Evening Republican, Volume 16, Number 84, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 6 April 1912 — Intended For a Shower; But Became a Flood. [ARTICLE]

Intended For a Shower; But Became a Flood.

' Moores Hill, Ind. April 2, 1912. To The Rensselaer -Republican: jThrough you I wish to convey to our many dear friends in Rensselaer and vicinity our heartiest and sincerest thanks. Some way it got out among the charges I served as pastor,-and many others, that I had a birthday and wedding anniversary the 23rd of March. Well, it was a fact. If I had forgotten it myself my memory would surely have been revived. For what was inteded sts a “shower,” became a “flood." Our Moores Hill postmaster and rural postman were given extra work for a few days. If they had any questidn as to my standing where I had lived and wrought before coming here, I am sure it was silenced. From the various churches which I served as pastor, from relatives, friends and boyhood associates, and many of my brethren in the ministry, came souvenir postcards with beautiful pictures, gracious sentiments and hearty congratulations to the number of 265, and loving letters —aye! 'May I not say “love letters?” —44. These caused our hearts to overflow with joy and our eyes with tears. Oh! how blessed it is to have friends. No one but those who experience it knows what it is to have infirmity cut the life work short and relegate one to the rear, when yet the rush of battle appeals to every nerve and sensibility to be at the front. But to have the trophies of our life’s conflict brought to us amid' the shadows, tg cheer and inspire us, is a boon unspeakable. It dispels , the j clouds, revives the courage, and makes glad and joyous the heart: So, from Michigan to Florida, and from Ohio to California, came these messages of cheer and good Will. Also many substantial tokens of appreciation for the humble benefits and blessings of my ministry. It certainly made me feel that my life and work had not been in vain. So I wish to respond with thanks. I have it in my heart to write every one a letter of personal appreciation and regari. But you will also see that if I do that I will have to let our Rhode Island Reds and Indian Runners go hungry and fail to prune my fruit trees, sow my oats, plant my corn, and put but my garden. So, with no less regard for each of the 25 or more of my old Rensselaer friends who so graciously remembered us, together with their hustling pastor, I choose this way to acknowledge your kindness and express our thanks. I pray God’s blessing upon your city and church. I rejoice with you in your victories for Christ and pray that these may be but foretokens of 'greater blessings and victories for you. I am trying to do what I can for my Master here. I have had the privilege of preaching at our little church at Chesterville, % mile from our home, and working in the Sunday school. Also I have preached at Aurora and Moores Hill. We have a fine Methodist college at Moores Hill, 3 miles from us. It has had a noble history and done a grand work in educating the preachers and laymen of this section erf Indiana: We like the people among whom our lot is cast and who have so kindly received us among them. But our hearts often long for. the old scenes and companionships of Northwest Indiana. To one and all we send our love and goodwill. Pray for us. Yours sincerely,

H. M. MIDDLETON.