ters met and compared notes; while young men and maidens
gently ministered at the tables, and led the prayer-meetings.

They enjoyed those meetings. There were no conventionalities or forms
to check the spirit of Christian love. There was perfect liberty.
There were no strangers; for they were the children of one common
father. They were as one family, and had all things in common. The
utmost order and harmony characterized their gatherings. Not a cross
word escaped a single lip. Not a rude act, on the part of the boys,
could be seen. Boys, in those days, had the profoundest respect for
their seniors, and held a minister of the Gospel in all the simplicity
of a boy's esteem.

In the morning of the first day of their meeting the association was
called to order by the "_Moderator_," and opened with prayer and a
hymn. Then, after the usual business, a sermon was preached. In the
afternoon a doctrinal sermon was preached and discussed; and in the
evening a missionary sermon was delivered.

Like the Apostle Paul he could say to the ministers of his day, that
he had labored more abundantly than they all. He worked with his hands
and preached the Gospel, esteeming it an honor. The church over which
he presided had grown to one hundred and fifty active members, besides
a large and attentive congregation. This church had been gathered
through his incomparable assiduity. He had come into their midst with
a heart glowing with the love of God. He had shown himself an
excellent farmer, faithful teacher, and consistent Christian. He had
led one hundred and fifty souls to Christ. That was not all. In the
pulpit he had taught them the fundamental principles of Christianity,
and demonstrated those principles in his daily life. His royal manhood
towered high over the community, until he became to the whole people a
perfect measure of every thing that is lovely and of good report.

He had every thing just as he could wish. He was proprietor of an
eighty-acre farm, pastor of a flourishing church, schoolmaster of the
community, enthroned in the affections of the people for whose
well-being he had worked for seven years,--he might have remained the
unrivalled and undisputed king of Woodburn community. But
considerations rising high above his mere personal interests, led him
to make a great sacrifice in selling his farm, severing his relation
as pastor and teacher with a people whom he loved dearly, and who
regarded him with a sort of sup