kindness of his old friend. 
 
 " And so I see you among the ritualists," said the 
 aged minister, laying his hand upon his shoulder. " Are 
 you happy, George ? " 
 
 " I enjoy the reverence in the worship at St. Agapius', 
 Father Morgan." 
 
 " Reverence for what, George ? Exploded practices ? 
 for showy, tinselled decorations, in the place of spiritual 
 worship ? I trust that the day will come when you will 
 see your folly." 
 
 " You will acknowledge, Father Morgan, that there is 
 solemnity in the services." 
 
 " T make no such admission, George ; for I presume 
 that the same emotions fill the mind in an opera-house
 
 298 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 or a concert-room ; for, only the other day, I heard a 
 gentleman say, ' I was in a strange city on Sunday, and 
 entered, not a theatre, not an opera-house, not a concert- 
 room, but a Protestant Episcopal Church.' This was the 
 way that it struck a stranger." 
 
 "When was there ever a more gorgeous ceremonial 
 than in the Jewish temple? and that was of God's mvu 
 devising," said the young man. 
 
 " We are not Jews, but Christians, George ; and think 
 what a miserable sham these modern ritualists give us 
 of that grand and divinely-ordered ritual? Where is 
 the ever burning fire upon the altar first kindled from 
 heaven ? Where the ark of the covenant and the cher- 
 ubim of glory overshadowing the mercy-seat, and the 
 Urim and Thuminim, and the indwelling Shechinah ? 
 Is this pitiful mimicry a substitute for the Aaronic 
 priesthood? these tawdry vestments the garments of 
 glory and beauty? this bowing and bending and cross- 
 ing before a gaping crowd is this the solemn and rev- 
 erent ministration of anointed Aaron and his sons? 
 No, no, my son ! That grandeur all has passed away, 
 never to be restored ; for we have the glorious Gospel, 
 the grandeur of the new dispensation which the Jewish 
 ritual typified. May God reveal its glory to you, my 
 dear son, ere you are completely Romanized. But, fare- 
 well now I must be going. God defend our Reformed 
 Church ! " 
 
 With a heart bowed down in sorrow, Father Morgan
 
 WESTBKOOK PARSONAGE. 299 
 
 returned to Westbrook. and waited for the gathering of 
 the clergy. 
 
 Dr. Nelson, with his stalwart Protestantism ; Mr. 
 Thayrr, with his loving spirit ; Dr. Hastings, with his 
 calm, well-balanced mind ; Father Morgan, with his 
 Scriptural knowledge and lively faith all were there, 
 and many other faithful sons of the Protestant Episcopal 
 Church, guided by these leaders. Father Morgan, the 
 oldest of the brethren, is chairman of the meeting, and, 
 in his own impressive manner, made known its object: 
 
 " We need not disguise the fact, dear brethren, that 
 we have the battle of the Reformation to fight over 
 again. We are in the midst of tumult, but not of our 
 making. It commenced across the water. With whom ? 
 With Cecil, Venn, McNeill ? or with Pusey, Newman, 
 and Keble? With William Wilberforce, or Archdeacon 
 \Vilberforce ? In our land, with the sainted Bishops 
 
 Moore, Meade, and Griswold ? or with Doctors D , 
 
 M , V ? It is easy to answer these questions. 
 
 The disturbers of our peace are in harmony with Rome, 
 the old disturbers of the flock of Christ ; and we must 
 prepare for the conflict. It is not merely the foppery 
 of ritualism that we are to withstand, for that, some- 
 times, is simply ridiculous ; but we are called to with- 
 stand the doctrines that they inculcate, so utterly at 
 variance with the teachings of the Reformation. Nor 
 is it men that we are to attack; for there are several 
 types among the advocates of the exploded theoloejv
 
 300 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 I he conservative, who sometimes, by their timidity, 
 strengthen the enemy ; the decided, open, out-and-out 
 r.tualist, who avows the design of unprotestantizing the 
 (.liurch ; and the poetic, the sentimental, led away by 
 tie sensuous display. 
 
 " We must meet them all with calm, firm, unflinching 
 d termination to give not one inch of ground to Popery ; 
 fo r this it is, and not quite so much disguised as formerly. 
 But it must be in a spirit of love that we contend, with 
 not one uncharitable speech, not one attack upon human 
 motives ; for God only can deal with these secret movers 
 of human action." 
 
 Then arose Mr. Thayer, with his loving, heavenly 
 emper in full exercise : 
 
 " Brethren, I came here directly from the mercy-seat ; 
 for when human passions are stirred so deeply, it behooves 
 us to keep very near the Master, lest we offend against 
 the law of love. We see yet through a glass darkly, but 
 our Lord and Master face to face. To Him, then, let us 
 leave the motives of our brethren, and love their im- 
 mortal spirits still, remembering that for them, as well 
 as us, our Master died. But the doctrines which they 
 Arould teach," and here his fine eye kindled, " let us not 
 tolerate for one moment, in any shape, open or disguised, 
 if they touch wMi the slightest finger one of the bul- 
 warks of the Reformation." 
 
 Then rose Dr. Nelson : 
 
 "I own myself rebuked by the speech of Brother
 
 WE8TBROOK PARSONAGE. 301 
 
 Thayer ; for very much of human feeling has been 
 mingled with my protest against ritualism. I thank 
 him for his Christian counsel, and trust that we may all 
 have grace to follow it. Let there be union among us 
 in "no thing opposition to any approach to Romanism 
 in our reformed Church. Let us stand by our Articles, 
 and labor and pray and wait for the day when offices 
 and articles shall mutually explain each other. We are 
 on the borders of our Red Sea, brethren. Let us watch 
 for the word of command which bids us go over." 
 
 Every eye was now turned upon Dr. Hastings, who, 
 with a very solemn look, arose : 
 
 " It may not be long, dear brethren, that I sit among 
 you in your councils ; for there are beckoning fingers 
 daily around my path, that point upward to a land 
 where strife and discord are words unknown. But while 
 I tarry here, let me add my word. We believe that in 
 all ages of the world God has stood by His own Church, 
 to defend her from her enemies. Let us do our duty ; 
 give not one inch to the adversary. Remain firm and 
 true to the great principles of the Reformation, and then 
 'stand still, and see the salvation of God; ' for He will 
 save us. It may not be in the way that we suppose, but 
 He is with His own, and will bring the little flock 
 safely through. And here let me quote, dear brethren, 
 the words of a beloved bishop of our Church, in the very 
 camp of ritualism. It is such a beautiful picture of 
 
 what we long for, that I would bring it to your memory : 
 26
 
 302 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 'A bright vision has oft risen before my mind of t 
 Church, pure and primitive, combining the early organ- 
 ization, zeal, and love, with the freshness, energy, and 
 progressiveness of the times ; gathering from past ages 
 experience, wisdom, and liturgic treasures, while dis- 
 carding utterly all corrupt additions, and cleansing the 
 temple from all profane intrusions. Conservative, with- 
 out being narrow and bigoted; liberal, without being 
 lax ; a true interpreter of Holy Writ, and yet referring 
 all men, not to her own interpretations, but to the living 
 oracles ; rebuking with power, worldliness and wicked- 
 ness, sympathizing with all that is good and heaven- 
 born ; a rallying point for those who are weary of 
 sectarian strife ; a candlestick of the Lord, whose radi- 
 ance should illumine our cities and forests, our moun- 
 tains and plains. Is such an ideal never to be realized ? 
 Is it but a dream and a cloud-picture ? ' ' 
 
 Dr. Hastings sat down amid a silence so deep that 
 for a few minutes none seemed disposed to break it. 
 
 Then spoke Father Morgan : 
 
 " That was a charming picture, brethren, but, I fear. 
 o->t very soon to be realized. We must go through the 
 wilderness to reach our Canaan. The action of the last 
 General Convention disappointed us, but there may be 
 great changes ere the next. 
 
 "In the days of the great Reformation, God raised up 
 His Luther to do His work. In the midst of that day 
 of darkness and corruption that giant mind strode on,
 
 WEST BROOK PARSONAGE. 303 
 
 striking with his sturdy hammer on the anvil striking 
 boldly, steadily. Out flashed the fiery Gospel, consum- 
 ing the debris of ages. Where is our Luther now? 
 Corruptions in the Church are multiplying. Will this 
 falling away culminate, at length, in such a mass of 
 superstition and anti-Christian doctrine that it may 
 require the fires of the Second Advent to purify the 
 Church? 
 
 " Is this the great apostasy spoken of in the New Tes- 
 tament? Will there be another Luther? Or will 
 Christ Himself consume every anti-Christian system of 
 idolatry by the whirlwind of fire at His coming ? These 
 are solemn questions, brethren. God only cau answer 
 them. Let us be found at our posts, contending against 
 Antichrist in every form working, praying, trusting." 
 
 Every true son of the Episcopal Church was deeply 
 stirred, and a committee appointed to collect facts 
 from time to time, to keep minutes, and, at the proper 
 season, to appeal once more to the General Convention, 
 asking at least for liberty in the interpretation of our 
 canons, and uniformity in the conducting of our ser- 
 vices ; begging, at the same time, for a revision of those 
 terms which seem to favor the doctrines of the ritualists. 
 
 Solemn prayer closed the meeting ; and after the ad- 
 journment, Father Morgan said : 
 
 " Stop a minute, brethren, lest we forget that aggres- 
 sion upon the enemy of our Church is duty now. Let 
 me repeat the words of Dr. McNeill, of Liverpool, to
 
 304 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 two Bishops of the Church of England on a similar 
 occasion." And here the old man raised his arm to 
 heaven, while his eye glowed with youthful fire, and his 
 voice, in tones that thrilled every one, called out : 
 " Charge, Chester, charge ! On, Stanley, on ! till we 
 rout the last foe of the Reformation." 
 
 It had been a trumpet-call, indeed; for, gathering 
 around the speaker, hands clasped with fervor, eyes 
 glistening with feeling, and voices, deep and full, 
 replied : " We are ready to follow the Master in the 
 defence of his Gospel, God being our helper." And every 
 voice repeated solemnly, " Amen. Amen 1 "
 
 CHAPTER XXIII. 
 
 MUFFLED BELLS. 
 
 " But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concer nng 
 them which are asleep, that yo sorrow not, even as others which 
 hare no hope. 
 
 " For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them 
 also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him." 
 
 T71ADING slowly, surely, the beloved rector of St. 
 -L Barnabas' was passing away from his people. The 
 summer of his return was full of hope, but not to him- 
 self. The autumn came, with its whispered warnings, 
 its falling leaves, its sighing winds around the parson- 
 age. Every heart felt the approach of a sorrowful 
 presence. But it came in the form of an angel ; for, 
 with the sorrow came the healing, and they told their 
 tale of grief not yet to each other, but to their Lord and 
 Master, each one for him or herself ; and so they walked 
 peacefully in the path that He had marked out. 
 
 The winter came, with its sharp, fierce breath ; and 
 the pastor seldom went out to church now at night. The 
 Sunday-school teachers, " a part of his own family," as 
 he called them, assembled once a month at the par- 
 sonage, and the choir weekly. Very precious were 
 26 U ' 806
 
 306 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 these gatherings now ; for the nameless fears of ap- 
 proaching separation agitated every bosom. 
 
 Dr. Hastings had fine musical tastes, composing sacred 
 music himself, and took his seat at the organ at all these 
 meetings of the choir. It was so sweet to fee! that all 
 who composed that band indulged the same hopes of u 
 blessed resurrection, when they should sing in the glo- 
 rious kingdom the song of Moses and the Lamb ; for 
 every member of the choir was a communicant of t;ie 
 church. It is still his blessed privilege to conduct the 
 services of family prayer; and we will join them once 
 more, perhaps for the last time this side of heaven. 
 
 " Our subject to-day, my daughter ? " said the pastor. 
 
 And Margaret replied : " The second coming of our 
 Lord ; and this is my text : ' For this we say unto you 
 by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive, and 
 remain unto the coming of the Lord, shall not prevent 
 them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall 
 descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the 
 archangel, and with the trump of God : and the dead in 
 Christ shall rise first. Then we which are alive and 
 remain, shall be caught up together with them in the 
 clouds, to meet the Lord in the air : and so shall we ever 
 be with the Lord.' " 
 
 " What have you, Alice ? " 
 
 " 'Behold, he cometh with clouds, and every eye shall 
 see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kin- 
 tl reds of the earth shall wail because of him.' "
 
 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 307 
 
 'This is mine, papa," said Edward: "'And his feet 
 shall stand in that day upon the Mount of Olives, which 
 is before Jerusalem in the east ; and the Mount of Olives 
 shall cleave in the midst thereof towards the east, and 
 toward the west, and there shall be a very great valley : 
 and half of the mountain shall remove toward the north, 
 and half of it toward the south.' " 
 
 " I have one, papa," said Lucy : " ' And then shall 
 appear the sign of the Son of Man in heaven: and then 
 shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall 
 see the Son of Man coming in the clouds cf heaven with 
 power and great glory.'" 
 
 " Listen to mine, dear children : ' And to you who 
 are troubled, rest with us ; when the Lord Jesus shall 
 be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, when 
 ho shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be ad- 
 mired in all them that believe, (because our testimony 
 among you was believed) in that day.' " 
 
 " This is a solemn subject, my children ; for we are 
 clearly taught that the Lord Jesus will come again in 
 great pomp and glory to judge the world, and to take 
 His people home with Him to the Church of the New 
 Jerusalem, where they will be with the Lord in a state 
 of unspeakable blessedness, during the outpouring of 
 the last judgments. Once assured that we are His, we 
 need not fear that day of wrath, for it cannot reach the 
 redeemed in their glorious home. Now, Margaret, we 
 will sing our Advent hymn."
 
 308 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 Taking her seat at the organ, the voices joined in th 
 majestic hymn : 
 
 ".Once more, Lord, Thy sign shall be 
 
 Upon the heavens displayed, 
 And earth and its inhabitants 
 
 Be terribly afraid : 
 For not in weakness clad, Thou eom'it, 
 
 Our woes, our sins to bear, 
 But girt with all Thy Father's might, 
 
 His judgment to declare. 
 
 " Then grant us, Saviour, so to pass 
 
 Our time in trembling here, 
 That when upon the clouds of heaven 
 
 Thy glory shall appear, 
 Uplifting high oar joyful heads, 
 
 In triumph we may rise, 
 And enter, with Thine angel train, 
 
 Thy palace in the skies." 
 
 It was a communion-day at St. Barnabas', and Dr. 
 Hastings moved among his people with unusual so- 
 lemnity, so weak that he was obliged to sit between the 
 serving of each company as they surrounded the chan- 
 cel rails. There was a stranger among them on that 
 occasion, deeply moved by the solemn service, and as 
 she passed down the aisle with the retiring congregation, 
 she laid her hand on Mrs. Sherwood's arm, and said : 
 " This is your dear pastor's last communion at St. Bar- 
 nabas' ; you will never see him here again."
 
 WE8TBROOK PAKSONAGE. 309 
 
 It was a strange address from one unknown, but it 
 made a deep impression upon the listener. 
 
 It has been some time since he has been at St. John's, 
 over the hill, and in a day or two he proposed visiting 
 the mission once more, Dr. Arnold accompanying them. 
 Thursday seemed a tolerably mild day. 
 
 " I think that I may venture, wrapped up well," said 
 the pastor. " I should like to have you with us, Emily ; 
 but your cold is too bad, and I think that you had better 
 stay at home." 
 
 Accompanied by Dr. Arnold, Margaret, and Edward, 
 they started for the mission, Dr. Hastings brighter and 
 more cheerful than usual. The people were rejoiced to 
 see the good pastor once more ; for they had learned to 
 value his ministrations, and to love him personally. 
 Never had he preached Christ to them with more power 
 and faithfulness than on that memorable evening. 
 Many of the humble people gathered around him after 
 service to inquire after his health, and to listen to a 
 few words of Christian counsel. Edward brought up 
 the carriage, fastening all the curtains tight, for it is 
 snowing. 
 
 " Wrap your muffler close, papa," said Margaret ; 
 " you are a little heated, and I am so afraid that you 
 may take cold." 
 
 Seated in the back of the carriage, Margaret kept a 
 constant watch for fear of exposure to the air, for it was 
 snowing hard now. He coughed several times more
 
 310 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 hardly than usual, and the affectionate daughter wa 
 troubled. 
 
 " Take one of these lozenges, papa. Do you feel 
 badly?" 
 
 But there was no answer, as he coughed again in a 
 manner that sounded unusual. 
 
 " Dear papa, tell me, are you worse ? " said Margaret, 
 in tones of distress. 
 
 "Do not ask," he whispered ; "I must not speak." 
 
 Then came another clearing of the throat. Dr. Arnold 
 looked round, but could see nothing in the darkness, 
 only that silent figure that he felt was there. He whis 
 pered to Edward : " Drive fast, something is the matter 
 with your father." 
 
 The rest of the ride was in silence, Margaret holding 
 her father's hand, her heart beating with vague appre- 
 hensions. 
 
 They are at home now ; and Margaret, springing from 
 the carriage, met Debby in the hall. In agitated tones, 
 she said : " Rush quick for Dr. Lacey. Something is the 
 matter with papa." 
 
 The tones of alarm had brought the wife out into the 
 hall, to meet her husband with a face pale as marble, 
 and a handkerchief saturated with blood. Suddenly she 
 clasped her hands in agony ; but he whispered : " Be 
 quiet, my love ; God reigns." 
 
 Quickly carried up stairs, he was soon placed in bed, 
 and in another minute, Dr. Lacey was by his side. He
 
 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 311 
 
 had ruptured a large blood-vessel, and all night he lay 
 pale as a sheeted corpse, forbidden to speak at all. The 
 news soon spread in the morning ; and for fear of agita- 
 tion, the front-door bell was muffled, and Mrs. Lacey 
 took her seat in the parlor, to answer the grieved and 
 sorrowing people. 
 
 Father Morgan was summoned, and tears rained over 
 the good man's face as he looked at the serene and 
 patient sufferer on that couch of languishing. 
 
 " We must part with him, Debby," said the minister 
 tu the faithful servant. " Dr. Lacey says that he may 
 rally again, and the lungs may heal, but his ministry is 
 ended, and his days are few. He has been a blessed son 
 to me, and his wife and children are mine as long as 
 I live, and when I am gone, will inherit all that I 
 have." 
 
 A lingering illness confined him to his room all 
 winter, most faithfully nursed by his devoted wife and 
 daughter, and favored by unbroken communion with 
 his Lord and Saviour. March winds brought a renewal 
 of all the alarming symptoms ; and it was certain now 
 that the beloved rector would never leave his room 
 again. His people are untiring in their devotion, vying 
 with each other in their ministrations to his comfort, 
 especially Mrs. Sherwood, who, from the first, offered 
 everything that was in her house for the venerated 
 sufferer, and every day with her own hands prepared 
 some little delicacy. Father Morgan, too, was the same
 
 812 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 devoted, untiring friend, coming every week to see the 
 adopted son of his affections. 
 
 " Very gracious are the dealings of my Father," said 
 the invalid. " Surrounded by the ministrations of be- 
 loved friends, fading so gradually, and sustained by 
 unfaltering trust in the merits of my Redeemer, I wait 
 peacefully till my change comes. My precious family 
 1 trust to the care of our common Father, believing that 
 I shall meet them all in the many mansions." 
 
 " They are mine, Edward, just as much as though the 
 ties of blood united us." 
 
 " I have had a blessed life, father such a long and 
 happy ministry among a devoted, united flock, many of 
 whom I hope to present before our Saviour's throne as 
 my own spiritual children. I leave dear St. Barnabas' 
 in a prosperous state, and trust that none but a truly 
 evangelical minister will ever occupy that pulpit." 
 
 Dr. Arnold is frequently by that bedside, and very 
 sweet and holy is the communion between the two. At 
 the close of one of these interviews, the pastor said : 
 
 " Call Margaret. I have something to say to her." 
 
 In a minute or two, Dr. Arnold re-entered, leading her 
 by the hand. The father smiled. 
 
 "That is right just what I desire. To none would 
 I so cheerfully confide that hand as to you, my valued, 
 long-tried friend. She is yours, Dr. Arnold, I hope 
 in bonds as happy as mine have been. Kneel, my chil
 
 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 313 
 
 dren, and receive a father's blessing." Laying his hands 
 upon their heads, he continued, in solemn tones : 
 
 " God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Ghost 
 bless, preserve, and keep you ; the Lord mercifully, with 
 His favor, look upon you, and fill you with all spiritual 
 benediction and grace, that ye may so live together in 
 this life that in the world to come ye may have life 
 everlasting. Amen." 
 
 Margaret arose, and stooping over her father, kissed 
 the placid brow, as he whispered : 
 
 "My blessed Margaret my pearl. We shall meet 
 there, where there is no more parting. Now, while I 
 am able, I must see Warren. Send for him to come 
 down on Saturday." 
 
 It was a solemn interview between father and son a 
 reviewing of the past years of his young life a looking 
 forward to the life that is yet to come. 
 
 "I wish that you could realize as I do, Warren, the 
 fleeting nature of all earthly things ; for what is our 
 life? It is even a vapor that soon passeth away; and 
 then comes that unending life our real life, Warren I 
 Could I only know that you were preparing for that 
 endless state, how blessed, how happy should I be I 
 Edward and Lucy, I trust, are taking trembling steps in 
 the narrow way, and you must not be left out, my eldest 
 son." 
 
 \Varren was deeply affected, for the father's holy life 
 
 gave power to his words. 
 
 27
 
 314 WESTBBOOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 " I am not so thoughtless as you suppose, papa," was 
 the reply. " My former habits of mind are giving 
 place to a better state ; but there are difficulties in my 
 way which hold me back." 
 
 "Let nothing hold you back from Jesus, Warren. 
 He is the only refuge of the soul. I know what he is in 
 hours of weakness and trial. Make him yours, my dear 
 son, by a living faith. Kneel, Warren, while we pray 
 together." 
 
 In solemn words, full of tender feeling, the father 
 poured out his soul in humble prayer; and Warren 
 arose, deeply moved, and passed out into the orchard, 
 where, for an hour, with folded arms and head bowed 
 down, he paced up and down in sight of St. Barnabas'. 
 
 Allan, too, is at the parsonage, and Dr. Hastings is 
 making a request of Father Morgan. 
 
 " Just one more hour of sweet communion, while I 
 have strength," said the good man. "It has been so 
 long since I have enjoyed the blessed privilege." 
 
 Assembled in that dying chamber, the emblems of a 
 Saviour's love were spread out upon a small table, cov- 
 ered with a pure linen cloth. The wife, the children. 
 Dr. Arnold, the Sherwoods, Mrs. Lacey, and three mem- 
 bers of the choir, were there ; while Father Morgan was 
 to administer the sacrament. It was the sunset hour ; 
 and Dr. Hastings said : 
 
 " Turn aside the curtain, Emily. Let the last com
 
 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 31 6 
 
 inuniou be in sight of dear St. Barnabas'. Those depart- 
 ing rays are so beautiful upon the old tower." 
 
 It was a sweet and holy communion ; and the solemn 
 uymn, selected by himself, was sung in sweet, low tones 
 by members of the choir : 
 
 " sacred head, now wounded, 
 
 With grief and shame weighed down : 
 sacred brow, surrounded 
 
 With thorns, thy only crown! 
 sacred head, what glory, 
 
 What bliss, till now, was thine! 
 Yet, though despised and gory, 
 I joy to call thee mine. 
 
 "Be near when I am dying} 
 
 Oh, show Thy cross to me 
 And to my succor flying, 
 
 Come, Lord, and set me free. 
 These eyes, new faith receiving, 
 
 From Thine eyes shall not more; 
 For he who dies believing 
 
 Dies safely through Thy love." 
 
 Warren stood apart, with head bowed clown, deeply 
 impressed by the solemn scene. It was a melting season 
 a time when the Lord Jesus stood in their midst, 
 ready to bless the silent company. Very quietly, one 
 by one passed around that bed, and, pressing the hand 
 of each beloved parishioner, the dying pastor gave each 
 nia parting blessing. Solemnly, Dr. Arnold, the Sher-
 
 316 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 woods, Mrs. Lacey, and the choir passed down the stair- 
 case and out of the parsonage door, not uttering one 
 word ; for they felt that they had seen the last of their 
 beloved pastor. 
 
 " Just one more duty, Father Morgan, and then I have 
 done with earth. I must see George Vincent before I 
 die." 
 
 The young man was summoned, and Father Morgan 
 met him in the parlor : 
 
 "You have come to see him die, George. It is a 
 blessed death-bed, with nothing to dim its brightness.'' 
 
 Dr. Hastings received him with a smile. " Come here, 
 my young friend : sit close by me." 
 
 Taking his hand between his own, he continued : " I 
 thought of you, George, the other day, when we enjoyed 
 such a blessed season of communion with our Lord and 
 Saviour." 
 
 " Do you refer to the Holy Communion, Dr. Hast- 
 ings?" 
 
 " I do, my son. I wish that you had been here. It 
 was such a real communion with our Lord and Master ; 
 for here He was in spirit in our midst. Are you satis- 
 fied in your new relations, my son ? " 
 
 The young man turned his face away as he replied : 
 " I know that I am walking in the paths of the Holy 
 Catholic Church, Dr. Hastings, and ought to be satisfied 
 with that knowledge." 
 
 " You are on dangerous ground, George, where many
 
 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 31? 
 
 have stranded upon the shoals of Romanism. Beware ! 
 lest you follow in the wake." 
 
 " I have no sympathy with Rome, Dr. Hastings ; but 
 I do desire to see the revival of old Catholic ceremo- 
 nies." 
 
 " Beware lest you depart from the simplicity that is 
 in Christ. Study the Epistles, George, aad not the 
 fathers ; for in the former only is infallible truth." 
 
 The young man listened seriously to the solemn words 
 of the dying pastor, remembering the early days of his 
 Christian life with secret feelings of unacknowledged 
 sorrow. 
 
 The last duty has been performed ; and, day by day, 
 the angelic messengers hovered around that privileged 
 chamber. It is known throughout Westbrook that the 
 pastor of St. Barnabas' is dying. Prayers are offered in 
 all the churches ; for he is much beloved by Christians 
 of all names. Surrounded by his sorrowing family, 
 peacefully he passed to his everlasting rest ; his last 
 words : " A sinner saved by grace. Give Jesus all the 
 glory." 
 
 The tolling of the muffled bells, which had been silent 
 BO long, announced the departure to a better world of 
 the dear rector of St. Barnabas'. One by one, a weeping 
 company passed out of the parsonage garden ; for many 
 had gathered day by day in the parlor, to inquire about 
 the dying pastor. 
 
 There is grief not only at St. Barnabas' but through 
 
 '27*
 
 318 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 out Westbrook ; for the community have lost a bright 
 example and a valued friend. Arrayed for the grave 
 in his surplice, his remains were laid in the parlor of 
 the parsonage, where, on the day appointed for the 
 funeral, they were visited by hundreds. Strong mer 
 wept as they gazed upon the serene and holy counte- 
 nance ; for one remembered how he had labored for him 
 in hours of first conviction, another how he had stood 
 by the death-bed of his loved ones, and committed them 
 to the silent grave. Tender women were there, kissing 
 reverently the pale, transparent hand that had so often 
 extended to them the emblems of a Saviour's dying love ; 
 many joined by that departed pastor in the sacred bonds 
 of matrimony, shedding floods of tears over the dear 
 hands that had sprinkled baptismal water on the brows 
 of their sweet infants, and in all their joys and sorrows 
 bearing a part. For more than a quarter of a century 
 he had broken the bread of life among the same people ; 
 and a tie so sacred is not broken without deep and 
 tender sorrow. 
 
 It is the day of the funeral. The bells throughout 
 Westbrook were muffled ; and very solemn were th ; 
 peals answered from churches of all denominations dur- 
 ing the funeral ceremonies. The pall-bearers are selected 
 from among the most valued of his clerical friends 
 Members of the vestry are the bearers, and clergymen 
 of all denominations head the solemn procession on its 
 way to the church. The Sunday-school teachers, all
 
 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 319 
 
 wearing a badge of mourning, follow the family. It waa 
 indeed a solemn scene the church heavily draped in 
 mourning, the low wailing of funereal music, the weep- 
 ing crowds, who gathered to do honor to his memory. 
 
 Three Bishops Miles, Melville, and Lysle occu- 
 pied the chancel, and took part in the impressive service 
 of the Church. Mr. Thayer attempted a few remarks, 
 but was obliged, from excess of feeling^ to bring them to 
 a close. From the side windows of the parsonage the 
 females of the family heard the funeral hymn, one ft 3- 
 quently used by the departed at funerals : 
 
 " Vital spark of heavenly flame ! " 
 
 and, with hearts bowed down by sorrow, saw the pro- 
 cession winding its solemn way to the grave-yard of the 
 old church, where, amid the tears of hundreds, the dear 
 remains were committed to the silent grave. 
 
 Now the widow felt that she was alone ; for, while the 
 remains were in the house, she could sit by them for 
 hours at a time, reviewing all the past. But now she 
 feels that she shall see that dear pale face no more ! 
 
 The solemn tolling of those muffled bells is in har- 
 monj with her emotions ; and long after they have 
 ceased to vibrate on other ears will they continue to 
 sound in the sorrowing widow's heart !
 
 CHAPTER XXIV. 
 
 THE PASCHAL MOON. 
 
 " Thy Maker is thy husband." 
 
 A FTER a short period, the sad work of gathering 
 *"* together all the sermons and letters of the de- 
 parted occupied the widow for several days. Locking 
 them up, she felt as if the last duty to the sainted dead 
 had been performed. 
 
 Father Morgan has taken charge of the family, and 
 advises Mrs. Hastings to remain at the parsonage until 
 another rector comes. The vestry have generously voted 
 her husband's salary for a year ; and the assistant min- 
 ister is in charge of St. Barnabas'. 
 
 Warren is in New York again, Allan at the seminary, 
 Margaret a great comfort to her mother, and Mrs. Sher- 
 wood a most devoted friend. But the sorrows of widow- 
 hood are hers sorrows with which a stranger inter- 
 meddleth not. She takes his place in the worship of 
 the family, and misses the sweet words of holy counsel. 
 She goes out into the kitchen to give her daily orders to 
 Debby ; but there is nothing for him who engrossed so 
 
 much of their thoughts. She passes by the study-door 
 
 320
 
 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 321 
 
 and often finds herself listening for the slight, hacking 
 cough. She glances at the hat-stand in the hall, but 
 neither hat, nor cane, nor umbrella are there ; they are 
 laid away among the treasures. She is in her little 
 sitting-room after the labors of the day are over ; but 
 there is no quiet step now across the threshold no 
 tender husband takes his seat by her side when she is all 
 alone, and laying his hand upon the forehead, or kissing 
 the quivering lips, whispers, " You are tired, my love ; I 
 wish that I could lighten your many cares." These 
 memories are often followed by a gush of tears, which 
 will not stay. 
 
 The church is no less desolate. A stranger's voice 
 falls heavily upon her heart, and a stranger's form fill^ 
 her husband's pulpit. These are a widow's sorrows ; bul 
 she has her comforts, too -- a band of devoted friends, 
 who cling to the rector's family, cherishing them for his 
 sake ; but, above all, the precious promises all fulfilled. 
 
 At the end of six months, a new rector is called a 
 worthy successor to the lamented Dr. Hastings. He is 
 to be married at the end of a year ; and, by Father 
 Morgan's advice, is to board with the former rector's 
 widow until his marriage. 
 
 It is a sore trial to the sorrowing widow to receive 
 another into her family as the rector of St. Barnabas' 
 to see another in her husband's study ; but Robert 
 Murray is a man of lovely Christian character, and 
 knows exactly how to respect the feelings of the min-
 
 322 WESTBKOOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 ister's widow. Delicate, modest, sympathizing, she soon 
 learns to regard the young clergyman with a mother's 
 tenderness ; for there is an appearance of frailty about 
 the new minister, which at once enlists her kindest 
 offices. 
 
 He is in perfect sympathy with all the former rector's 
 plans thoroughly evangelical, spiritual, devoted. With 
 peculiar wisdom, he carries out all the plans so success- 
 fully arranged by Dr. Hastings, so that no rude changes 
 are made ; and the people extend to him their fullest 
 confidence and co-operation. 
 
 But Father Morgan is preparing for the change in the 
 widow's lot, and has taken a new home in a pleasant part 
 of Westbrook, where he proposes that Mrs. Hastings 
 shall take into her family six young ladies to educate. 
 The good man will come too, with his faithful house- 
 keeper ; for he is really in charge of the family now, 
 although the thought of entire dependence is lessened 
 by the charge that he so wisely suggests. 
 
 But the months roll on, and the day of departure 
 comes at length. All the arrangements are made. On 
 the following Monday, the family bid adieu to the deai 
 parsonage, and the minister and his young bride arrive 
 on the following Monday week. 
 
 It is Easter even. The widow sits alone in the sum 
 mer-house, where, twenty-six years ago, she sat as a 
 ymmg and happy bride, in company with her beloved 
 husband. The same placid moon is sailing in the hea-
 
 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 323 
 
 rens, smiling as calmly on the widow, as it did upon the 
 Pair young bride. 
 
 More than a quarter of a century has passed away, 
 leaving deep in the sorrowing heart the memory of those 
 blessed, happy years. She distinctly recalls the holy 
 conversation of that sweet hour ; how they talked about 
 the paschal moon, and wondered if it shone that night 
 upon the new tomb in the garden of Joseph of Ari- 
 ruathea. The hope of resurrection was blessed then. It 
 is more than blessed now ; for the pale moon shines 
 upon the grave of her beloved to-night, and seems to 
 say, " Thy husband shall rise again." 
 
 The church-door is open. She enters all alone, and 
 sits down in the pew before the chancel by the light 
 of the moon, almost able to read the inscription on the 
 marble slab back of the pulpit : certainly she reads the 
 one cherished, honored name. 
 
 Margaret has missed her mother. Suspecting where 
 she is, she enters the church. Jacob has seen the two, 
 and follows : 
 
 " This is our last Easter evening at the dear parsonage, 
 Jacob. Can't you blow the bellows for me ? I want so 
 mich to play some of dear papa's hymns before we go 
 out of our old home." 
 
 Jacob has done this work before, and is ready to oblige 
 his young lady. She is seated now at the organ, has lit 
 the gas, and, one by one, plays and sings the sweet 
 hymns that her .father loved so much. A light footstep
 
 324 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 is n*ar her. She knows that it is her mother, who in 
 silence sits there, listening to the sweet, solemn strains. 
 The music has called out the family even Alice, who 
 has been drawn into the church too. The solemn moon 
 is shining down upon the pale and languid invalid ; for 
 Alice has been steadily fading ever since her beloved 
 father's departure. 
 
 " Sing ' I would not live alway,' " said Father Mor- 
 gan ; and Jacob stood by, shedding silent tears, as the 
 holy strains filled the church. 
 
 " I would not live alway : I ask not to stay 
 Where storm after storm rises dark o'er the way j 
 The few lurid mornings that dawn on us here, 
 Are enough for life's woes, full enough for its cheer." 
 
 It was a precious hour in the blessed sanctuary, foi 
 all in that company were partakers of the hopes of a 
 glorious resurrection ; for Edward and Lucy were to 
 receive their first communion on the following Easter 
 Sunday, having both been among the candidates on the 
 rector's first confirmation. 
 
 " I wonder if the spirits of the just do visit this lower 
 earth, Father Morgan ? " said the widow. 
 
 " We know not, Emily. The veil is very thin that 
 separates us from the world of spirits ; and it did seem 
 to-night as if he might be here joining in our wor- 
 ship." 
 
 " We know that he is blessed, father ; and though he
 
 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 325 
 
 may not return to us, we shall go to him, and be forevei 
 with the Lord." 
 
 It is Easter morning, and the sweet chimes are ringing 
 out the resurrection joy a "joy unspeakable and full 
 of glory" to weary pilgrims, foot-sore on their journey 
 to the heavenly city every member 01 ''he family at 
 the parsonage surrounding the table of the Lord, save 
 Warren ; for Allan, at the seminary, is partaking of the 
 Easter joy. 
 
 But Monday morning is here; and the removal is 
 taking place. Some of the furniture belongs to the 
 parsonage ; but Father Morgan has supplied every de- 
 ficiency at the new home, bringing all his own household 
 goods. The last load has gone; and the widow takes 
 one more farewell glance at the pastor's study, plucks 
 a branch of apple-blossoms from the low, green trees, a 
 few flowers from the garden paths, and goes out of her 
 once blessed home to assume new relations and respon- 
 sibilities. 
 
 Father Morgan has been very careful to select a home 
 well shaded, for he knows how Alice would miss the 
 green trees ; and so they find themselves in the midst of 
 a grove of lindens. She has a small room down stairs, 
 where all her familiar objects are carefully placed a 
 neat green carpet and new curtains having been fur- 
 nished by Mrs. Sherwood. We find the dear girl BO 
 comfortably fixed in her new room, entertaining Agnes 
 28
 
 326 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 and her mother. Taking the lady's hand, Alice kissed 
 it, and said : 
 
 " How can I ever thank you, dear friend, for all your 
 goodness to me ? Truly, goodness and mercy have fol- 
 lowed me all the days of my life. Everybody is kind 
 to Alice. There is nothing that I lack on earth, and so 
 much in heaven ! I ought to be a most grateful, happy 
 Christian. I don't even miss the flowers from the par- 
 sonage ; for every day, since the young bride came, they 
 are sent to fill my little vase." 
 
 The family are settled. The six young ladies have 
 arrived, and Mrs. Hastings finds her hands full of cares 
 and responsibilities. Margaret is a great help to her 
 mother ; for she has a fine education, and a heart full of 
 filial love. 
 
 The young pastor is highly gifted, admired, and fol- 
 lowed by the crowd : but true friends are faithful to the 
 departed rector's family, and Mrs. Hastings finds herself 
 surrounded still by a choice circle of congenial, loving 
 spirits. The good old minister is a father indeed ; and 
 Mrs. Hastings has long since proved the blessedness of 
 the promise to the widow : " Thy Maker is thy husband." 
 
 Warren comes frequently on Saturday night to stay 
 until Monday. Many are the sweet hours of affectionate 
 intercourse between himself and Alice; and he never 
 goes away now without leaving some blessed hopes in 
 the heart of the dear invalid. 
 
 " Warren is so different," said the dear girl, after one
 
 WEST BROOK PARSONAGE. 327 
 
 of these visits. " There are no more cavils now. I am 
 sure, mamma, that he is an earnest inquirer after the 
 truth not in his own strength or wisdom now, but de- 
 pending only on the Holy Spirit. All I want to make 
 me perfectly happy is just to see dear Warren a Chris- 
 tian. He is so whole-hearted that I know he will make 
 a bright and useful follower of our Lord." 
 
 The young minister's wife is a frequent visitor at 
 Linden Grove, finding the friendly counsel of the widow 
 invaluable to her inexperience, and she, in her turn, be- 
 stowing her confidence and love upon the inmates of 
 the Grove. It is vacation now at the seminary, and 
 Allan is about to pay his first visit at the new home. 
 More than one looks forward to his return with joy; for 
 it is certain now that Agnes Sherwood is to be the life- 
 companion of the young man. The mother is pleased 
 that it should be so, for she is a whole-hearted disciple, 
 and knows no higher joy than to give her all to the 
 service of her Lord and Master. 
 
 Alice has her couch drawn up to the window, that she 
 might see the first glimpse of her precious brother. 
 
 " There he is ! " said the invalid. " Dear, dear Allan ! " 
 and in the next minute she was folded in her brother's 
 arms ; for he had seen her from the window, and hastened 
 to Alice first. 
 
 " How well you look, Allan ! " said his sister. 
 
 The brother sighed ; for he could not respond to the 
 remark in the case of the pale shadow on the couch.
 
 328 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 " I am not so well, Allan," said the sister, for she had 
 interpreted the shade upon his face ; " but, although the 
 outer man is decaying, Allan, the immortal that 
 which is really Alice, is ripening day by day, and, 
 through abounding grace, I hope, growing up into the 
 perfsct image of the Lord." 
 
 Allan saw that it was so. The knowledge that gave 
 joy to the invalid awoke a pang in the brother's heart , 
 for very dear was this precious one to the household. It 
 is indeed a happy reunion ; for, after one more term, 
 Allan is to be ordained. 
 
 We will follow him to Englesby Terrace, where Agues 
 is waiting eagerly for his arrival ; and yet, with the sweet 
 shyness of girlhood, at the first glimpse of his approach, 
 flies to her own room, instead of to the hall-door. 
 
 In a few minutes, we find her timidly entering the par- 
 lor, where we will leave the two to enjoy their first hour 
 of reunion alone, where emotions, more than words, ex- 
 press their happiness. 
 
 " I came through New York, " said Allan, addressing 
 Father Morgan, "where I heard that George Vincent is 
 very ill. I had not time to stop, or I would have gone 
 to see him. He has been sick a long time." 
 
 " Poor fellow ! " said the good man. " I am afraid 
 that he is very uncomfortable ; for he occupies a room, 
 going out for his meals. I must go without delay." 
 
 Accordingly, by the next train, the old clergyman is 
 on his errand of mercy. On entering the sick man'a
 
 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 329 
 
 room, it was just as he had feared. Once a day the 
 woman in charge of the apartments entered his room, 
 placing his medicines near him, and then not coming 
 again through the whole day. He had hired a little 
 boy to bring him food from a restaurant near, but fre- 
 quently of such a character as he could not eat ; and he 
 consequently suffered in every way. 
 
 When the door opened to admit Father Morgan, a 
 flash of joy lit up the pallid face. Extending his hand 
 in sileur.e, he burst into tears ; and, after a minute or 
 two, said, kissing the wrinkled hand : 
 
 " You are very good, Father Morgan. How did you 
 hear that I was sick?" 
 
 " Allan was passing through New York, and heard it. 
 I came immediately, George, for I feared that you were 
 suffering. Who is your nurse, my son ? " 
 
 "I have none. Indeed, my physician, the woman 
 that takes care of my room, and the little boy that does 
 my errands, are all that I see, excepting Father Niles, 
 who comes once or twice a week." 
 
 Father Morgan saw that the case was one in need of 
 careful nursing ; for the young man was laboring under 
 a slow, wasting fever. Practical at all times, he imme- 
 diately engaged a good nurse, went out himself aud 
 brought in the comforts that he needed, and, as the 
 nurse could not come for two days, took charge of the 
 invalid until she should arrive. Very tenderly he 
 washed and changed the sick man, made up his bed 
 28
 
 S30 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 comfortably, put everything in perfect order, and then, 
 taking his seat by his side, gave him slowly some very 
 nice ice-cream. Very frequently the tears welled over 
 the young man's eyes ; it had been so long since he had 
 experienced such tender nursing. 
 
 "This is so grateful, Father. I do believe that if 
 I had such nursing, I should be on my feet again in ;i 
 few weeks." 
 
 "Has your new faith been a rock to rely upon, 
 George, in your hour of sickness and trial ? " 
 
 The pale lips quivered, as he replied : " I have been 
 learning the lessons of my childhood over again, dear 
 friend ; and all the time the sweet words of the quaint 
 old hymn are with me : 
 
 " None but Jesus none but Jesus 
 Can do helpless sinners good." 
 
 " God be praised, my son, for these hours of perfect 
 retirement, that have brought back the old truths of the 
 simple Gospel ! " 
 
 " Yes, father, the old, old story of Judaea, the babe of 
 Bethlehem, the child of Nazareth, the preacher on the 
 Mount, the worker of miracles, the sympathizing bro- 
 ther, the great High-Priest, the Man of Calvary, the 
 first-fruits of the resurrection, the God-man of Olivet, 
 have all returned again all embodied in Him whom 
 we call Saviour." 
 
 " I have been looking for this, George. I knew that
 
 \VESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 331 
 
 tinsel and showy ritualism would not long satisfy a soul 
 that had ever had the experience of a heaven-born 
 faith." 
 
 " That is all true, Father Morgan ; but I have found 
 that the symbols of the new theology teach lessons which 
 I cannot believe. I did not think so at first, and re- 
 garded the opposers as uncharitable and Puritanical. I 
 admired the music and the show ; but, day by day, in 
 the quiet and self-communion of this solitude, these gew- 
 gaws have lost their charms, and, in the language of our 
 own sweet hymn, I can say : 
 
 " As by the light of opening day, 
 
 The stars are all concealed, 
 So earthly pleasures fade away 
 When Jesus is revealed." 
 
 " Let us praise God, George," said Father Morgan , 
 arid, with an overflowing heart of gratitude, he bowed 
 before the mercy-seat, to return thanks for this deliver- 
 ance, and to pray for the guidance of that blessed Spirit 
 who only can sanctify and save. 
 
 " You cannot stay here, George," said the good man. 
 " As soon as you are sufficiently recovered, I will come 
 for you. We can make room for you at Westbrook, and 
 there you must stay until completely restored." 
 
 The nurse is fairly installed, with minute directions 
 and abundant, means supplied, that the invalid may lack 
 no comforts ; and then the good man is ready to return
 
 332 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 "God bless you, Father Morgan," said the young 
 man. " You were sent by Heaven I am sure, for you 
 have brought life and light and happiness. I feel as i f 
 I had taken real steps now on the path to recovery." 
 
 "Farewell, my son ! May God bless and keep you in 
 all your ways, and spare your life to labor in his blessed 
 service yet." 
 
 A few weeks of careful nursing did wonders, and Mrs. 
 Hastings is i eady to receive another into her family for 
 the sake of Father Morgan; for he has his old propen- 
 sity yet of gathering around him the children of a com- 
 mon faith, when the hand of suffering is laid upon them. 
 
 "Now you see, Emily, why I told you that I must 
 have two rooms," said the good man ; " for I have so 
 long had a corner for the needy in my own home, that 
 I could not be happy if unable to do so still. They shall 
 never be any expense to you, and Hannah will take all 
 the labor. I always loved George Vincent, and he has 
 neither mother nor sister to care for him. I know a 
 little about nursing, and he will be company for me 
 when you are busy." 
 
 "I am only too happy, dear father, to aid you in your 
 holy work : none that you bring can ever be an intruder 
 here." 
 
 The good man was fully occupied with his charge; 
 foi his health had been seriously affected, and it would 
 be months ere he would be fully restored. 
 
 Allan has returned to the seminary, where he is to
 
 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 333 
 
 remain but one term more, and then he is to be ordained 
 at St. Barnabas'. 
 
 Mrs. Sherwood is a happy, useful Christian : shvt has 
 no time now for trifling over priests' millinery, for she is 
 on a higher mount, and cannot come down. We find 
 her very busily engaged now in founding a home for 
 twenty-five orphan girls, who are to be clothed, and fed, 
 and educated at her expense solely, and fitted for just 
 such positions in life as their various talents indicate. 
 And so the days roll on until the time for Allan's ordi- 
 nation has arrived. Bishop Miles, his father's uncle, is 
 the ordainer, and the church where Allan had been bap- 
 tized, confirmed, and where he had received his first 
 communion, is now to witness his solemn ordination vows. 
 It was indeed a blessed day. Here the mother saw the 
 crowning of the father's holy work here Father Mor- 
 gan saw his own namesake set apart for the very highest 
 of earthly callings here Alice in her weakness was 
 able to come during the ordination service only, that in 
 God's dear house she might join her prayers with the 
 church militant for the dear brother buckling on the 
 armor of a youthful soldier of the cross. And here 
 Agnes Sherwood lifted up her woman's heart of deep 
 affection for him, wkh whom she hoped to share life's 
 joys, and cares, and trials, and eternity's unspeakable 
 and endless bliss. 
 
 Oh, these blessed communion-days ! when we gather 
 as one family around the table of our Lord and Master,
 
 334 WBSTBROOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 to feed upon the heavenly manna of his blessed passion. 
 How we miss the dear ones from our side, as year bj 
 year one and another have passed away to the church 
 tiiumphant. It was so on this occasion ; for here was the 
 dear family of the parsonage, but the sainted rector was 
 absent. Here was dear old Father Morgan ; but who 
 could say how soon the aged head, crowned with its halo 
 of silver locks, might too be called hence. And sweet, 
 fading Alice in their heart of hearts, each one felt as 
 they looked at the ethereal shadow, lovely still in its 
 look of saintliness, that this was indeed her last com- 
 munion in the church militant. The solemn service is 
 ended, and as Alice passes out of the church-door, she 
 said, in trembling tones: "Stop one moment: let me look 
 once- more on the dear old church." 
 
 Turning the carriage that she might be gratified, she 
 looked sweetly, sadly all around, from ceiling to carpeted 
 aisles, from organ to chancel, pulpit, reading-desk, and 
 communion table from pew to pew ; and waving her 
 shadowy hand, she said : " Farewell ! dear, dear St. 
 Barnabas'. God bless my father's church. God bless 
 its pastor and its dear people, and bring us all home to 
 the church triumphant." 
 
 Just then, Allan, accompanied by Father Morgan, 
 came down the aisle. 
 
 " This is a happy day, dear brother. I wonder if 
 papa " she could say no more, for feeling choked her 
 utterance.
 
 WE8TBROOK PARSONAGE. 335 
 
 Father Morgan spoke : " He is among the spirits of 
 the just made perfect, Alice; and if they do indeed visit 
 this lower earth, he is here to-day." 
 
 " W are a blessed family, dear father," said the inva 
 lid. " All partaken 01 the hopes of the Gospel, except 
 dear Warren, and I feel that he will join us in our 
 march heavenward." 
 
 " A.nd so do I, Alice," was the good man's reply. 
 
 While the soft, low strains of the organ still fell upon 
 the ear, the little carriage passed slowly out, followed by 
 a deeply moved company, who felt that this was th? 
 weet sufferer's farewell visit to St. Barnabas'.
 
 CHAPTER XXV. 
 
 8UNBISE. 
 " Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.' 
 
 A LICE is fading rapidly now, is not able to ride out 
 * at all, and subject to terrible attacks of spasms, 
 when drops of perspiration as large as peas are forced 
 out upon her skin by these paroxysms of suffering. 
 But not one word of murmuring ever escaped her lips. 
 With hands clasped and eyes turned heavenward, she 
 would lay for many minutes, the large tears falling over 
 her pallid face; and the sweet, low voice comforting 
 her mother and sisters, who witnessed these agonizing 
 spasms. Sometimes she would press mamma's dear 
 hand to her lips, and kissing it, would say : 
 
 "Don't weep so, mamma. Jesus comforts me. He 
 gives me grace to be patient ; and I have so many, 
 many blessings ! It can't be long, mamma, and then 
 comes the 'joy unspeakable and full of glory.' " 
 
 Mrs. Sherwood and Agnes are untiring in their devo- 
 tion, coming daily with their delicacies, never without 
 flow r rs.
 
 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 337 
 
 me," she would say. " They, speak such a language of 
 love to weary sufferers ; for if God bestows such care 
 upo/j these perishing flowers, Agnes, how much more will 
 He lake care of me, His weak and suffering child." 
 
 Mrs. Murray, the young rector's wife, is very good 
 too, coming daily, or sending the flowers that Alice 
 loves. When she has intervals of ease, the humble 
 people, whom she has so often benefited, seek her couch. 
 
 Dan Galway, the man that she met in the lane and 
 reproved so sweetly for blasphemy, is one of her most 
 frequent visitors. Perhaps no scene around that couch 
 of suffering is more affecting than the sight of this 
 rough, strong man, sitting with his face buried in his 
 hands, his breast heaving with sobs, listening to the 
 kind and faithful words that fall from those pale and 
 trembling lips. 
 
 "You have kept your pledge, Dan, I hope," said 
 Alice. " You know that you signed it here, my friend, 
 in the sight of Heaven." 
 
 " I have not touched a drop since that day, miss ; and 
 we have some comfort now. I bought my old woman a 
 gown last week, and it would have done your heart 
 good to see how glad she was." 
 
 " Remember, Dan, that you cannot keep your prom- 
 ises in your own strength. You must seek God's help, 
 and become His servant." 
 
 " I am trying, miss." 
 
 " I can't talk any more now, Dan. Good-by." 
 29 W
 
 338 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE, 
 
 " Good-by, miss. God bless you foriver and iver ! '' 
 
 Aunty Miller and Robert Jordan, too, come for tt.eu 
 words of counsel. Nor is the sweet ministry of Alic* 
 Hastings confined to the children of the poor ; for even 
 Bishop Miles says that he has learned many a lesson ol 
 holy patience from that gentle sufferer; and Mr. Murray 
 says that he always feels as if he had been inside of the 
 gate of heaven when he comes from the couch of Alice 
 Hastings ; for many a holy text has he learned there. 
 She has been a sufferer for eleven years ; but her holy 
 ministry is nearly ended, and Alice feels that it is so. 
 
 Allan is engaged to go out West as assistant minister in 
 an important parish, and is to be married in the autumn, 
 ere he leaves. He has just told Alice, who lay quiet for 
 a minute, and then spoke : 
 
 " I did want to see you married, Allan," said hi .< 
 sister ; " but I shall not be here in the autumn. 1 have 
 just one request to make. Ere I become very weak, 
 can't you and Margaret be married by my couch ? Then 
 I could be at the wedding." 
 
 " I will see, dear sister. I have no objections to 
 offer." 
 
 Anxious to grant every request, all parties gave con- 
 tent, Agnes willing to depart from etiquette to oblige 
 the patient sufferer. 
 
 Father Morgan bestowed a handsome marriage-dowry 
 on his namesake ; and a very quiet wedding was solem- 
 uized in the family parlor. The Laceyt>, the Arnolds,
 
 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 339 
 
 and the Warren family from New York, are the only 
 guests. 
 
 Clad in a soft, white muslin wrapper, with a few white 
 flowers in her hair, which lay in light ringlets around 
 her face, a small bouquet in her almost transparent 
 hand, Alice looked almost like an inhabitant of another 
 world, so pure, so holy, so seraphic was her whole ap- 
 pearance. Propped up in her couch, she gazed around 
 her with an expression of deep, unutterable love on the 
 laces of the dear members of her household, about to 
 take the solemn vows of marriage. Clad in their white 
 marriage-robes, they entered the parlor, Margaret in her 
 ripe womanhood on the arm of Dr. Arnold, followed by 
 Allan and sweet Agnes Sherwood, never more lovely in 
 appearance than on her wedding-day. 
 
 Bishop Miles performed the marriage ceremony, and 
 Father Morgan gave the brides away. It was indeed a 
 solemn service, and at its conclusion, Alice motioned to 
 Margaret and Dr. Arnold to draw near. 
 
 " God forever bless my brother and my sister Marga- 
 ret, and bring them safely to His everlasting kingdom." 
 Drawing them down, she kissed them both, and laid a 
 gold medallion in Margaret's hand, adding: "This ia 
 my little gift, dear; it will remind you of Alice when she 
 is with the angels. 
 
 " Now come, Allan," she continued. " May God for- 
 ever bless you with his richest love, and give you many 
 stars in the crown of your rejoicing ; and you, deal
 
 340 WE8TBROOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 Agnes, may he give you grace to be a faithful help-mee* 
 in the Lord to my precious brother." Kissing both, she 
 added, laying a medallion in Agnes' hand : " There ia 
 my little gift, dear sister : cherish it for the sake of 
 Alice." 
 
 No gift could have been more valuable, for the like- 
 ness had been taken ere the sufferer had become so much 
 emaciated, and on the back of each was a lock of her 
 own beautiful hair. 
 
 " Almost angelic ! " said Agnes, as she was looking at 
 the sweet face when alone with Allan. 
 
 "She has seemed like one of those blessed ones for 
 months," said Allan, in reply. " Truly we shall all 
 miss that holy presence, although we should not desire 
 her to remain in such a broken, suffering frame." 
 
 Allan is going to Englesby Terrace to stay until the 
 time of entering upon his field of labor, and Margaret 
 to Little Rugby. 
 
 " You will be very near," said Alice, as she kissed the 
 two, " and I can see you every day : you must be sure to 
 come." 
 
 Lucy is seventeen now, old enough to be very useful 
 to her mother ; but Margaret had been so much of a 
 companion, that her absence was painfully felt in the 
 home circle. 
 
 George Vincent has fully recovered, and is ready to 
 take a new charge as soon as confidence is once more 
 established.
 
 WESTBBOOB: PARSONAGE. 341 
 
 Dr. Lacey warns the mother of a speedy removal of 
 her beloved child. Margaret is therefore much at home, 
 and Warren very frequently in the anxious circle. 
 Very sweet and holy are these solemn hours ; for no 
 common tie unites Warren and his sister Alice. We 
 will take a seat near them at one of these tender inter- 
 views. -The invalid is propped up, Warren's arm encir- 
 cling the frail form, her head reclining on her brother's 
 breast. 
 
 " We have passed a very happy life together," said 
 Alice, " you have been such a tender, affectionate bro- 
 ther. I could not bear to think that we may not dwell 
 together in the world to come. Do you ever think of it, 
 Warren?" 
 
 " I must be truthful now, Alice, and own that the 
 painful thought does sometimes cross my mind ; but I 
 am not what I used to be. Since our father died, the 
 thoughts of eternity and its solemn realities are never 
 absent from my mind, and the daily texts are them- 
 selves an ever-present gospel. For many years, Alice, I 
 was encircled by a bristling fort of bayonets: you can 
 never know, dear, how powerful the little shadowy hand 
 has been in brushing them all away." 
 
 The tears were streaming over the sweet, pale face 
 now, as she said : " Warren, I am happy now ; this is 
 all that I lacked in my cup of thankfulness." 
 
 " My former skepticism always had its seat in the 
 
 heart, dear, for I was too proud to be saved in the same 
 29*
 
 342 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 way as the common herd of guilty criminals ; but now I 
 can sing : 
 
 'Jesus sought me when a stranger, 
 
 Wandering from the fold of God; 
 He, to save my soul from danger, 
 Did redeem me with his blood.' " 
 
 Alice lay still a moment, and then said, slowly and 
 solemnly: "A family in heaven, Warren; what blessed, 
 holy hopes are ours ! " 
 
 Very rapidly now the silver cord was loosened. The 
 mother and Margaret, Mrs. Sherwood and Agnes, took 
 turns in watching by the departing saint. It has been 
 a day of great suffering ; but the evening brought relief, 
 and through the silent night the little feet were buffet- 
 ing with the waters of Jordan. Toward the dawn of 
 day, she revived once more, and whispered : " Put aside 
 the curtains, mamma, that I may see the glorious sunrise 
 once more ; it is my last on earth another morning, 
 and I shall wake in the presence of my blessed Saviour, 
 and be with my dear, my precious father. Do not weep, 
 my dearest mamma : think how blessed I shall be. No 
 more pain ; no more tears; no more sin and sorrow and 
 then we all hope to meet there in that h ,py land, to 
 part no more no more " 
 
 Leaning upon her mother's bosom, her dying gaze 
 fixed upon the glorious sunrise, which now flooded the 
 garden with his morning beams, Alice Hastings passed
 
 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 343 
 
 away to the land whose sun never more goes down 
 behind the everlasting hills of the heavenly city. 
 
 It is the day of the funeral; and, arrayed for the 
 grave, Alice Hastings seemed too lovely for the silent 
 tomb. Beloved by so many, the sweet remains were 
 strewn with pure white flowers, and lay in the parlor all 
 day, visited by her father's parishioners. Warren is 
 there with his mother. 
 
 " You remember my dreams of fame, mamma," said 
 her son. "They all vanished by the bedside of that 
 sweet saint, never to return again. I have only one am- 
 bition now, and that is to serve my Lord and Master in 
 any station that He may appoint. This has been no 
 sudden change, dear mamma. Ever since papa's de- 
 parture, the world and its allurements have lost their 
 charms. Fame is an empty cheat ; and there is nothing 
 real, nothing true but heaven." 
 
 Very touching and impressive were the whispered 
 words around those pale relics, each one having some- 
 thing to tell of little notes, or kind benefactions, or 
 gentle admonitions. One poor woman stood there sob- 
 bing with real grief: it was the wife of Dan Gal way. 
 
 " An' shure she was the good angel that took my hus- 
 band by the hand, and made him sign the pledge. He 'a 
 niver touched a drap since that day. God bless the 
 dear saint ! " 
 
 Others told how she had taught their girls on Satur- 
 day afternoon, until she got too weak to labor any more.
 
 344 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 AJi ! here are two little girls, each with a bunch of sweet 
 flowers to lay upon the coffin. Taking the cold hands 
 between their own, they rained floods of tears upon 
 them, remembering how many kind acts those pale 
 hands had done for them in days gone by. Thus closed 
 the gentle ministry of this saintly sufferer, perhaps more 
 useful in her weakness than many a professing Christian 
 in full health. 
 
 The bells of St. Barnabas' are muffled once more as 
 the solemn procession enters the church. 
 
 " I know that my Redeemer liveth, and though after 
 my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall 
 I see God." 
 
 For how many centuries have these blessed words 
 poured their flood of light into the graves of beloved 
 kindred, illumining their darkness, and filling the hearts 
 of mourners with hopes full of immortality ! So it was 
 now, as the slow footsteps followed the dear remains of 
 Alice Hastings up the aisles of St. Barnabas'. 
 
 Very sweet and touching was the funeral hymn : 
 
 " Hear what the voice from heaven declares 
 
 To those in Christ who die; 
 Released from all their earthly cares, 
 They dwell with Him on high." 
 
 By the side of her beloved father they laid the pre- 
 cious dust, in the glorious hope of a blessed resurrection. 
 Perhaps none are so much missed from a household
 
 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 345 
 
 as those who require so much care and tenderness ; for 
 when the couch where Alice had lain so many years was 
 really put out of sight, then it was that the great void 
 Jeft behind was truly felt in the household. After a few 
 days, her papers were all locked up ; but the pictures, 
 books, and pretty ornaments all remained her own 
 sweet picture, that Mrs. Sherwood had secured before 
 she became so very much emaciated, hanging on the 
 wall. 
 
 There is to be the first confirmation under the new 
 rector very shortly ; and Warren remains, that he may 
 join the company. Many an eye was wet with tears of 
 joy, and many a heart went up in earnest prayer, as the 
 manly form of Warren Hastings advanced to the chan- 
 cel; for the people knew how the father's heart had 
 yearned over this precious son. Father Morgan grasped 
 his hand after the services, and, with a quivering voice, 
 said : 
 
 " God bless you, Warren Hastings, and make you a 
 burning and a shining layman in the Church of our 
 Redeemer ! " 
 
 Warren is at Little Rugby ere he returns to the city ; 
 and pacing the students' walk are two figures the 
 young man and his beloved preceptor, as in the days of 
 boyhood, with arras encircling each other's waist. It 
 is an interview full of interest ; for Warren is telling the 
 way that the Lord has led him, and Dr. Arnold is list- 
 ening with a full heart.
 
 346 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 " Uo you remember the tryst appointed on the Adiron 
 dacks ? " said the young man. " One can scarcely realize 
 that nearly ten years have rolled away since that day. 
 As it is so near, I will wait until we summon all the 
 company." 
 
 "You are twenty-five now, Warren," said his friend. 
 " What do you propose in the future ? " 
 
 " To serve God in my vocation as a Christian lawyer ; 
 and in a place like New York I can find a large field, 
 where I can labor in the Church of our Lord." 
 
 In a few days, the mountain travellers have all 
 arrived at Little Rugby. Their meeting was in the 
 students' walk, where they were warmly greeted by 
 Dr. Arnold. 
 
 "Our tryst was appointed among the trees of the 
 Adirondacks," said the professor, " and it seems appro- 
 priate that it should be kept amid the shades of Little 
 Rugby. How well do I remember that summer day, 
 the happy company stretched out upon the grass, each 
 sanguine boy so full of joyous anticipations. Ten 
 years have passed since that period ; and the youth who 
 made that appointment are all men now, ready to relate 
 something of the inner life of those passing years. Now, 
 Harry, let us hear your experience." 
 
 The elder Seymour was now twenty-five, and yet he 
 looked like thirty his face bearing the marks of dissi- 
 pation ; his hair thin and scattered ; his whole aspect 
 that of one who had drained the cup of sensuality.
 
 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 347 
 
 There was no look of triumph as the young man 
 spoke : 
 
 " I have attained what I then desired live in the 
 first style in a suit of rooms at the Metropolitan ; drive 
 fast horses and fine carriages; have my box at the opera, 
 another at the theatre ; am a member of the leading 
 club of the metropolis; am invited to all the gay balls 
 of Upper Tend om, and have everything that the world 
 can give ; but a broken, shattered constitution forbids 
 enjoyment ; and to speak truly, sometimes I envy even 
 the waiters at the hotel in their freedom from care, their 
 robust health, and easy life." 
 
 " I see, Harry Seymour, that you have learned the 
 truth of the proverb of the wise man, when he declared : 
 ' Vanity of vanities, all is vanity ! ' ' 
 
 Then George arose: "I too have reached the sum- 
 mit of my ambition ; but I am not ready yet to agree 
 with the wise man, for I find in the excitement of the 
 gold-room enough to satisfy my desires : when I own 
 two millions, I shall then lay out my plans for the 
 enjoyment of my gains." 
 
 " And you call this, George Seymour, the life of an 
 immortal?" said the professor, with a sad look upon his 
 fine countenance. 
 
 Then spoke Allan Hastings: "I remember my wish," 
 said the young minister. "To be just as useful and good 
 as my father. It would be a most immodest declaration 
 to say, that I have reached what I then desired ; but I
 
 348 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 am striving to follow in his blessed footsteps, have 
 chosen his high and holy calling, and find God's service 
 my delight. Thus far I have been greatly blessed in the 
 companion which my Father has given me ; and am 
 looking forward to a life spent together in loving and 
 serving our Divine Master." 
 
 " A wise and blessed choice, dear Allan," said Dr. 
 Arnold ; " full of peace here, and unspeakable joy here- 
 after." 
 
 And now spoke Archie Murray : " It was an humble 
 lot that I desired," said the young man; "likely to be 
 fulfilled ; for as soon as I am ordained, I shall take 
 charge of St. John's over the hill, and sister Annie 
 shall be my housekeeper. I desire nothing more just 
 such a field as I should wish to cultivate : it is an hum- 
 ble, but a happy lot, for I shall be serving my Lord and 
 Master." 
 
 All eyes now turned upon Warren Hastings : 
 
 " You all remember the proud boy that longed for 
 fame, desiring to make his mark in the world. Those 
 dreams have vanished like the mist of the morning ; 
 and brighter, holier aspirations fill the vision of my 
 wiser hours. With the departing spirit of my sainted 
 sister Alice, the last dream fled away ; and now I am 
 
 ready to buckle on my armor in the service of my 
 
 
 Lord and Master. Henceforward, I am His, and His 
 
 only." 
 Dr. Arnold had sat with his eyes fixed upon the
 
 WEST BROOK VARSONAGE. 349 
 
 earnest speaker, every now and then wiping away the 
 moisture that would come. Warren sat down, and the 
 good man followed : " God speed you, my beloved pupils, 
 in your heavenward march ; you have chosen a wise 
 and holy life ; it will bring peace and usefulness here, 
 and glory and immortality hereafter." 
 
 Ere the Seymours returned to New York, the good 
 man sought to impress upon their minds the wretched, 
 unsatisfying nature of their pursuits. They listened 
 attentively, for they respected their former preceptor; 
 but they were "joined to their idols." Fearful destiny! 
 if God should let them alon*. 
 
 It is communion-day at St. Barnabas', and, side by 
 side, Warren and his beloved preceptor knelt at the 
 chancel to receive together the emblems of a Saviour's 
 dying love. It was indeed a blessed day, and arm in 
 arm Father Morgan and the young man walked home 
 together, talking of the things of the kingdom, and the 
 blessedness of his new-born hopes. Once more in the 
 office with Uncle Richard, he is daily wondering what 
 great change has come over Warren, for " old things 
 have passed away, and all things have become new." 
 A faithful attendant upon the ministry of St. Matthias', 
 he is at once engaged in active service for his Lord and 
 Master : not in the high places of the church, but 
 among the most abandoned, the most neglected, War- 
 ren has chosen his field, and by his energy soon gathers 
 
 around him a band of faithful workers. Always decided, 
 80
 
 350 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 bold, and manly, the same traits appear in his aggressive 
 Christianity, and to all Uncle Richard's attempts to 
 lead him in the old paths of worldliness and unbelief, he 
 has the simple answer, nay, so that his uncle is obliged 
 to give him up, with the sneer, that " Saul is among the 
 prophets." Staying at his Grandma Warren's, the 
 change is equally striking; for although his love of 
 Protestant truth is stronger, his charity is broader, and 
 the courtesy with which he treats his aunts' peculiar 
 notions is so marked, that they are found, when alone, 
 saying to each other : 
 
 " I do believe that there are hopes of Warren, sister 
 all his sharp remarks are laid aside." 
 
 Neither was aware of the strong ramparts which en- 
 compassed Warren Hastings ; for, "justified by faith, 
 he had peace with God." And, from this eminence, he 
 had neither time nor inclination to join in the childish 
 play of processions and showy vestments and puerile 
 ceremonies. 
 
 To return once more to Westbrook : We find Allan 
 preparing for his new field of labor. Englesby Terrace 
 is closed, and the family are staying a 'day or two with 
 Mrs. Hastings ere their departure. The dear circle is 
 diminishing around the widow, and she realizes now that 
 the pilgrim's lot is hers indeed. One by one the links 
 drop off. Three in heaven, three in scattered folds on 
 earth ; but the hope of final reunion is ever bright 
 when the broken links shall all be joined again, and the
 
 WE8TBROOK PARSONAGE. 351 
 
 family chain be once more complete, in the everlasting 
 kingdom of the saints' inheritance. 
 
 The last religious service attended by Allan was the 
 ordination of Archie Murray, who at once took posses- 
 sion of the mission on the hill. To him slso was con- 
 fided the care of Mrs. Sherwood's asylum during her 
 absence from Westbrook. Thus the dear friends are 
 parted, Margaret only within reach of the family circle.
 
 CHAPTER XXVI. 
 
 REUNION. 
 " Hitherto hath the Lord helped as." 
 
 TEN years have passed away. Silver hairs crown 
 Mrs. Hastings, who is still an interesting woman in 
 her widow's cap. 
 
 Mr. Murray has closed his earthly ministry at St. 
 Barnabas', and has been succeeded by Frederic Gray, a 
 young and gifted minister, of like sentiments with his 
 predecessors. 
 
 Allan Hastings has filled several important pulpits in 
 the diocese of Bishop Melville. He has ministered with 
 great acceptance, his trumpet never having given an 
 uncertain sound in the serious controversy which has so 
 long agitated our beloved Church, and has lately been 
 elected Assistant Bishop to that good and holy man. By 
 his own earnest request, the consecration is to take place 
 at St. Barnabas', at which time there is to be a reunion 
 of the friends of Dr. Hastings who are yet members of 
 the church militant. The Bishop elect, his wife, and 
 mother, are once more domesticated in the dear family 
 
 circle ; and Warren and his wife are there, too. Father 
 
 352
 
 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 353 
 
 Morgan is living still, but very feeble and aged. He is 
 cherished with the love of children by every member of 
 that household. 
 
 The day of consecration has arrived, and a deeply 
 solemnized company are assembled at old St. Barnabas' 
 Bishop Melville, the defender of Protestant truth in the 
 Great West, is there ; and Bishop Lysle, the bold cham- 
 pion of the faith ; but Bishop Miles has entered into rest. 
 Dr. Nelson, with Luther's spirit; Thayer, the loving 
 John ; Vincent, fully restored ; and Nichols, with his 
 silver trumpet ; but Musgrave and Winter and Harring- 
 ton have joined the church triumphant. Brown is in a 
 foreign land, missionary to the heathen ; and the saintly 
 Woodbridge is dying. About twenty of the former mem- 
 bers of the convocation are present. More than twenty 
 had entered the sacred ministry from the Church of St. 
 Barnabas during the life of Dr. Hastings ; but they are not 
 all here. Five have entered their everlasting rest ; some 
 are too distant or too poor to undertake the journey; but 
 letters come from all the absent, and only three have 
 departed fro^ the teachings of St. Barnabas'. All the 
 rest are bearing a faithful testimony in their several 
 fields 'J labor to simple Bible truths. Many, too, of the 
 old communicants have passed away, and great changes 
 are visible in the dear old church ; but there are those 
 present who remember Allan's boyhood, and their hearts 
 are deeply stirred at the sight of the man of thirty -four, 
 somewhat bald now, with his meek and holy aspect 
 80* X
 
 354 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 about to take such solemn vows in such momentous 
 days. Not often do such scenes as these occur uot 
 often that so many, endeared by suoh sacred ties, 
 meet together in their march to heaven; and many 
 hearts felt the sentiment of the sweet hymn, as the eye 
 took in each familiar face : 
 
 "Angels, and living saints and dead, 
 
 But one communion make: 
 All join in Christ, their vital Head, 
 And of His love partake." 
 
 The music, the services, the sermon were deeply im- 
 pressive, and the charge of Bishop Melville to the newly- 
 consecrated Bishop full of power. Enlarging upon the 
 dangers threatening our beloved Church, he called upon 
 him who stood before him in his meek solemnity to see 
 that his trumpet gave no uncertain sound, but to con- 
 tend manfully, lovingly, and with the spirit of an 
 Apostle, for the "faith once delivered to the saints," 
 adding: 
 
 "These are no common days, beloved. Great and 
 alarming errors threaten our Protestant Episcopal 
 Church. We are called upon to withstand them with 
 the spirit that animated Cranmer and Ridley and Lati- 
 mer. Let us pray much, watch earnestly, wait patiently 
 for the Moses that God may send. Let us not move 
 before he gives the order ; but when he does, without 
 question, without delay, go forward ; and God will be
 
 WE8TBROOK PARSONAGE. 355 
 
 with His own cause not, perhaps, with the great mul 
 titude, but certainly with the little flock." 
 
 Many deeply affected listeners are in that densely 
 crowded church ; but none more deeply solemnized than 
 two ladies in deep mourning, who occupy a pew near the 
 chancel. One is elderly, the other is no longer young ; 
 but there is such an expression of sanctified affliction 
 upon the face of the latter as touches the heart at once. 
 It is Agnes Hastings, the wife of the newly-consecrated 
 Bishop, clad in the weeds of mourning for two dear 
 children, whom they have recently consigned to the 
 silent tomb, leaving her now childless ; but she is a very 
 useful Christian, laboring wherever her husband's lot 
 has been cast in the service of her Lord and Master. 
 
 After church, Father Morgan, taking Allan's arm, 
 walked slowly down the aisle, and out to the graves of 
 the beloved, followed by all the clergy who were the 
 friends of Dr. Hastings. In silence they stood around 
 the enclosure ; and Father Morgan said, solemnly : 
 " Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord, brethren : 
 let us follow the departed as he followed Christ." 
 
 On the following Monday, the party separated once 
 more Allan, with Bishop Melville, to his new field of 
 labor, and other brethren to their respective posts. 
 Warren is a noble Christian layman in New York city, 
 using his bright talents for his Lord and Master, 
 rejoicing in "the liberty wherewith Christ has made 
 Him free."
 
 356 WESTBROOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 In another year, we find Lucy at the parsonage <uice 
 more as the wife of the new minister ; and Mrs. Hast- 
 ings in hearing of the chimes of St. Barnabas', in sight 
 of her lamented husband's study. By especial request, 
 Lucy was married on Easter-eve ; for the mother has 
 learned to connect important events with that glorious 
 season. She watches year by year the same paschal 
 moon, and remembers the eve of her wedding-day be- 
 neath its placid light, the eve when her husband's 
 remains lay in the sorrowing parsonage, and the eve 
 before her departure to another home. 
 
 Father Morgan is still an inmate with the family ; for 
 he is one of them in every sense but relationship. Every 
 fine day he may be seen, leaning on the arm of Mrs. 
 Hastings, walking in the orchard for exercise ; and, in 
 the sweet spring-time, a group of little children are 
 sporting in the orchard again, plucking the fragrant 
 apple-blossoms, while their elders watch their plays. 
 
 And so the grand-children of the former rector gam- 
 bol beneath the same green trees as did their parents 
 Emily and Alice Arnold on every fine day visiting :he 
 parsonage; for they love to sit on Father Morgan's lap, 
 listening with earnest faces to his stories about Grandpa 
 Hastings and Aunt Alice, whose holy lives are a 
 blessed legacy to the little ones. 
 
 Warren is indeed a noble layman, using his fine tal- 
 ents in the service of his Master, and Edward side by 
 ide in the same good and holy cause. St. Barnabas' is
 
 WE8TBROOK PARSONAQE. 367 
 
 yet a noble witness for the truth its talented young 
 minister sounding a clear trumpet from its sacred pulpit. 
 
 Mr. Moncrief is still following after the fossils of a 
 defunct theology, dispensing chaff instead of the chil- 
 dren's bread ; and yet the Judgment is speeding on. 
 What will be the record when the Saviour comes to try 
 men's faith ? 
 
 Gertrude and Helen Warren are in the sere and yel- 
 low leaf, still devoted to the fopperies of ritualism ; the 
 Seymours worn out in the service of a cheating world 
 sensual, soured, disappointed; Dr. Arnold and Mar- 
 garet at Little Rugby, filling up the hours of useful, 
 happy lives; and Archie Murray at St. John's over the 
 hill, laboring among the poor and neglected, gathering 
 around him an humble, devoted flock of Christians. 
 
 The figures moving over these pages are not all ima- 
 ginary ; for they are representative men and women of 
 a class living around us. We are bidding them fare- 
 well ; but they do not vanish with our waking dreams. 
 They are breathing, moving, acting moral agents in a 
 world that is to pass away their works to remain for- 
 ever. It is sorrowful to see so much energy, talent, and 
 worth bestowed upon such trifling, while above, around 
 us, everywhere is such a treasury of boundless grace 
 and mercy. 
 
 It is as though a shower of heavenly manna were 
 falling daily at the very door of our tents, and we should 
 crush it under our feet, or pass it by, to search in
 
 3.*>8 WE8TBROOK PARSONAGE. 
 
 the desert of Sahara for living water and the bread of 
 henveu. Full and free justification from all the accusa- 
 tions of sin is offered to us through Jesus our substitute. 
 This is the heavenly manna; and ritualism offers a series of 
 fasting, and penance, and painful, weary watching. This 
 is an apple from the Dead Sea. Adoption into the family 
 of God by faith in Christ Jesus is the gift of free grace. 
 This too is heavenly manna; and ritualism offers the 
 baptismal waters which fail to give the sweet assurance 
 which the soul needs. This too is an apple from the Dead 
 Sea. Gracious access to a throne of grace through the 
 one Great High-Priest is the great privilege of the Gos- 
 pel precious, heavenly manna! and ritualism dresses 
 up a man in priestly vestments, who leads the soul to an 
 imaginary altar, and a bloodless sacrifice thereon, who 
 tells the weary pilgrim that it is only through a human 
 priesthood that the soul eains aocess to the mercy-seat. 
 This truly is an apple of the Dead Sea I The immortal, 
 deathless soul wants something more than this. It wants 
 a conscious interest in the blood of the Lamb, " which 
 hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and 
 steadfast, and which entereth into that within the veil." 
 
 To all these modern teachers of a buried theology 
 it cries out, perhaps unconsciously : " Sirs, we would see 
 Jesus ! " Jesus in all His offices, Jesus in His blessed 
 life, Jesus in His atoning death, Jesus on His mediato- 
 rial throne, Jesus and nothing else ! 
 
 What shall we say then to that ambassador of Christ.
 
 WE8TBROOK PARSONAGE. 359 
 
 who holds up a screen between the beseeching soul and 
 its Redeemer; and when he asks for Jesus, gives him 
 incense, pleasant hymns, solemn dramas, imposing pro- 
 cessions, and a human, fallible priest ? To such, in the 
 name of every redeemed soul for whom the Savioui 
 died, we conclude with that language of entreaty: "Sir 
 ire would see Jesus! " it is our heritage, our right 
 
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