f prices in Russia or Prussia.

At such times their hands trembled when the post, which only came
once a week, arrived. They spent sleepless nights, and it was
especially at such times that they would sing hymns.

When they assembled at daily meetings, they read, they prayed, they
sang; and as they sat and looked at one another, each knowing how
much his neighbour had at stake, knowing, too, how peaceful and
guileless they were, and how God had hitherto protected them, they
were satisfied that He would not now abandon them--"if not for my
sake," some speaker would say, "yet for the sake of others." Then
they felt strengthened in prayer, and smiling affectionately at each
other, would depart to their homes, greatly comforted.

They were not disappointed; for year after year they throve, and
their capital increased. Those who had salted one thousand barrels
one year would take three thousand the next. They were on the
look-out at all points; they pressed forward at all hazards; and
while they seemed so quiet with their psalm-singing and gentle mode
of speech, they were, in truth, energetic, even desperate,
speculators.

This was thoroughly displeasing to Hans Nilsen Fennefos, not that it
was against Hauge's rule that the Brethren should enter into trade,
on the contrary.

But this was not the old style of industry, with its reasonable
desire for moderate profits. The money came too easily, and in too
great abundance. Fennefos observed also that luxury was beginning to
creep in among the Brethren; there were even dinner parties, where
the eating was excessive.

The fact was that these frugal people were so unaccustomed to joints
and puddings, that when they found they could afford them, they took
a half-childish pleasure in ordering dinners like those supplied to
the great houses.

Fennefos reasoned with and rebuked them; but although they listened,
smiled, and thanked him, no change resulted.

Moreover, in the public life of the town, these quiet men, who had
become rich unnoticed, began to assert themselves, and it was found
that, for many reasons, they had to be considered. Their gentle
manners and humble address ceased to provoke ridicule.

By degrees, as the Haugians advanced in worldly affairs, and lost in
spiritual life, a superficial piety, proceeding from them and from
their movement, crept into society, both in town and country--a sort
of perfunctory formalism, which seemed to prosper.

Such was the