ngle calyx enclosing the seeds, somewhat in the shape of a
button or seal of a bright yellow color; hence its name. "The root of
this plant," said he, "is an excellent alterative and tonic." We dug
up the yellow roots with zest; but being by this time very hungry, I
began to fear that we might come across a "patch" of something else
that might still longer delay our return. But he seemed satisfied with
his success, and we found our horses all right. "Old Nell" had,
however, loosed the strap of her halter, and was quietly browsing
around. When she heard us coming she threw up her head; and at the
call of his voice she came up to him.

It was past two o'clock when we got back to Brother Judy's. Dinner was
soon served; and to this day I do feel that if ever I have been truly
thankful for the good things of this life it was then.

We followed up the line of appointments to the last one, and returned
home.

And now, my dear reader, I can truly say, that if it is as pleasant to
you to _read_ these reminiscences as it is to me to _write_ them, you
are well repaid.

_Sermon by Peter Nead._

_Preached at the Linville's Creek Meetinghouse,
Sunday, January 3, 1836._

TEXT.--Unto you therefore which believe he is precious.--I Pet. 2:7.

Dear Brethren, this chapter is full of instruction and encouragement.
Peter knew by experience what it is to backslide. Now, that he is
restored again to full fellowship with the Lord and the church, Jesus
seems nearer and more precious to him than ever before. In the seventh
verse he says: "Unto you therefore which believe he is precious." I
know he must be so, because he is so precious to me. I shamefully
denied him when he most needed my loving support, and swore that I did
not know him in the darkest hour of his temptation. Who can comprehend
his grace? The meekness, the gentleness, the calmness of his forgiving
heart under trials the deepest, under persecutions the greatest, even
unto death, are surely worthy of God incarnate.

"'_I know not the man_' were the very last words he heard me utter on
his way through tribulations to the cross; and I added oaths to the
declaration. I now fail to find words to express my surprise and joy
at the message he sent me on the morning of his resurrection. When he
was placed in the tomb I had no hope of his ever coming out thence.
But what surprised and overcame me more than the direct news of his
rising was the special message of love he sent