Ralph was highly praised.
"I suppose you think, my son," said Mr.R., "that an egg, like reputation, should be above suspicion." "It is best to be safe, sir," said he.
"Ralph," said Mr.S., "do you know who baptized you ?" "You baptized me yourself, sir." "Do you remember, Ralph, how you reached out your hands, at that time, and took my hand, and put my finger into your mouth, and tried to bite it with your little, new, sharp teeth ?" Ralph blushed, and smiled.
"You do not remember it, Ralph.

Well, I do; and now, Ralph, you must come and preach your first sermon in my pulpit." "It will be a long time first, sir," said Ralph.
"Your dear mother told me, when she was sick, that she thought she left you in the temple, like Samuel, when she offered you up in baptism." "Be a good boy, Ralph," said another of the pastors; "we will all be your friends." He retreated slowly, feeling not so much alone in the world.
The company did not separate till two of their number had led in prayer, seeking, especially, the blessing of God upon their own children, and that they, as parents and ministers, might be warned by the awful fate of the sons of Aaron and of Eli, and not feel that the ministerial office gave them a prescriptive right to the blessings of grace for their children, but rather made them liable to prominent exposure and calamity, if they suffered public duties to interfere with that first, great ordinance of God, family religion.
The horses were now coming to the door.

Farewells and good wishes were intermingled, the joyous laugh at some pleasantry or sally of wit made the house and yard alive for some time, the pastors had arranged their exchanges for several months to come, visits and excursions were planned and agreed upon, till one by one the vehicles departed, leaving the parsonage silent, while its occupants sat down to rest a while, and talk over the events of the day, in their pleasant window under the honeysuckle..