multiplex concerns with which I was then occupied. Clifton, on the
contrary, having always struggled loftily along the same narrow sunbeam,
was utterly unable to accept such available knowledge of a principle as
is sufficient to direct our activity,--he must ever soar skyward to gaze
upon the origin of its authority, until, entangled in a web of
contradictions, he fell impotent to earth.

Week by week, in my city-home, through letters from the minister and
Colonel Prowley, I had been kept informed of the progress of that wild
ferment going on in Foxden. At length the contentious spirit there
evoked seemed ready to summon to trial all ancient and reputable things.
My friends of the protesting minority were surely to be credited with
good Puritan pluck; though there was also something admirable in the
vigor which had marshalled a party for their discomfiture. I began to
think it my duty to visit Clifton; moreover, I was curious to see the
town at the height of its effervescence. A note from Mrs. Widesworth
supplied me with the needed excuse. The singing-school was to hold its
semiannual meeting at her house on Thursday next; would I not come down
for a day and meet many old friends?


II.

The fragrance of perfected harvests pervaded Foxden. The air was full of
those sweet remembrances of summer which are better than her radiant
presence. The sky overhead was flooded with rich autumnal sunshine. Far
to the north lay glimmering a heavy bank of clouds. There might be rain
before night.

I entered the familiar parsonage and inquired for its occupant. He had