good
supper, with a dessert of peaches and cream, was taken. Evening came
on, and with it a long conversation, and before they retired, the hour
was approaching midnight.

"As you are a minister, sir, will you tell me of what persuasion?"
asked Fabens, while they conversed.

"The persuasion of Christmas I believe," said the minister with a
gentle affability. "I think little of sects. They are too exclusive
and formal. I love the church of Christ. That is catholic and real;
that embraces the good of all sects, and is the mother of us all."

"I agree with you there. A sect is a body too little and low for the
spirit of Christ. But I didn't know but you held to one of the
particular creeds of Christians."

"The Bible is my creed and counsel."

"That is right. But you preach a doctrine peculiar to some one of the
Christian denominations, I suppose? I am not particular to know,
however. It was only my curiosity."

"I am not particular to conceal my views. I would be glad to preach in
your neighborhood, and allow you to judge of my doctrine. I would be
glad to preach next Sunday."

"The only meeting-house in town, I am sorry to say, is occupied every
Sunday. I have no doubt but Mr. Darling, our minister, would be glad
to have the people hear you. He is a good man; and, if he is a
sectarian, he is not so exclusive as many."

"I would not ask him to give up his pulpit to a stranger. It would not
be best, I think, to apply to him. Have you not a school-house, or
barn, that would convene the people with comfort? I am used to such
temples of worship."

"Our school-house is small, and our barns are full; and I am sorry it
happens so, for I want to hear your message."

"Then I will preach in the open air. Fix me a stand under your
shade-tree, and I'll want no better place. I'll be in God's free
temple then--a fit place for God's free gospel."

"It shall be done for you; and I will send around notice far and near.
And shall we hear something against the sects, and their cant and
dogmas?"

"No, not at present, from me. Truth will wage its own warfare when
given fair play; and while I leave truth to conquer, I denounce less,
and invite the more. Set the Infinite Good before the people, and
invite them to rise and accept it; and they are very sure, sooner or
later, to come. This was Christ's way. He opened heaven on earth, and
invited men to prepare and receive its light and joy to their mourning