Literary cadet and Rhode-Island statesman. [volume] (Providence, R.I.) 1827-1829, 1828-05-24
MISG;EsKEAMY.
THE LOG HUTIN THE FOREST.

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THE LOG HUTIN THE FOREST
My uncle had but partially recovered
from severe attack Of fever, when his
duties called him to distant land. lie
had been, for many years, the pastor OF
the people from whom he was now TO
be separated-perhaps forever. Hc had
dispensed to them tho word Of life with
out any other reward than the conscious
ness Of having, to the utmost of his abil-
ity, discharged his duties to man and to
his God. AT length the day came, when
the final bencdiction was to be pronounc :
ed. HIS people gathered together at an
early hour, to bid hun final farewell.
A dead silence prevailed within the walls,
which indicated that some feelings Of an
unusual character held possession. Each
looked anyiousiy 10 the other, in heart
chilling anticipation of their coming loss :
and as they stepped along the aisles Of
tho church, deep solemnity marked
their nir. There, were the feeble steps
of infrm old age, which seemed still weak
er, at the thought of leaving ono who had
been to them such a constant stas.-
There was the erect and proud figure Of
manhood, now inclined by the wei ght
which oppressed the soul. There, was
the glad and innocent countcnance of
infancy, now chastened into sympathetic
sadness "God bless"-said an aged
man, upon whose head seventy winters
had shed their frost--God bless our VEN
erabIe PASTOR" The tears of some, the
subdued and silcn, grief Of others, bore
witness, how ferventIy the hearts of all
present responded to the sentiment.
The sun was now mounting high in
heaven, the last reluctant farewell had
been said, when the good pastor, with
his little family, departed. Twas in the
latter part Of September. The trees had
not yet lost their verdant foliage, though
here and there might be seen few
leaves; which had already assumed the
appearance Of crimson or gold, forming
n part of that gorgeous robe in which
autumn in America delights to array her
self. The mocking bird still poured
forth his wild and varied notes, from his
leafy habitation; and the little streamIet,
along which the road lay, seemed to
sparkle more brightly, and TO murmur
yet more eloquently than usual, as it
hastened onward to paw its scanty trib-
ute to the mighty mother water Of waters.
The shades of tho evening had already
gathered thickly around, when he arrived
at the inn, where he had intended to pass
the night. But he was disappointed
There had been an unusual concourse !
Of travellers during the day, and the
landlord declared he could not accommo. !
date the family, "but there was a cabin"
he said, "about three miles farther on,
whore they might stay over night
They were again compelled to proceed.
The night became still more dark; the |
forest frowned more gloomily around;
and the wind sighed mournfulIy through
the branches of the trees, giving an air I
Of wild and terrible sublmity to the scene.
Heavy rains had recently fallen, which
rendered the roads so extremely bad,
that it was with the utmost difficulty that
the wcaried horses succeeded in drawing
the carriage through the three miles in
as many hours. The anxiety of mind as
well as the corporea exertion my uncle
was compelled to undergo, brought on
return of his fever.
They had not yet reached the place
Of their destination and were on the
point Of giving up the attempt as vain,
when the bark of dog was heard at a
distance, and soon a glimmering light
was deserted, which apparently proceed
ed from the window Of some dwelling.
They were not deceived. In few mo-
ments they arrived at tho hut of which
tho landlord had spoken. II was low
building, constructed Of unhewn logs,
and situated in an immense forest. The
rees had been cut down for few yards
around, and their massy trunks still en-
numbered tho SOIL Not plant, except
he solitary productions Of nature, cheer
ID tho solitary waste. II was indeed an
scene but to ore situated as
he pastor then was, any shelter was ac-
,eptable. They therefore accepted the
'ffsr Of the tenant Of the hut, and en-
cred the lowly habitation. But what
vas his surprize when he saw such per-
eet nestness and order within.-True,
very thing around shcwd the occupants
o be poor, but every thing around like
Siso showed themto be frugal and indus
rious. The night had become some
Vbat cold, and tho fire which blazed
'ponthe hearth, showed plainly the faces
1t the cottagers and their family, as well
10 the rude furniture whicl, they had
,athercd together Opposite the hearth