r from the neighboring
pews, in spite of the consciences of their owners reminding them that it
was holy day. It was a source of great comfort to Mrs. Santon, that she
as able to come so far to this place of worship. The little society
numbered not over forty persons, yet those words spoken by our Saviour,
"where two or three are gathered together in my name, there will I be in
the midst of them," came with renewed freshness to her mind, each time
she entered those doors, and she felt that she had never tasted the
bliss of uninterrupted love for Christ, as now.

The shepherd of this little flock was a man fearing God, just, and
upright; his services in the cause of Christ were offered voluntarily,
without money, or price. Coming, as he had, in his old age, to spend
the remainder of his days in the family of a beloved son, he had found
with joy that his declining years might be profitably employed; that he
might earn that reward which is promised to those who make a right use
of the talents which God has given them; that he might merit those
blessed words, "well done, good and faithful servant." His labors among
this people had not proved ineffectual; many had been brought to see the
great mercies of their Redeemer, souls had been converted to Christ, and
as the song of praise went up from beneath that humble roof, the glad
shouts were borne aloft, and angels joined in the chorus.

* * * * *

It was a beautiful afternoon, everybody was busy about the farm of Mr.
Santon; Winnie was sitting at the door, intent upon her own thoughts,
when she caught sight of their good minister approaching upon his horse,
his silver locks flying in the wind. Biddy, learning they were to have a
visit from the "Protestant praste," turned first pale, then red, and
when the old gentleman dismounted at the door, she let fall the shoulder
of bacon, which she was preparing for the supper, and darted behind the
screen, in her haste hitting her foot against the lowest tin, in a pile
of two dozen, which brought the rest down to inquire into the state
of affairs.

The presence of the old gentleman served to impart a cheerfulness to all
who gazed upon his happy countenance, and his kind tones, as he inquired
for the welfare of the family, penetrated the screen, reaching the ear
of Biddy, who sat wondering what the good father Teely would say, if he
knew she had so far sinned as to remain under the same roof with a
"wi