Massachusetts spy and Worcester advertiser. [volume] ([Worcester, Mass.]) 1823-1825, 1824-12-15

scended nalf the steps, the large saucer |
eyes and enormous horns of the beast |
caused him TO retreat as much terrified |
as his SON" Sure enough the de0ii is IN |
the cellar. THE utmost confusion and
uproar now prevailed in the house.
The good man seized the great bible
and attempted to read, but the candle
Spattered, burnt blue, and threw SO feeble
a light on the sacred page, and the book
trembted so much in the hands of the
reader, that he could not distinguish one
word from another.-The little children
cried and chung to their mother-the
lasses nestled close to their favourite
swains-and the whole house shook
with the agitation of its half distracted
inhabitants.-One bright thought how
ever occurred-a messenger was des-
patched for the minister, I" to- lay the
devil" -,
The Parson, man more celebrated
for good nature, piety and credulity, than
for talents or heroism, slipped the small
bible into his pocket, put on his band
and surplice, that he might appear as
formidable 10 his great adversary as pos
sible, and fastened to the relief of his
distressed parishioners.
On coming to the house the reverend
man was hailed as deliverer, and i'm
plored by at least dozen voices at
once 'Sto drive the devil away."-But
few moments were lost in asking ques-
lions, which no one could answer, be-
fore the Parson was pushed forward as
leader, lighted by the same penurious
candle into the cellar, the most coura-
geous of the company keeping close be-
hind him. When he reached the foot
of the stairs, the eyes of fire and the
Swallowed outline Of enormous horns,
magnihed ten fold at least by the terrors
of those that beheld them, removed all
doubt if any had previously existed in
his mind, as to the Internal nature of the
being with whom he mad to contend.
The divine instantly fell on his knees,
and with uplifted hands began to pray
in the most tervent manner. The ram
not understanding the good mans mo-
tives, but supposing by the motion of his
hands, that he was daring him to but
ting contest, made pass with all his
might at his supposed adversary but,
deceived by the swelling dimensions OF
his drapery. missed the slender body of
the priest, and drawing hastily back to
renew the assault, hooked one of his
horns into the belt of his surplice, and
pulled the Parson with him into the
cellar. While thus in the power OF his
victorious foe, lost to hope as it regard
ed himself, the natural benevolence of
his disposition burst forth in the excla-
nation, " Brethren, take care Of yopr-
selues, the devil has got me - This ex-
hortation was better obeyed than any
that he had ever delivered from the
pulpit-his friends fed and left him to
his fate.
Among the company was shrewd
young farmer, who had from the first
supposed the fend nothing more than
some domestic animal but being low
er of fun and willing to see comedy,
he kept his thoughts to himself, and pre-
tended to sympathise with the others in
their fears. He now thought it time to
interfere, and snatching pitch pine knot
blazing from the fire, expressed his de-
termination to rescue the priest or per-
ish in the attempt. A lovely young
damsel laid hold of the skirts of his coat
and the cry of don't, don't, proceeded
from every part of the room. Unheed-
ing this kind concern for his safety, be
rushed into the cellar, seized the ram
by one of his horns, and dragged the
struggling animal up stairs, calling to
the astonished parson, !" follow me-"
The horned devil was led in triumph,
followed by the Vanquished Ecclesiastic,
into the midst of the company. A mo-
mentary silence and hanging down of
heads ensued The passed scene how
ever was too lud;crous to admit of sober
reflection, and loud peaIs of laughter
burst forth from every side; during
which the ram was turned out at the
door, the parson absented himself with
out ceremony, and the sports of the
evening we're resumed with better spir-
its than before. OIL.