it fell from the
minister's lips, as the very word of God.

"He means just as he says," said Mr Snow to young Mr Greenleaf, as he
overtook him in going home that afternoon. "He wasn't talking just
because it was his business to. When he was a telling us what mighty
things the grace of God can do, he believed it himself, I guess."

"They all do, don't they?" said Mr Greenleaf.

"Well, I don't know. They all say they do. But there's Deacon Fish
now," said Mr Snow, nodding to that worthy, as his wagon whirled past,
"he don't begin to think that grace or anything else, could make _me_
such a good man as he is."

Mr Greenleaf laughed.

"If the vote of the town was taken, I guess it would be decided that
grace wouldn't have a great deal to do."

"Well, the town would make a mistake. Deacon Fish ain't to brag of for
goodness, I don't think; but he's a sight better than I be. But see
here, Squire, don't you think the new minister'll about fit?"

"He'll fit _me_," said the Squire. "It is easy to see that he is not a
common man. But he won't fit the folks here, or they won't fit him. It
would be too good luck if he were to stay here."

"Well, I don't know about that. There are folks enough in the town that
know what's good when they hear it, and I guess they'll keep him if they
can. And I guess he'll stay. He seems to like the look of things. He
is a dreadful mild-spoken man, and I guess he won't want much in the way
of pay. I guess you had better shell out some yourself, Squire. _I_
mean to."

"You are a rich man, Mr Snow. You can afford it."

"Come now, Squire, that's good. I've worked harder for every dollar
I've got, than you've done for any ten you ever earned."

The Squire shook his head.

"You don't understand my kind of work, or you wouldn't say so. But
about the minister? If I were to pledge myself to any amount for his
support, I should feel just as though I were in a measure responsible
for the right arrangement of all things with regard to his salary, and
the paying of it. Anything I have to do with, I want to have go right
along without any trouble, and unless Merleville folks do differently
than they have so far, it won't be so in this matter."

"Yes, I shouldn't wonder if there would be a hitch before long. But I
guess you'd better think before you say no. I guess it'll pay in the
long run."

"Thank you, Mr Snow. I'll take your advice and think of it," said Mr
Greenleaf, as