, 1843-12-09
Good Story.
proved his doctrine orthordox,
By apostolic blows and knocks

Col. Johnson, in his talk to the
people of Trenton, told n capital sto-
ry about a Baptist minister by the
name of Sucket. who is a neal rela-
tive of the ex-Vice President.
1t seems that Sucket had been a
dissolute fellow, and a great fighter;
hut just before the battle OF the
Thames, had suddenly changed his
course, and become pious. He,
however, had a strong inclination for
the camp. and volunteered his servi-
ces to assist the Colonel against the
enemy. under condition that he
should have the privilege of preach
ing to the soldiers in the camp. The
Condition was gladly embraced, and
Sucket was installed as Major. under
a sort of certificate from the CONF
handing officer.
He was an energetic, stirring man.
a capital officer, and a Jealous preach
er. On the day before the battle Of
the Thames, the Colonel dropned IN
to one of his meetings. He was
holding forth with a stentorIan voice,
and insisting strongly on the doctrine
of predestination.-"All the destInies
Of men," said he, fare in the hands
of the Almighty; and not a sparrow
falls to the ground without his dlrec-
ton. lie is, too, the God of battles.'
He directs the bullets in the fight, as
well as the peaceful operations OF the
household; and hence there is just as
little danger on the field OF battle, as
in the workshop or at the plough-tail.
If you are to die, you will die at all
events; but if you are to live, the Al
mighty can turn the bullet out OF its
course us easily as he a number
the hairs of your head. If your
time has come. you will die, whether
on the battlefield or not. But" con-
tinued he, 81 don't believe your time
has come. don't think, my friends,
YOU are to die Just now"
The next morning, while prepara-
fions were making for the battle.
Johnson met the preacher.
"WelI, Sucket," said he, with a
smile. 1--WE are likely to have serious
work to-day; and, as you think that n
ma can't die ill his time comes, and
that he is as safe in one place as an
other, | should like to have you charge
at the head of your column; and, mark
me, now, don't you fire till the enc
my has discharged every gun; then
take aim at the whites of their eyes,
and, having fired, stop for nothing,
bnt graPpje them by the throat, and
make sure work Of it,"
very well, Colonel" says Sucket,
.'l'm always willing to test my faith
by my works"
Accordingly, Sucket took his posi-
ton at the head of his command,
which was about 500 strong, and re-
cei.ed the fire of 700 of the enemy.
He stood it like a man, only winking
a little as the balls came whining past
him in showers. But he obeyed his
orders to the letter; and, having re-
ceived the 700 bullets of the enemy,
he advanced forward, poured in a
deadly fire, and Immediately grappled
hand to hand with the foe-which
soon decided the late Of the day.
Alter the action was over, the Co.
lionel demonstrated with him, good.hu-
moredly, for killing so many of the
enemy.
"Why, Sucket," said he, "this was
altogether useless; half the number
would have answered every purpose.
How came You to cause such a use.
less waste of human liie"
"Don't know how it was, Colonel,n
replied the preacher; "we only fred
once; and | rather think it was be.
csuse their time hal coRse."
Sucket is still livine, and breaches
to this day, in one Of the Western
States.