THE SOUTH CHURCH. 173 



that this church embodied a choice membership of God's dear people, 

 with whom it was an ever increasing delight to dwell and mingle in 

 Christian ways, a conviction which continued to grow^ stronger with 

 the years. 



During the first twelve months, a beautiful and commodious liouse 

 was built for a parsonage. Here we lived for more than thirteen 

 years. 



It was a proud day when we found ourselves at tlie head of a house- 

 hold ! I remember well the surprise given us the first day of our oc- 

 cupancy, when a grocer's wagon backed. up to our side door, and 

 unloaded a wealth of good things for our larder — a generous outfit to 

 begin life with ! No clew could ever be found to the source of this 

 benefaction, so delicately was it bestowed ; it was onl}^ one instance 

 out of very many, of the thoughtfulness of the people, which took 

 shape in acts of helpfulness to the minister's family, and were oft re- 

 peated so long as we remained here. 



It w^as a happy home through all the years. There was our " fam- 

 ily altar," and the " Pastor's study," bright and sunny, a sacred spot. 

 There was the " Chamber of Peace," for friends and guests who fa- 

 vored us from time to time with their presence and benediction ; the 

 parlor, where the members of the church and congregation always re- 

 ceived a warm welcome, and left a blessing. Oh! what could those 

 walls speak, of personal conferences concerning the better life, and 

 earnest prayers for souls seeking the light ! There were the sitting- 

 room, and dining-room, and front hall, which at times echoed the songs 

 and prayers of the young people of the church in some revival prayer- 

 meeting. Hardly a room in the house but what was devoted to some 

 such use in behalf of the interests of the church. 



Around the table in our dining-room, which held our working ma- 

 terials, were gathered, on Saturday afternoons, for several successive 

 winters, a circle of bright, interesting girls, " The Juvenile Mite Soci- 

 ety." There they sewed and listened to attractive reading, and joined 

 in prayer and song, and learned useful lessons of benevolence. 

 Although this Society was composed entirely of female members, in 

 one of the later seasons, lo ! a bright, cheerful baby-boy might have 

 been seen sitting in his little high-chair, in the midst of the group ; if 

 not the inspirer of work, the unconscious cause, at least, of merry- 

 making and play. And who shall say that he really hindered any of 

 the diligent workers ? 



Yes, in this home I first tasted the sweet joys of motherhood, and 

 consecrated to God the children He gave us. It was in this church 

 they were baptized, and trained in the life-habit of public worship and 

 attendance at Sabbath-school. It will always be a cherished thought 



