Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, W.T. [i.e. Wis.]) 1843-1844, 1843-07-01
BISHOP GEORGE.
AND THE YOUNG PREACHER,

y
as the sun was dropping behind the
range of hills that bound the horizon OF
that rich and picturesque country, in
the vicinity of Springfield Ohio. 1t
was sultry August evening, and he
had journeyed distance of 35 miles
since morning, his pulse throbbing I'M
der the influence Of a burning sun. At
Fairfield, he had been Hospitality enter
tanned by one who had recognized the
veteran soldior Of the cross, and who
had ministered to him for his Master
sake of the benefits himself had receiv-
ed from the hand which feedeth young
lions when they lack; and he had trav-
elled on, refreshed in spirit. But
many weary mile he had journeyed
over since then, and now as the evening
shades darkened around, he felt the
burden of age and toll heavy upon him,
and he desired the pleasant retreat he
had pictured to himself when the days
pilgrimage should have been accom-
plished.
It 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 mildly applied for accom-
mediation for himself and horse.
II don't know said she, coldly,
after scrutiniZing for some time the
appearance ofthe traveller, which was
not the most promising, "that we can
take you in old man. You seem tired
however, and I'll see ifthe minister of
the circuit, who is here tonight, will
let you lodge with him."
The young circuit preacher soon
made his appearance, and consequent
ly staggered up to to the old man, ex-
amined him for some moments inquis-
itively, then asked few impertinent
questions--and finally, after adjusting
his hair half dozen times, feeling his
smoothly shaved chin, consented that
the stranger should share his bed for
the night, and turning upon his heel
entered the house.
The traveller, aged and weary as he
was, dismounted and led his faithful an
imal TO the stable, where with his own
hands, he rubbed him down, watered
him, and gave him food, and then en-
tered the inhospitable mansion where
he had expected SO much kindness. A
Methodist family resided in the house,
and as the sircuit preacher was to be
there that day great preparations were
made to entertain him, and number
of methodist young ladies ofthe neigh
berhood had been invited, SO that quite
party met the eyes Of the stranger,
as he entered; not one of them took
the slightest notice of him, and he wea-
rily sought vacant chair in the cor
ner, out of their direct observation, but
where he could note all that was going
on. And his anxious eye showed he
was no careless observer of what was
transporting around him.
The young minister played his part
with all the frivolity and foolishness Of
city beau, and nothing like religion
escaped his lips. Now he was chat
tering and bandying senseless compli.
ments with this young lady, and now
engaged in trifing repartee with an.
other, who was very anxious to seem
interesting in his eyes.
The stranger, after an hour, during
which no refreshments had been pre-
pared for him, asked to be shown to
his room, to which he retired unnoti-
ced-grieved and shocked at the IA
mily and minister. Taking from
his saddle-bags well worn bible, he
seated himself in chair, and was soon
buried in thoughts, holy and elevating
and had food to eat which those who
passed him by in pity and scorn dream.
ed not of. Hour after passed away
and no one came TO invite the old, worn
down traveller TO partake of the luxu.
rious supper which was served below.
Towards eleven O'Clock the minister
came up stairs, and without pause OF
PRAYER, hastily threw off his clothes
and got into the very middle Off small
bed, which was to be the resting place
of the old man as well as himself.
After while the aged strangerrose up,
and partially disrobing himself, knelt
down and remained for many minutes
| in eervent prayer. The earnest breath
| ing out of his soul soon arrested the at
tention Of the young preacher, who be-
gan to feel some few reproofs of con-