during the service the little
Bishop had fidgeted about, and indicated signs of impatience from some
cause or another; when all at once, to the astonishment of preacher and
people, Abe exclaimed, "I tell the' there's soa many pipes in that
organ, I've caanted 'em a dozen times already; if thaa doesn't believe
it, caant 'em theesen, devil."

We may imagine the effect produced by Abe's outburst of indignation,
that the devil should doubt the accuracy of his counting in a matter so
trivial, as well as the annoyance and shame he felt that he had allowed
his old enemy to make a dupe of him again. Yet it is only an
illustration of the insignificant things that serve to call off our
minds from the pursuit of holy studies. The devil would dispute
through a whole service about a couple of flies, rather than permit a
saint to wait upon God without distraction. It shows that we need to
be very watchful against the influence of that arch enemy, even in the
Lord's house.

Little Abe, with all his excellences, had his infirmities like other
men, and he felt them keenly. It was a cause of great grief to him
when, through unwatchfulness, he was led into folly. "Could ye not
watch with me one hour?" was said to the weary disciples of old, and
might often be repeated to the Lord's people to-day. "Watch,
therefore, lest ye enter into temptation."

AN EVIL TEMPER.

One source of temptation to Little Abe was his temper; and yet here few
would think he had any trouble at all. If people who knew him were
canvassed on this question, the uniform testimony would be that he had
a most even disposition; few could be found to testify that they ever
saw him overcome by anger. He was, however, naturally of a quick,
sensitive temper, and had to keep a jealous watch upon himself, in
order to hold this tendency in subjection; the consequence was that it
seldom gained the mastery over him after his conversion. Grace turned
the lion into a lamb, and subdued the evil spirit within him, and as he
grew in grace, the marks of the old Adam became less distinct. Still
it was always an occasion for prayer and watchfulness with him; he
would not allow himself to be tempted from this side of his character,
if he could avoid it. Should anything transpire which was likely to
rouse the evil spirit, Abe would take his hat and run away, rather than
let the enemy gain ascendancy over him; he felt that it was often
better to "hide than 'bide."

All ou