The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1840-08-28
HEAR THE OLD METHODIST MINISTER

The following thrilling appeal is from one whose
head is frosted DER with some seventy winters
To The Editor ofaie R.forma'
An old Methodist minister who has been one for
upwards OF foythree years and who never in his life
subscribed for truly political paPer--who never at
tended purely political meeting, or IN any shape OF
way engaged politics other than 90 10 the polls and
deposite his vote requests you TO send him your
paper Although, minister, haze hitherto stood
aloof from politics, can really do so no longer !
have read some, reflected much--and often compared
the present with the past and have sighed and mourn
ed over the distress thai has been brought my be-
loved country. This distress, conscientously be-
lieye has been brought on by the mismanagement of
her rulersnor do any thing in the vista but ut
ter ruin unless yirtuous and competent hand be
induced to take the helm That parsonage is General
Harrison. II is many years since first became ac-
quainted with this gentleman and for length of
time may say | was his nelghbor. And now, from
no other motive than conviction of his worth and fit
for the office, TO which hope he will be elevated,
do take up my pen and make my wishes known.
To the members Of the Methodist Church partcu-
larly address myself Few Of these of the present day
know the warm the steadfast the universal friend,
Methodism and its preachers had in General Harrison.
When these preachers were travelling on the from
tiers they always found his house emphaticaly home
How kind, how afabIe, how eondescendng this
distinguished statesman, may be learnt from an
renee which was told me by brother preacher. On
a very cold and bosterous night young preacher,
who came tn the 'JeDerdl ;, WNen Ne HNeU tHlnk
in Vincennes went to ii meeting to preach, but
ing the nclemcncy of the weather not soul attend
ed except the General and a soldier The preacher,
who was young man, and full of zeal considering
it his duty TO preach whether the congregation was
great or small got up in the pulpit, AMI went through
the usual exercises, though present,
During this time the General sat at the foot of the
steps leading tsthe pulpit giving the most profound
attention TO the discourse When the preacher had
closed his sermon perceivng that the soldier hold
ing down his head and thinking he was affected by
the DISCOURSE he went to him to give him some words
Of consolation under his supposed distress The Ge-
neral then got up, and, taking candle out OF the
candlestck held IL in his hand close TO the preacher
while he was talking to and singing over the poor
soldier This little incident made deep impression
on nv mind and endeared the man TO me ever after
wards | thought could in IT his great love for
religion and the sacred truths of the Gospelhs great
respect for the minister of Jesus Christ in condescend
inc statesman General and Governor he was, TO
become a candle holder for a poor, young, inexper-
enced Methodist preacher. His great philanthropy in
remaining in the meeting house of cold winters
night if he by doing, could only accidentally be
tributary to the happiness of poor soldier Such
man is worthy to fill the Office of President of these
United States-and, members of the Methodist
Church, such man is now before you Will you not
remember his former kindness to your preachers
You have it in your power TO do something for
him. who, in the days of your suffering, did much
for you. Requite then, his generosity, whose house
always open to your preachers and where they in
home
Az ar ny iyruo Pr