Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1838-01-04

BISHOP 6e0Rss AND THE YOUNG PREACHER.
BY s. T. ARTHUR.
An aged traveller, worn and weary.
was gently urging on. his tired beast,
just As the sun was dropping behind
the range Of hills that bounds the hori .
ron Of that rich and picturesque coun-
try 10 the vicinity Of Springfield. Ohio.
II was sultry August evening, and he
had journeyed a distance Of thirty five
miles since morning. bis pulse throb-
bing under the influence Of burning
sun. At Fairfield he had been hospi-
tably entertained by one who had re :
Icognised the veteran soldier Of the
cross. and who had ministered TO him
for his Masters sake of the benefits
himself had received from the hand
which feedeth the young lions when
they lack; and he had travelled on re-
ireshed IN spirit. But many q weary
mile he had journeyed over since then
and as the evening shades sdarkened
around, he felt the burden q age and
toll heavy upon him. and he desired
the pleasant retreat he had pictured TO
himself when that DAYS pilgrimage
should be accomplished.
II was not long before the old man
checked his tired animal at the door OF
the anxiously looked for haven Of rest.
a middle-aged woman was at hand
to whom he applied for accommoda.
tons for himself and horse.
Il don't know said she, coldly. al
ter scrutinizIng for some time the APP
PeaTanee 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 IL the minister Of
the circuit, who is here tonight, will
let you lodge With him.
The young circuit preacher soon
made bis appearance. and consequent
tally staggering up 10 the old man,
examined him for some moments in.
'quisitiveiy; then asked few irnperti-
nent questions. and finally, after sd-
Justiog his hair half dozen times,
feeling his smoothly shaven chin as
often, consented that the stranger
should share bis bed for the night. and
turning upon his heel entered the
house.
The traveller. aged and searyeas he
was. dismounied, and led has faithful
animal TO the stable. where. with his
own hands be rubbed him down. va
tered him. and gave shim food, and
then entered the inbc,pitabk mansion.
where he had expected 70 nueb kind
ness. A Methodist family eyided in
the house, aud as the circuit preacher
was TO be there that day, grSt pFepa,
rations were made 10 enteEkin him. I
aud a number Of the Methods young
ladies Of the neighhorhood badbeen ih- |
vited. so thki q.sits party net the
eyes Of the sifsngcs ~ be entekd. aot
one Of whom took ihq slightest notice I
81 hifD. As& be wezFisy. sought srzni I
chair IN the corner. oDt Of direct o4ser- /
walton. but where be could note slhhasi
was-goinR Oh. Add his snSioas We 1
showed that BE- gas 10 careless obse I
yer Of What vas trgnspiriSg srqupd hiR
The young minister played his pal
with eli The trivolisY and foolish1ess a
a beau, and VOlbipg ike religion ei1
capped his lips, Nos he Wss chatter
mg and bandying .sebseless cofnplis
nedts' wiih thls young lady, and nov
engaged IN tfiGiBg repag'es with Anos
lher. vho was anxious 20. seem int.
resting Ia bis eyes.
The stranger, sfer an hour. during
which 30 relfeshmcnt bad been pre-
pared for him, asked 70 he shows 10
BIS soon. % which he retired unDoiic-
ed--grieyed and shocked Il fhe con
duet u TIE family aud the minister
Ticking FROM bis vaddiebagsa well-wofn
Bible, be sesfed himself ia The chair.
md vas soon buried IN thought, holy
iBd eievhiisg. and had food. 70 EAT