Litchfield enquirer., 1837-12-21

sun was dropping behind the range of hills that bounds the horizon of that rich and picturesque country. in the vicinity of Springfield, Ohio. It was a sullry August evening, and he had journeyed a distance of thirty-fve miles, since morning, his pull ses throbbing under the influence of burn ing sun. At Fairfield he had been hospi- tably entertained, by one who had recog- niZed the veteran soldier of the cross, and who had ministered to him for his Masters sake, of tho benefits he himself had receiv- ed from the hand which feede,h the young lions when they lack; and he had travelled on, refreshed in spirit. But many weary mile had journeyed over since then, and now as the evening shades darkened around, he felt the burden of age and toll upon him, and he desired the pleasant retreat he. had pictured to himself wine" that day's pilgrim age should be accomplished.
 It was not long before the old man checked his tired animal at the door of the anxiously looked for haven ofrest. A mid- dle aged woman was at hand, to whom he mildly applied for accommodation for him- self and horse.
 Il don't know, said she, coldly, after scrutinizing for some time the appearance of the traveller, which was not the most promising, that we can take you in, old man. You seem tired, however, and I'll see if the Minister of the circuit, who is here to night, will let you lodge with him. ,
 The young circuit preacher soon made his appearance, and consequentially swag- gering up to the old man, examined him for some moments inquisitively; then asked a few imper,inent questions-and finally, af- ter adjusting his hair half dozen times, feeling his smoothly shaven chin. consented that the stranger should share his bed for the night, and turning upon his heel enter ed the house.
 The traveller, aged and weary as he was, dismounted and led his faithful animal to the stable, where, with his own hands, he rubbed him down, watered him, and gave him food, and then entered the inhospita- ble mansion where he had expected SD much kindness. A Methodist family re- sided in the house, and as tue circui: preacher was to be there that day, great preparations were made to entertain him, and number of Methodist young ladies of the neighborhood had been invited, so that quite party met the eye ofthe stranger as he entered, not one of whom took the slightest notice of him, and he wearily sought vacant chair in the corner, out of direct observation, but where he could note all that was going on. And his eager eye showed that he was no careless observer of what was transpiring around him.
 The young minister played his part with all the frivoliiy and foolishness of city beau, and nothing like religion escaped his lips. Now he was chattering and bandy ing senseless compliments with this young lady, aud now engaged in tri6ing repartee with another, who was anxious to seem in- teresting in his eyes.
 The stranger, after an hour, during which no rcfreshment had been prepared for him, asked to be shown to luis room, to which he retired nnoticed-grieved and shocked at the conduct of the family and the minister. Taking from his saddle-bags well-worn Bible, he seated himself in chair and was soon buried in thoughts, holy and eleva.ing, and had food to eat, which those who pas sed him by in pity and scorn, dreamed no, of. Hour after hour passed away, and no one came to invite the old worn down trav- eller to partake of the luxurious supper which was served below.
 Towards eleven o'clock the minister came up stairs, and without pause or prayer, hastily threw of his clothes, and got into the very middle of a small bed, which was to be the resting place of the old man as we'll as himself After a while the aged stranger rose up, and after partially dis robing himself, knelt down and remained many minutes in fervent prayer. The ear nest breathing out of his soul, soon arrested the attention of the young preacher, who began to feel some reproofs of conscience for his own neglect of his duty. The old man now rose from his knees, and after slowly undressing himself, got into bed. or rather upon the edge of the bed, for the young preacher had taken possession of the centre and would not voluntarily move an inch. In this uncomfortable position. the stranger lay some time in silence. At length the young preacher made remark, to which the old man replied in style and manner that arrested his attention. On this he moved an inch or two and made more room.
 How far have you come to-day old gem tleman?
 'Thirty-6ve miles,
 'From where2'
 From Springfield
 An, indeed! You must be tired after SO long journey for one of your age.'
 Yes, this poor old body is much worn down by long and constant travelling, and ] feel that the journey. to-day, has exhaust ed me much.'
 The young minister moved over. little