"But Thomas was not There."
The manner in which our father Morris, an aged New England clergyman, illustrated some topics, is shown in the following extract from an article in the Lady's Book, written by Mrs. H. B. Stowe: Sometimes he would give the narrative and exceedingly practical turn, as one example will illustrate. He had noticed a falling off in his little circle, which met together for social prayer; and took occasion, the first time he collected a tolerable audience, to tell concerning the "conference meeting which the disciples attended" after the resurrection. "But Thomas was not with them," said the old man in a sorrowful voice. "Why, what could keep Thomas away?" "Perhaps," said he, glancing at some of the backward auditors, "Thomas has got cold-hearted, and was afraid they would ask him to make the first prayer; or perhaps," said he, looking at some of the farmers, "Thomas was afraid the roads were bad; or perhaps," he added, after a pause, "Thomas has got proud, and thought he could not come in his old clothes." Thus he went on; and significantly summing up, with great simplicity and emotion, he added, "but only think what Thomas lost, for in the middle of the meeting the Lord Jesus came and stood among them! How sorry Thomas must have been." This representation served to fill the vacant seats for some time to come.