where once stood that unpretending home with a "meeting house" on the top
of it, and look over to University Hill, crowned with those Methodist halls
of science and art, and see no connection between the humble seed-sowing
and the waving harvest?

Soon after the supersedure of this chapel loft Mrs. Elizabeth began to
reckon her work nearly done in Middletown; and, a good offer being about
that time made for their valuable situation, she began to hope and pray for
the accomplishment of a cherished longing to live near the place of her
spiritual birth.

Mr. Arnold had followed two lines of business from his majority: Teaching
through the long winters of New England, and coast trading summers. He was
brought up a farmer, but fancied that he had but little genius for that
vocation. After his marriage and settlement he shortened up his summer
sailing, giving himself time during spring and autumn to cultivate, or at
least plant and reap, his rich little place.

With the growing cares of the family the wife and mother was desirous to
"get him away from the water" and settle down upon a farm. As they pondered
the question, and committed it in prayer to Him whom they trusted to "set
the bounds of their habitations," they seemed to hear in gentle whispers,
"Ye have compassed this mountain long enough;" "Arise, for this is not your
rest."

So they concluded to sell out their first home, bid adieu to the beloved
church at Middletown, and try to find a home somewhere near Pittsfield,
Mass.