Literary cadet and Rhode-Island statesman. [volume] (Providence, R.I.) 1827-1829, 1828-12-10


borhood but shuns the glen as he would the
rocks and whirlpool of Scylla and Charybdis."
Gannett was silent and Edward turned TO him
to discover the cause, and beheld him with up
lifted hands and eyes giving thanks for his
wonderful deliverance.
"This is either a very pious man or a great
hypocrite," thought Edward.
AT length-"The Lord said Gannett,
"has preserved me through many dangers, for
which bless his holy name yea, he hath do
livered me from the paw Of the lion and the
bear. Had been going on worldly business,
4 should, in all probability. have been attack
ed by SOM Of those ravenng wolves but be-
ing'-
Here two men sprang up from behind a bush
in the ~way-side and advancing towards The two
travellers babe them deliver up their purses,
and to enforce their commands they drew out
a couple of long pistols and cooked them.
Edward was surprised to observe that Gan
nett did not betray so much fear as might have
been expected from one Of his stamp, and feel
ing some confidence in him, in case Of a strug-
gle, commenced a parley with the %rufians.
"Suppose,'' said Edward, "you should let
us pass unmolested you would certainly lose
nothing by IT; and should you interrupt my
friend here, who is a minister, pursuing his pi-
Gus calling, you might incur the displeasure Of
Heaven"
But the assaIlants, although apparently Of
that class of men whose ignorance leaves them
a prey to superstition, did not seem much in
clined to listen to the appeal.
I'D n your bones," said one Of them.
"launch out your chink quickly or I'll put a
brace Of balls through you, and send your min
lister 10 Heaven in a chariot OF fire.
ITO tell you the plain truth" said Edward.
We have no money with us."-
"You lie, you thief - cried tho other rob-
Der; "you don't catch old birds with chaff-
down with your dust, old cock. and quick
about it-don': keep US standing here, when
i is cold enough to freeze the devils horns off -
The preacher was more successful. He had
stood a silent spectator Of the scene so far.
when seeing matters were coming to an issue
very fast, he took off his slouched hat, and ad-
vancing so near one Of the foot-pads that the
muzzle Of his pistol touched his breast, he look
cd hirr full in the face -" Thou wicked one -
said he, "what wouldst thou do! Am l not
about my Masters business? tell thee if
thou dost not depart Immediately l will -
here the robber dropped The muzzle of his pis-
tol and was about speaking-"Nay, nay, be
silent on your lives interrupt me not hear
me out. My Master hath sent me forth with
out purse and without scrip - my voice shall not
be heard in the public streets, and ! Shall re-
main unseen of men, save when ! do that
wbereunto l am called go thy ways !"
The %ruffians glanced first at the preacher,
then at Edward and then a, the preacher
again. elf it is as you say" said one OF
them, "that you have no money, VIC viii let
you pass. Out upon you, you beggarly churls
"a devil of a rarson you are no money ha
ha ha !" So saying they loft Our travellers
10 themselves.
Who would have thought said Edward,
that superstition could chain the raurGcrcr's
hand so completely. How easily you vanquish,
cd them :"
am accustomed to speak a word in season
and out Of season I" replied Gannett. &c He is
a good preacher who knows how to divide ths
word aright-to bring it home to mems partie.
Llar states and conditions. The lions shui ,heiI
moatas in the presence Of Daniel, and when
tho Lords prophet Joshua held Up his hand,
the IsraelIies prevailed. Alas, young man,
fear you have hover experienced the happy
change from u state Of bondage to sin and sa,
tan, to tie blessed state Of freedom enjoyed by
the children of promise, or you would not lie
surprised at tho power which Truth maintains
over tie chiidren OF the Adversary"
"Bui," replied Edward, who felt a iitile
piquod q; the freedom of his companions ex-
pressions, show will .o2 reconcile your coz
duct to those fellows, withy our nigh profession
OF godIiness- did you not sanction my false as
seriion that We were destitute Of noney?'
"Ye err, not knowing the scriptures
readily replied Gannett. "Ibe wisdom ofman
is foolshncss with God. Between uarcgcnerlje
men there is u spurious prlneipio established
called honor. Il does well enough for those
Geutiles who, not having the iaw, aIs u law
unto themselves no doubt it oTen preserves
item from heinous offences agaios, their neigh
bors' rights; but those who have enlisted uaGer
the crimson banner of King Jesus must obey
God in preference to ~man--ihey must be as
CLAY in the hands of the potter they must be
passive Instruments; and as the Apostle fthe
Gentilss says. some he choo'oth as vessels Of
bonor-some as vessels of dishon0r, (tnat J.,