Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1837-04-28
Prom Crabsm,s Historv Of Vermont.

NA@N0Nl
The following story is related Of an honest
farmer, one of the early settlers Of Westmin-
ster in this state.
The farmer in question, was a plain pious
man, regular in the discharge Of his duty both
to his God and his neighbor; but unlDckily he
happened to live near one with whom he was
not inclined to cultivate either civil or friendly
terms. This troublesome parsonage was no
other than a monstrous oyer-grown-he-Bear
that descended from the mountains, tTod down
and DESTROYED the corn fields, and carried off
whatever he laid his paws upon. The plumber
ed sufferer watched him in vain; the ferocious
and cunning animal, even finding methods 10
elude his utmost vigilance; and at last il had
learned its cue so thoroughly, as only TO COM
init its dcpredations on the Lords Day, when
it knew, from experience, the coast was clear.
Wearied out with these oft repeated trespasses,
the good man resolved on the next Sunday to
stay in his fields, where with his gun, he con-
eealed himself. The bear came according TO
cusiom-he fired and shot it dead. The ex-
plosion threw the whole congregation (for il
was about the hour Of peoples assembling to
worship)into CONSERVATION. The cause was
enquired into, and as soon as the Pastor, Dea-
con and Elders became acquainted with il, they
called a special meeting Of the church, and CT
ted their offending brother before them, 70 shew
cause if any he had, why he should not be ex-
communicated out of Christ's Church, for this
daring and unexampled impiety. In vain did
be urge from the scriptures themselves that il
MrHsr1Tt ~ do good On the sabbath day; ne
pleaded before Judges determined TO condemn
him; and the righteous Parson, Elders and
church, una roee agreed to drive him out from
amongst them, as polluted and accused. Ac-
eordingly he was enioined Gas is customary on
such occasi0ns) on the next Sunday to attend
his accommodation in the church.-He did
attend-but not entirely satisfied with the jus
tee Of the sentence, aud too much Of a soldier
10 be scaDdalized in 81 public a manner for an
action which be conceived to be his duty, he
resolved TO have recourse TO straiagem. He
therefore went to the appointment with his gun,
loaded with a brace of balls, his sword and cat
ridge-bOx by his side, and his k~napsack on his
back with six days provision in it. Service was
about half over when he entered the sanctuary
in this martial array. He marched l~eisurely
intga corner. and tool his position. As soon
as The berediction was ended, the holy ParSon
began the accommodation, bot scarcely had
he pronounced the words, '0fcnding Broth
err when the honest Did veteran cooked and
LereHed his weapon OF destruction, at the same
time crying out with a loud voice, Proceed II
you dare-Proeesd and yon are a dead man
At this unexpected attack, the astonished Cler-
gyman shTunk behind his desk, and his oppo-
AEt+N 80 tNAA IT. LVEfT ~ NJ Att.
Some moments elapsed before the Parson had
courage TO peep from behind his ecclesiastical
battery; when, finding the old hero had come
To a rest, he tremblingly reached the order to
hs eldest Deacon, desiring him 10 read it The
Deacon, with stammering accents, and eyes
staring wild with alright, began as he was
commanded. but DO sooner had he done so than
the devoted victim again IeyelIed his piece, and
more veheInently than before exclaimed, De
sisf and march, 1N mol lice uiih shame
desist and march ] say, or you are all dead
men, Little need had he to repeat his threats,
the man of God leaped from the desk, and es-
capped; the Deacon, Elders, and Congregation,
followed in equal trepidation; the greatest con-
fusion prevailed; the women with shrieks and
cries sought their homes, and the victor was
left undisturbed master Of. the field and of
the Church too, the doors Of which he calmly
locked, put the keys in his pocket, and sent
them with his respects to the Pastor. He then
marched home Nth all he honors of tcar, Liv-
ed fourteen years aflertoGrds, and died a broth
err in full communion.