unite to help one another and be helped. Yet there was one
drawback; some of those for whom he was most anxious, whose feet had
begun to travel the downward road; the children of those who professed
to be God's children, were never seen there. His soul was troubled. He
knew at whose door the fault lay, yet what could he do? He was young and
inexperienced. These men and women, parents of the prodigal ones were
older than he. Should he show them the fearful mistake they were making
in condemning everything that was not purely a religious worship? Should
he tell them by reason of their sternness and their narrow prejudices,
which seemed more to them than the souls of their children, they were
driving their children away from them and from God? Would they bear this
from him, even though as Christ's ambassador he were to speak? He was
exceedingly doubtful; perhaps they might dismiss him. Wouldn't it be
better for him to remain and watch over these wayward ones, showing
them that he knew the weakness of human nature and the unquenchable
ardor of youth? He concluded to try it. He would make that his one great
work; he would win them to Christ. With a heart somewhat lightened, he
gave himself out more fully in loving words to the young, and entered
more earnestly into every plan suggested to make the association an
attraction. But just as he was seeing the good results here, in another
direction the storm was gathering. He saw it in the black looks and
averted eyes of many of the officials and even of their wives, but as
yet its mutterings had not reached his ear.

Some to whom he had endeared himself heard, and were fiercely indignant
that such a sweet, Christ-like spirit, as their pastor's, should suffer
pain through such allusions.

Just the very thing he had labored to accomplish, was that which was to
testify against him. Many young hearts had been drawn nearer to Christ
through him, and their voices were heard in the songs of praise which
went up from that little prayer-circle on Wednesday night. But these
pious men and women, although rarely ever present themselves, saw
nothing in which to rejoice. On the contrary, they mourned over the
weakness of one, who by virtue of his sacred office, should be far
removed from such things. Wasn't it too evident that the young women
went to church to see the young pastor, and the young men to see the
young women? It was time such things were stopped; they were a shame and
disgrace t