ated him
so soundly? That was the next question. But nobody knew. Some of those
most familiar with Mr. Malcolm boldly asked him the question, but he
declined giving an answer. Poor Mr. Larkin trembled but the minister
kept his own counsel.

On the Tuesday following this pointed discourse, Mr. Malcolm received
his last quarter's salary four weeks in advance, and three hundred
dollars besides. Two hundred of this had been loaned by Mr. Larkin
until such time as it could be collected.

At the next meeting of the vestry, the resignation of Mr. Malcolm as
minister of the parish was received. Before acting upon it, a
church-meeting was called, at which it was unanimously voted to double
the ministers salary. That is, make it eight hundred. Much was said in
his favour as a man of fine talents and sincere piety. In fact, the
congregation generally had become much attached to him, and could not
bear to think of his leaving them. Money was no consideration now.

The vote of the meeting was conveyed to Mr. Malcolm. He expressed his
thanks for the liberal offer, but again declined remaining. Another
church-meeting was called, and a thousand dollars unhesitatingly named
as the minister's salary, if he would stay. Many doubled their
subscriptions, and said that, if necessary, they would quadruple them.

When Mr. Malcolm determined to leave C--, he had no parish in view; but
he did not think it would be useful for him to remain. Nor had he any
in view when he declined accepting the offer of eight hundred dollars.
But it was different when the offer of a thousand dollars came, for
then he held in his hand a call to a neighbouring parish, where the
salary was the same.

The committee to wait upon him, and urge him to accept the still better
terms offered, was composed of Messrs. Elder, Larkin, and three others
among the oldest and most influential members. He answered their
renewed application by handing them the letter he had just received. It
was read aloud.

"If money is any object, Mr. Malcolm," said Larkin, promptly, "you need
not leave us. Twelve hundred can be as easily made up to you as a
thousand."

The minister was slightly disturbed at this. He replied in a low,
unsteady voice:

"Money has no influence with me in this matter. All I ask is a
comfortable maintenance for my family. This, your first offer of eight
hundred dollars would have given; but I declined it, with no other
place in view, because I thought it bes