Morning Star

THE SHEPHERD'S CHAPEL.

In 1815, during the invasion of the Allied Powers, a shepherd of St. Louis, near Hunniguen, Upper Rhine, who had the care of the flocks of the inhabitants, concluded, in order to save them from the fate with which they were threatened, to drive them into Switzerland, his native country. It cost him a thousand troubles to avoid the Prussians. Cossacs, &c. but after many a crook and turn he reached his own canton, and then sent word to the owners of the sheep that he would return when the danger was over. In his native village he heard the word of God talked of, and saw his former companions. meet together for the purpose of reading it. Up to that time the poor man had been honest; and he did not suppose that he ought to be any thing more. The example of his friends led him to reflect.-- He went to one religious meeting, then to another, and finally became constant attendant at these devout assemblies. His flock meantime. greatly increased; and the shepherd, seeing that order was completely restored, returned to St. Louis, where he arrived after four months' absence. The owners of the sheep had given up all for lost--supposing either that they had served to feed the invading army or that the shepherd had turned them to his own account; so that when he was seen bringing them back so successfully, every one was delighted, and sheep were entrusted to his care more than ever. But he found no Bible readings such as he had left. He therefore requested the Mayor's permission to invite to his house, every Sabbath, the Protestants of St. Louis, about ninety in all. The request was readily granted: and the meetings were held regularly for many years.

Our shepherd at length became heir to a small property. and adding to it his savings, undertook to build a chapel. He was his own architect;--and when he needed advice, the good mayor was ready to give it. The work was completed and the minister of Strasburgh went to St. Louis to assist at the dedication of the building. The ceremony took place not long ago, and was extremely impressive. At present one of the ministers of Basle makes it his duty to go every week to celebrate divine worship at the SHEPHERD's CHAPEL.