Reading the Appointments

Reading the Appointments.
453.2

I was sitting in a wing slip, near the stern rail,
When the Bishop oarne in softly, with a face rene but pale,
And a silence indescribably pathetic in its power,
Such as might have reigned in heaven then that ”space of half an hour”–
Rested on the whole assembly as the Bishop rose and said:
“All the business being finished, the appointments will be read.”

Not as one who handles lightly merchandise of little worth,
But an dealing with the richest, most important: things of earth.
In the fellowship of Jesus, with the failings of a man,
The good Bishop asked forbearance-he had done his best to plan,
For the glory of his Master, trusting him to guide his pen,
Without prejudice or favor, and the preachers cried “Amen”

“Beulah Mountains, Henry Singer.” Happy neo- pie, happy priest;
On the dainties of the gorpel then the changing year to feast!
Not a church trial ever vexed them, all their preachers say three years,
And depart amidst a temptat of the pureet kind of tears.

“Troubled Waters, Nathan Peaceful” How that Stoutly face grow red”
How the tears streamed through his fingers, as he held his swimming head!
But his wife Stoped down and whispered-what sweet-message did she beart
For he turned, his face trausigared as upon some mount of prayer.
Swift as thought in highest action, sorrow passed and gladness came.
At some wondrous strain of music breaking forth from Jesur name.

“Holy Rapture,” said the Bishop, “I have left to be supplied.”
And I thought you could not fill it, Mr. Bishop. If you tried.
For an angel duly transferred to this conference below,
Wouldn’t know one-half the wonders that these blessed people know:
They would note some strain of discord, though he sang as heaven sings,
And discover come shortcomings in the feathers of his wings.

“Grand Endeavor. Jonas Laggard.” Bicat be the Lord, thought I;
They have but that Brother Laggard where he has to work or die;
For the church at Grand Endeavor, with its en- ergy and prayer.
Will transform aim to a hero, or just drive him to despair:
If his truianet Jacks the vigor of the gospels charming sound.
They will start a big revival and forget that he is round.

“Consecration, Jacob Faithful” Hand in hand the two will go
Through the years before them, bringing heavenly life to earth below.

“Greenland Comera, Peter Wholesoul.” But he lost his asif-control-
Buttoned up his coat as if he felt a cold wind strike his soul
Saw the dreary path before him, drew a deep breath, keit his brow.
Then concluded to be faithful to his ordination rows.

“Hanay Haven Joseph Restful.” How the Joy Shine to his face
At the thought of being pastor for three years in such a
Hard as Robrels Smaxber.” and they didn’t want that Rosher, and he didn’t want to go,
Drowsy Hollow, tersel Wakim.” He is sent to ”
sow and refi Where the coperigations gather in the interests of