N53cl L ft viewer- ^o aw a-pwea.1 Cfje Hifirarp of t|>e Ontoersitp of Bottb Carolina From the Library of C P 283.09 9 N53cl AKSWEH T0_A1T APPEAL, FOE BENEFIT OF THE CHURCH. \ &y Kntered according to Act of Congress, in the ye:ir 1871, by " The Juvenile Sewing 4oeietv of Christ's Church, Xcwbern, N. C," in the office of the Librarian of Congre-is, t Washington. ANSWER TO AN APPEAL, FOR BENEFIT OF THE CHURCH, LOVINGLY INSCRIBED TO A BY Esclairmond Claremont. North Carolina, Jan. 29th, 1871. NEWBEKN, N. 0. i N. ». SIOHAEDSON, PBACTICAL BOOK, CABD AND XOB PBIXTEB. 1871, " Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2013 http://archive.org/details/answertoappealfoOOclar Introduction . On Sunday evening, January 8th, 1871, at Christ Church, Newbern, N. C. , the venerable rector had closed his sermon, announced the 183rd Hymn, and as the choir was singing, a terrific storm of wind passed over the city, the windows of the Church rattled violently, and the howling of the tempest created some confusion in the usually attentive congregation; but just at this moment the excitement was rendered intense by the cry of " Fire ! " and the ringing of the Fire Bell.- — Every one was alarmed for the safety of their homes, and many for the safety of little ones left qiiietly asleep, while they had gone to join in the worship of God, in His Holy Temple. Many of the congregation rushed hurriedly to the street, to ascertain the locality of the fire. But a faithful few remained to receive that benediction which had been so often pro- nounced within those sacred walls, but alas, was now to be pronounced for the last time. The alarm proceeded from a burning chimney, and the cry " It is out," soon quieted all fears. On Tuesday evening, January 10th, 1871, the alarm of fir* was again sounded, and this time proceeded from some out- houses immediately opposite the Church, which soon com- municated to the front buildings, and finally crossed to th» Church and reduced it to ashes. A sad calamity for the congregation of Christ Church. In- deed, it was a time when " those who had but tears to give, did not shed those tears alone." 4 INTRODUCTION. A congregation that had just re-assembled after the disper-- sion caused by the war, had just set in motion some of the most important Parochial works — a charity and day school — Relief Society, &c, and Were giving as liberally of their scanty means as they well could, were suddenly thrown with- out a Hou3e of Worship. Many acts of kindness might be here recorded, but we will name but one, that only as an ex- ample of Christian kindness, worthy to be read of all men : The Pastor of the Presbyterian Church, informed the Rec- tor that his Board of Trustees would offer his afflicted con- gregation the use of their Church once, a Siinday until they could make other arrangements, which promise was fully re- deemed, and the kind offer accepted, with grateful thanks by the Vestry. Of course, the all-absorbing thought was how to re-build the Church. The Vestry met, and while the smoke was still rising from the smoiildering ruins, put forth the "Appeal," which brought forth the little work hereto appended. Among the congregation, no one seemed to feel the loss greater than the children. Their desire to do something to- wards this much desired object, became almost a mania. At this time a Christian-hearted ladyV*who had not the means to do what she wished towards this holy work, con- ceived the idea of forming these zealous little ones into a Sewing Society, thereby accomplishing at the same time two laudable objects, viz : Imparting to them valuable knowledge in sewing, knitting, &c, and aiding in re-building the Church. The proposition was made to them and readily accepted, and forthwith, The Juvenile Sewing Society of Christ Church, IttTROtmcTlOtf. 5 was formed under the direction of the lady making the sug- gestion. The oldest child was 13, and the youngest 5 years. These little lambs of the Great Shepherd, devoted them- selves to his service with a zeal and unity of action and thought, that might be most profitably followed as an exam- ple, by the older members of His Church. Space will not admit of a recital of all the good works of these little Soldiers of the Cross, but general results must suffice. They have subscribed one hundred dollars to the building of the Church, and have paid it. They have contracted to put in the Chancel window, at an expense of $350, and have over half that amount in Bank. But alas, the work on the Church has stojaped, the Treasury being exhausted, and they now appropriate all their means to the Building Committee* trusting that through the blessings of that God who " doeth all things well," they may accumulate enough to meet the ex- pense of the window, when the building is in a condition to receive it. In the interest of the Juvenile Sewing Society this is pub- lished, and to the above object the proceeds of its sale will be applied. [Prom the Churchman, January 28th, 1871.] APPEAL. To the members of the Protestant Episcopal Cliurch throughout the United States : " Dear Brethren : A great calamity lias befallen us. Our beautiful Cliurch edifice, which has so long been the pride of our people and an ornament to our city, was, on the night of the 10th inst., de- stroyed by fire. • A new Church must be erected; the cause of Christ and the necessity for a place of worship for our large and zealous congregation, both demand it. We are poor, very poor, but will do what we can for ourselves. That, however, will not even ap- proximately reach what is rccpiired for the purpose. To you, therefore, dear brethren, who feel an inter- est in the welfare and prosperity of the Church, and who must necessarily sympathize with us in our great loss and bereavement, we appeal for aid. — Give us what you conscientiously can, and the ap- proval of a good conscience, and the thanks of a grateful people will be your reward. Very, respectfully, and truly yours, E. M. FORBES, Rector. •J° H £ Hughes, \ Committee Vestry of Christ Church, F C, RoBEKTS, V N N l Wm. H. Oliver, ) ' ANSWER TO AN "APPEAL." On a cold winter morning in the year 1844, the •door opened, and one who studied to please, and loved to bear good tidings to his wife, entered her sitting-room and thus addressed her : Well, Dear, I have seen the new minister, he will eall on you to-morrow, and our fine boy shall be the first presented for baptism. "The Temple of God had for weeks been closed, and those only who have been deprived of Church priviliges, (closely allied to every desire of their heart.) can estimate the value of such welcome news. The morrow came, and with it the prom- ised call. (Just here, the reader must have a de- scription of the minister's appearance as he entered the room, where on a tiny little cot the babe was asleep by its mother.) This, my Dear, said Mr. E., is the Eev. Mr. R, we have traced from Alabama to New York, to se- cure him as our Pastor in Christ Church. In walked the little minister, who would scarcely bal- ance a hundred pound weight, extending his hand, and pointing to the " the tiny little cot," laughingly said, I see, madam, that you have work for me to do, and I assure you, it is a great pleasure, not only to receive, but train these little ones in the Church 8 ANSWER TO AX APPEAL. of Christ. Words uttered with meaning and ex- pressed by acts. In ran the oldest boy. Mamma, mamma, George- said dis little man is de Minister, and he no bigger dan him. Merry rang the laugh of Mr. F., who knew he stood about five feet in his boots. You not like Mr. Morse, Mr. Minister, continued the boy, he was taller than papa, and you will hab to tip-toe when you preaches to us chilluns. Never mind, my boy, said Mr. F., as he picked up the fair skin daughter, with long golden curls, to give her a kiss. I will show you I don't have to tip-toe when we alter the Pulpit, and I must make a Min- ister of you, and a pet of this sweet sister. (And a pet she was, though snatched away in perfect health at the age of five years, from swallowing a broken nut shell ; yet from her lips, words flowed as if by inspiration to all around her death bed, and with her latest breath she thanked her dear Minister for teaching her in Sunday School, and begged him to tell all the little girls to meet her in heaven.) — During his call, Mr. F. remarked to Mr. E., I have refused several calls to accept this in my native State, and if the congregation is as you have repre- sented, as Secretary of the Vestry, the Church seems too small, and we must enlarge it and have galleries A5TSWEE TO AH APPEAL. 9> for the colored! population, saying, they should have an appropriate place in the Church and taught their duty tojGrod. Apart from the needful care of their souls, that is the only way we can expect them to discharge their duties faithfully, and after morning and afternoon service for the white congregation, I intend devoting the evening to their instruction. — This was faithfully carried out, and so great was their confidence in him, that gardeners, among the colored congregation, have been known to go and request his prayers for rain, believing he had but to ask and it was sent. Then George shall come to de Church, for he beats de drum all the week for me to march wid mine solder clothes on, said the eldest boy. This drew another laugh from the little five foot Minis- ter, as he arose to leave, saying, I will accept your invitation to dine with you on Thursday, madam ; and you, my fine boy, must put on your soldier clothes, and let George beat the drum for me. Five years after, the Minister had charge of the Parish. In another call on Mrs. E., with her third son, she urged him take her oldest boy under his special training, and teach him one hour every day, offering to compensate him handsomely for his trouble. At her earnest solicitation he consented, 10 AXSWEK TO AN" APPEAL. and- daily taught him in his little Vestry room. — Seeing how easily he managed one, he was persua- ded to take a friend's son for a companion.. His duties as a Pastor over a long neglected flock were faithfully performed, the Church was en- larged to suit his plan, and daily the hell tolled morning and evening for a few devout worshippers to return thanks to their heavenly Father, for the many blessings vouchsafed to them. These two little boys, with their satchels, were faithful to the call of the bell. Time wore on, and with it a deep interest in his pupils welfare. Passing down the Main street one afternoon, he espied a boy playing in the gutter, with a bright, intelligent face. Looking up to him, the boy said, Mr. P., I wants to go to your school wid de toder boys, 'case I aint got nobody to play wid. Very well, sir, said Mr. P., fix yourself up and come. No sir, said the boy, I can't go, 'case mudder aint got no money. Yes you can, sir. Tell her I'll teach you, and if she has no money, to let me have Wes- ley's Sermons that I hear she has. With delight the little chap flew to his mother bearing Mr. F's message, and the next day the third scholar was seated in the Vestry Soom. Finding twelve months hence, ten scholars would not occu- AXSWER TO AN APPEAL. 11 py any more time than three, he was induced to take an office and teach the ten. Mrs. E. had long been the President of a Scrap Society, and always ready to prepare a Feast or Fair for the benefit of the Church she loved so well ; and long will the meetings at night in her hospita- ble parlor be remembered by the members of Scrap Society. Meeting a gentleman of wealth in one of her evening promenades near the office where Mr. F. was teaching, she remarked to him, Mr. F. should have a larger room, and she had a plan for his con- sideration. What, madam, can it be ? was his reply. Simply sir, said she, to build a school room back of the Church out of your ward's money you put out on interest, and purchase the adjoining lot, se- curing the property to her until the debt is paid, and then let it belong to the Church. How do you propose to pay for it, madam ? said he. - # By Fairs and Feasts. Very well, said he, 1 will do it. . The next mail carried proposals to Baltimore for the lot, and the next week it was secured; and tim- bers were hauled for the foundation of E. City 12 ANSWER TO AX APPEAL. Parochial School room, and two months after, one Fair secured it as the property of Christ Church. Never was there more delight pictured upon the face than the little Minister displayed when thirty scholars rushed to the new school room to select their seats. Boys on one side and girls on the other, their satchels were deposited, and with eager- ness they responded to the call of the hell for Morn- ing Prayer in the Church with their assembled parents, and his thanks were offered up with a solemnity that sank deep in every heart. Near to his heart were the children of the Parish, and the prosperity of the Church was the foremost thought in his mind. For miles would this good man scour the country to search up the poor and inquire into their necessities, and out of a small income their wants woiild be relieved to the extent of his ability. Many a poor shoeless child has been sent to the merchant to fit a shoe at his expense, while the mother had meat and bread, provided from his gen- erous hand. * His school increased to such an extent, an assist- ant had to be employed. From North, South, East and West, applications were made and scholars ac- cepted. With hammer and nails in hand, additions were made to the cozy little Vestry Room to accom- ANSWER TO AN APPEAL. IB modate children of his friends, sent to be under his constant training, sharing the bachelor's comforts gathered around him. Another Fair was held to add an upper story for the Female Department, with equal success. Stu- dents were placed under him for the Ministry, and with ease and earnest zeal he accomplished every task assigned him. Prompt in action, faithful to duty, untiring he pressed on in his Master's work, never letting snow or rain, hail or sleet, keep him from his post, carefully guarding the flock intrusted to his care, and admonishing them to pursue Wis- dom's ways. No dissenting voice relaxed his ener- gy — onward the Church must go, regardless of the unbelievers or men of different persuasions — and onward it did go with increased forces, for many years. The Old Church, Dear Old Church, where parent and child had been dedicated to God, could not ac- commodate the additional number, and a larger must be built. With a generosity unparalleled in our country, thousands were given by members that had been brought to Christ by his instrumentality, who had not before given their souls salvation a single thought. The Scrap Society held Fairs, and soon a hand- 14 ANSWER TO AN APPEAL. some Gothic Church, with stained glass and memo- rial windows, was erected to supply the additional pews, for an increasing congregation. The old organ was exchanged by an active, honored citizen, for one whose peals would resound ^through the arched ceiling in tones that penetrated the inmost recesses of the heart, as the skillful hand of his grandchild glided softly over its keys. Chandeliers were hung, carpets laid, pews cushioned, and every requisite for the adorning of God's Temple, and comfort for the hearers of his word, were added. The Old Church was converted into a Chapel for daily service, where morning and evening prayer was ever held, and long may its dear walls stand as a memento to the cherished dead, who worshipped at its shrine. There the maiden prayer was offered up, and well do I remember the last scene of a maiden's life. Sweet Pattie, only sixteen to a day, lingered long around that dear old altar. The painter never pictured a fairer beauty. Her golden hair, her hazel eye, and rosy cheek with its smiling dimples, attracted the attention, as the amiable ex- pression from the influence of a smile, greeted her friends. Fearful disease was marking that lovely form. — The idolizing mother prepared her to leave for a ANSWER TO AJT APFEAL. 15 healthier clime, and friends waited, ajownd the old Church door to bid her farewell. As she left the aisle she burst in tears and exclaimed, Dear, dear old Church, how I hate to leave you. Farewell,, farewell, dear altar, and the old pew I love so well ; it almost breaks my heart to go from you. With a kiss, I said, farewell, Pattie ; make haste back with renewed health, for we cannot spare you long. The next day at noon, a servant came for me, saying Pattie was very ill. I rushed to the house," and found weeping and lamentation. Oh, my friend, exclaimed her agonized mother, your dream, your dream, — my child is dying, and •your dream has come to pass ; go to her and stand around her dying bed and leave her not, for I know you will do all things well. Dear friend, you have passed away, and far away in the frigid North, your ashes await the resurrec- tion morn ; but that scene is as clearly depicted to my mind as though it were but yesterday. With the heroic patience of a Christian warrior you waited to hear the sad tidings, and then witli David exclaimed, " The Lord gave and the Lord hath taken away; Blessed be the name of the Lord." 16 ANSWER TO AN APPEAL. Pattie had gone to a healthier clime, with angels she was singing around God's throne. Strength, with a new life, had been given, and the maiden's prayer wafted her soul to heaven. As I shrouded her who bound all to her, by her lovliness and Christian life, I placed the white "violet and hyacinth, fresh from the green earth, around her marble form as an emblem of the life that had passed away, and turning to the dear Min- ister who had guided her footsteps, bade him not to weep, but rejoice with exceeding great joy, over another angel around God's throne, from his Church he so zealously watched over. Oh, for a pen of fire, to transmit to future ages the deeds of that servant of God ! May his example be emulated, his zeal made known to every Parish Priest, until they exclaim, — I will labor with his energy, prosecute every plan for the advancement of God's kingdom, with the untiring spirit of Mr. F- He shall know the influence of his true devotion by my walk and conversation. The high ways and bye ways shall be searched to bring the poor, Christ's poor, within the pale of salvation ; and when I am numbered with the dead, let me be called his worthy successor, and I will be content. Years rolled on in the town of E., and united as ANSWER TO AN APPEAL. 17 a band of brethren should be, toiled on, our Minis- ter and people. Ministers were added to the Church from the Parochial School., that now fill pulpits in different parts of our country. Young men pre- pared for every branch of industry, admitted to the bar, and adorning every profession of life, and still this good man is spared and actively engaged in his Master's work. The sound of war fell heavily on his ear, but no threatened danger moved him from his post. As a faithful sentinel he kept watch, and met the foe, clad in the panoply of God. Together, friend and foe worshipped in his Church, and as a Christian warrior did he seek peace and ensue it. From his side were torn youths he had drilled for his Master's service. They were placed in the tented field, to battle with a steel-clad warrior — were mutilated, and met a soldier's fate ; but never faltered from what they believed to be their duty. Faithfulness had been instilled in their minds, and honesty with truth, supported it in every relation in life. Driven by fright from a happy and comfortable home, I urged him to go with me. No, he ex- claimed, I cannot leave my Church. I must stay, and if needs be die, defending - it. 18 ANSWER TO AN APPEAL. Then, farewell, I cried. Promise me, if my child is killed, you will endeavor to get his body and bury it by his honored father. Yes, I will use every effort, said this good man as he promised to get the body of my child, his first pupil in his Parochial School. The father and little daughter had been laid in the cold ground, and the boy that called him no larger than his nurse George, was now in man- hood's years, showing in every stage of life the ef- fect of Mr. F's teaching, and to his praise I grate- fully pen this true record. Pass it not by, ye Ministers in the vineyard of the Lord. Let it stimulate you to build up the Church with Parochial Schools, and hesitate not in discharge of any duty to promote its growth and welfare. Bring the unbeliever to hear the truths ex- pounded from the blessed Word of Cfod. Move his hardened heart by sweet chords of harmonious sound, as the voice of the Church chants her praises or sings loud hallelujahs to the Lamb of God. Draw him to that Lamb who was sacrificed for us by fervent, earnest prayer, beseeching him to turn from the ways of sin and death, and in the AKSAVEE TO AN APPEAL. 19 arms of a reconciled father, experience that love •' none but those who feel it know." Tell him Christ was sacrificed for all, and at the right hand of God is atoning for his sins, if he, with a hearty repentance is imploring forgiveness, and His par- don gives a peace the world cannot understand. — Exhort the timid to venture, who fear they are not good enough to accept the terms in which they be- lieve. Show them the Church of God is an " Es- tablished Hospital " for the cure of sick and wounded souls. "Jesus came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance," enlist them in His army by the oath of allegiance, and urge them to be faithful soldiers of the cross, and see that they fight manfully under the Banner which they have chosen, turning not back, " but pressing forward to the mark, the prize of high calling in Christ Jesus." No commanding officer selects healthy, robust sol- diers for the Hospital, he keeps them in their rank, and sees that they obey his orders ; but the infirm, the sick and wounded, be places in the Hospital to be tenderly nursed until again fitted for his service. So the Church of Christ opens wide her doors to receive sick and wounded souls to be tenderly cared for by " the Great Physician," whose proffer of par- don produces a conviction of justice and mercy in 20 ANSWER TO AN APPEAL. the minds of all that accept it, and pours a healing balm in their souls from the wealth of His love. llesitate not to lay bare the truth as that faithful man of God has so nobly done for thirty odd years, and Christ's sustaining arm will be your shield from every danger. Seek out those who have departed from virtue's way, and bring them in the path of rectitude, though the world may scoff and sneer at your undertaking. He heeded it not, but obeyed the command of his Master, who bid him "goto the lost sheep and preach the kingdom of heaven," exhorting them to forsake their evil ways, and come to Him who alone could " cleanse them from their leprosy," and by faith " make them whole." Gently did he take their little ones and train them to lead upright lives, and kneel side by side around that dear old altar, with the mother who so faithfully atoned for her crime in penitence and tears, and af- terwards united in holy wedlock the child that might have been lost, had he not snatched her as a brand from the burning. These are indisputable facts, known on earth and registered in heaven. Tiie loss of home, every fond association, the tie that bound me to numerous friends with every comfort by which I was surrounded, brought sad, unmistakable grief, but the loss of Godly counsel ANSWER TO AN APPEAL. 21 that flowed so pure and freely from his mind, with the happy communion around that dear old altar, brings grief too poignant to dwell upon. Father and mother, sister and brother, parent and child, were there dedicated to God, and received the Apostolic rite of confirmation. There too, him who traced this faithful priest from Alabama to New York, was washed in the laver of regeneration, rati- fying it in confirmation, and strengthened his soul in the body and blood of Christ. Oh, happy day, that stayed his choice; happy, happy hour, as we worshipped " one in spirit." Dwell not my feeble pen upon the past, revive not what can never be re- called, but flow with ease in writing this message to his brothers in the flesh. Discharge your duty to your God, your neighbor and all mankind while it is yet day, " for the night cometh in which no man can work." Be vigilant, be sober, for the "Devil as a roaring lion, is going about seeking whom he may devour." War, devastative war, sweeping as a whirlwind all within its path, wrought changes in our little town, and rent asunder friends of earlier years. The aspiring youths rushed to the battlefield regardless of the attractions of home. Parents fol- lowed to be near should the shaft of death overtake them, and desolation with ruin stamped its seal on 22 ANSWER TO AN APPEAL. every feature. Still manfully did our good priest combat with every disaster. White and colored sought his advice and respected his word ; regularly the old bell tolled for morning and evening prayer, reminding friend and foe of their " one common duty," giving to God that portion of their time set apart for His service. Alone he labored, and pa- tiently waited for the crown of the victor ; and on his brow it has been placed, for no where could be found one to soften animosity " amid the war of opinion and tempest of passion," (the natural con- sequence of civil war,) as this man who rested alone on the " Kock of God's truth." Firm he stood upon this Eock and exhorted all races to " stand fast " and let their " example of constancy " rise up as a beacon amid the conflicts of the past. In the troubles and perils, he was selected by the Chief Shepherd to go where the mixed flock were more numerous, (his own native town.) Though beaten upon by the tempest of Avar, he faltered not, but severed every tie that bound him to The Dear Old Church, with his bachelor's charters for twenty years, and built up the Church at home beyond the highest expectations of its citizens; establishing, schools and ameliorating dissensions that must have ended in strife, but for his timely warning. ANSWER TO AN APPEAL. 23 To the Kock of Ages, the weary, thirsty wander- ing souls were invited to come and aid in advanc- ing the kingdom of Christ. Every resource of in- dustry was opened to those who were thrown help- less by the war. Lofty hymns of praise arose from Churches prepared for their special use, and Minis- ters were placed over them teaching them to come to Christ, a hiding place from the wind and covert from the tempest until under the shadow of the Great Eock, the cooling spring of water flowed to slake their thirst, and peace with good will restored unity and christian love. Now, beloved brethren, in the midst of toil and afflictions through which this faithful man of God has passed, fire has laid low his house of prayer, and he appeals for help to build, on the old foundation, a suitable Temple to the Living God, My means will not justify a response suitable to his call, and I use my only resource to carry out the dictates of my heart. Eead my true sketch, though faintly drawn, of one who was never idle, never weary of doing His Master's work, and recommend it to your neighbor as an example worthy of imitation. Tell the young man he learned languages, explored libraries, and was familiar with different departments of science, laboring imweariedly for the good of others. No 24. ANSWER TO AN APPEAL. selfish motive urged him on, in discharging his duty ; barely receiving a salary to provide the neces- saries of life, he murmured not, but with the stimu- lous of intellectual cultivation, added a charm to his home that drew around his fireside ambitious youth, and from his store of literature and refine- ment of taste, they gathered gems of more value than the sparkling crown of a queen contains. Tell the maidens he was a loving father over the daugh- ters of his Church. To him was confided all their little troubles, and seeking aid to extricate them from any difficulties — teaching them to be happy by drinking freely from the river of pleasure, whose stream flowed from faithfully discharging their Christian duties. If they were poor, he encouraged them in good works and to be content with their lot. If rich, he demanded the education of one poor child from their bounteous store, and work for their mothers support. He encouraged innocent amusements, and no king ever walked prouder be- fore his subjects, than he did when heading the pro- cession for May Day Queen. Garlands and wreaths were twined from choice flowers cultivated by his own hand, to deck the maiden's brow, and his merry laugh over childhood's pranks, as he scattered bon bons and nuts, onlv had to be heard to be remem- ANSWER TO AN APPEAL. 25 bered. The spirit of genuine benevolence reigned in his heart, and with the most studious attention to all the outward proprieties and courtesies of life, his daughters in the Church found a safeguard in his expressions of lov T e. Love draws us nearer to God and makes us desire to be like him. The fair- est and the frailest of his school faded away. Though every heart was entwined around Pattie's many ex- cellent traits, her heart was kept in harmony with the highest reason and perfection of beauty by her daily intercourse with her spiritual adviser ; and when that " healthy clime " was gained, it had not to be taught. God's greatest attribute, love, had been cultivated from a pure heart, where meekness and gentleness were cultured. The delicate beauty bloomed to fade and die in the spring time of life, ere autumn's blast had seared the life within. With a meek and quiet spirit she sought the u healthier clime," and with her mellow voice she is praising God on harps melodious sound for send- ing her the good Parish Priest that guided her soul to heaven. And she is not all. Mother and sisters have joined her songs of praise to the Triune God who died with praises on their lips as messages were given for Mr. F. for his Godly counsel. The poor, the despised, the Avretched, will echo 2G ANSWER TO AN APPEAL. his praise. The poor domestic will join the multi- tude that have goue before in thanks to God for his miustration ; and when the lamp of his life is gone out, many tears will course down the rugged cheek for him who knew his duty, and faithfully dis- charged it. While with reverent and religious affection I write truths of him who labored for my advance- ment in spiritual life, and watched Over my sons with religious care, the trembling hand and tearful eye, bows my head as if pressed with a crushing burden ; and should I be called hence ere his eye falls upon these leaves, I here say, I, too, hope to praise God in heaven for his spiritual care, and drawing me more closely to Him, looking heaven- ward to the Star of Bethlehem for hope and conso- lation through the various troubles of life. The sports of my children playing in the sun- shine, with quiet pleasures of home ; the flowers I loved so well, that adorned my yard ; the sad chamber of the sick and suffering ; the errands of mercy and comfort to the afflicted ; the bride in her youth and beauty : the widow in her desolation and sorrow, and the last benediction over the shrouded form of husband and children, friend and neighbor, are associated with this man of God, our Parish Priest. AK'STVER TO AN" APPEAL. 8? Thou spurn not the dictates of ;i grateful heart, whose coffers are not filled with perishing gold — but mind filled with heavenly treasures., draws from its fountain truths long hidden — and cast over its im- perfections a veil of Charity, for so weakly portray- ing an example for you to imitate, as she offers "THE WIDOW'S MITE." UNIVERSITY OF N.C. AT CHAPEL HILL 00034014352 FOR USE ONLY IN THE NORTH CAROLINA COLLECTION THIS; 0NTHE(-