Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1835-10-22

CONVERSATION WITH A YOUNG IRA
WELLER
PVBLIsmEp nY Rroursr

T..
Every one has remarked the mixed,
and often ill-assorted company which
meets IN public packet or stagc-coach.
Inc conversation, with all its variety,
IS commonly insipid, frequently dis
gushing, and sometimes irsuiierable.-
There are exceptions. An opportunity
now and then occurs of spending an
hour IN n manner not unworthy Of "a
honal beings; and the incidents of a
stage-coach produce or promote saluta-
~ impressions.
A lew years ago, one Of the stages
which ply between our two principal
cities, was filed with a group which
could never have been drawn together
by mutual choice. In the company
was young man Of social temper, al
fable manners, and considerable infor-
nation. His accent was barely sufii-
cient to show that the English was not
his native tongue, and very slight pc
culiarity in the pronunciation of the
IA ascertained him To be n Hollander.
He had early entered into military life;
had borne both Dutch and French
commission; had seen real service, had
travelled, was master Of the English
language; and evinced, by his deport-
ment, that he was no stranger To the
society Of gentlemen. He had, how
ever, in very high degree. fault too
common among military men, and too
absurd to find an advocate among men
of sense: He swore profanely and in
cessantiy.
While the horses were changing, a
gentleman who sat on the same scat with
HIM took him by the arm, and request
ed the favor of his company in a short
walk. When they were so far retired
as not to be overheard, the former OBJ
served, Although have not the honor
oil your acquaintance, perceive, Sir,
that your habits and feelings are those
OF gentleman, and that nothing can
be more rePugnant TO your wishes than
giving unnecessary pain to any oil
your company He started, and re-
piled, Most certainly, Sir, / hope |
have committed no offence of tina,
Sort
you will pardon me- replied the
other, for pointing out an instance in
which you have not altogether avoided
it,
Sir, said he, i shall be much your
debtor for so friendly an act: for, upon
my honor, | cannot conjecture in what
have transgressed.'
If you, Sir, continued the former.
had very near and dear friend 10
whom you were under unspeakable OBJ
legations, should you not be deeply
wounded by any disrespect to him, or
even by hearing his name introduced
and used with frequency of repetition
and levity of air incompatible with
the regard due to his character
Undoubtedly, and / should not per-
init ~ but know not that am charge
able with indecorum to any of your
friends.
Sir, my God is my best friend, TO
whom ] am under infinite obligations.
! think that you must recollect that YOU
have frequently, since we commenced
our journey, taken his name in vain.-
Ihis has given to me and TO others of
the company excruciating PAIN
Sir, answered he, with very con-
siderable emphasis, Il hare done wrong.
! confess the improperly. ! am asham-
ed OF practice which am sensible has
no excuse; but have imperceptibly
fallen into IT, and | really swear with
out being conscious that do so. Twill
endeavor TO abstain from II in future;
and as you are next me in the scat,
shall thank you TO touch my elbow as
often as | trespass.' This was agreed
upon: the horn sounded, and the travel
lers resumed their places.
in the space Of four or five miles the
ofhcer s elbow was logged every few
seconds. He always coIoured but bow
ed, and received the hint without the
least symptom Of dispIeasure; and in a
few miles more so mastered his propen-
slty to swearing, that not an oath was
heard from his lips for the rest, which
was the greater part Of the journey.
lie was evidently more grave; and
having ruminatcd for some time, after
surveying first one and then another Of
the company. turned 10 his admOnish-
CT, and addressed him thus:
You are a clergyman, ! presume,
SIR
u am considered as such. lie paus-
cd: and then, with a smile, indicated
his disbelief IN Divine revelation, m
way which Invited conversation on that
subject.
! have never been able 10 convince
myself Of the truth OF revelation.
Possibly not. But what is your dif.
fculty"
] dislike the nature AT 10 proof.-
They are so subtle. so distant. so wrapf
IN mystery; so metaphysical, that ! get
lost. and can aTriye at no certain con-
clusion.
i cannot admit the fact TO be as
you representa- NV Impressions arc
different. Nothing seems 10
me more plain and popular; more level
10 every common understanding. more
remote from all cloudy speculation. or
a. Al -