Wheeling times and advertiser. [volume] (Wheeling, Va. [W. Va.]) 1839-1849, 1843-09-07
BISHOP GEORGE AND THE YOUNG
PREACHER.

the sun was creeping behind the ranpe |
of hills that bound the horizon of the
rich and picturesque country, in the vi
cinity Of Springfield, Ohio. IL was
sultry August evening, aud he had iour.
neyed distance OF thirty five miles
since morning, his pulse throbbing un-
der the intiuence Of burning sun. At
Fairheld he had been Hospitality enter
tanned by oLo who had recognized the
veteran OF the cross, and who had min
istcred To him for his masters sake Of
the benefits he had received from the
hand which leedeth young lions when !
they lack; and he had travelled on re-
freshed in spirit. But many a weary
mile had he iOurney9d over since then
and now as the evening shades darken.
ed around, he felt tic burden Of age and
toll heavy upon him, and he desired the
pleasant retreat he had pictured 10 him.
sell when the days pilgrimage should
have been accomplished.
IL 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 hand at hand
TO whom he. mildly applied for accommo.
datlon for himself and horse.
81 don't KNOW" said she coldly, after
scrutininizing for some time the appear
ance Of the traveller--which was not
the most promising-"taatw we can take
you 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 ouSequentially
staggering up 10 the old man, ex min.
ed him for some minutes lnquisitively,
then asked few impertinenl questions, |
and finally, after adjusting his HAIR halrI
a dozen times, feeling his smooth faced
chin, consented that the stranger might
share his bed for the night, and turning
upon his heel entered the house.
The traveller aged and weary as he
was, dismounled and led his faithful an.
lmal to the stable,-where, with his own
hands, he rubbed him down, wutered
him, and gave him his food, and then
entered the lnhoSpitable mansion where
he expected so much kindness. A meth
odIst resided in the house, and as the |
circuit preacher was 10 be there, great
preparations were made 10 entertain HIM
and a number Of Methodist young ladies
OF the neigh borhood had been invited,
so that quite party met the eyes of the |
stranger as he en- tered-no one taking |
the slightest notice Of him, as he weari, |
ly sought chair in The corner out of
direct observation, but where he could |
note all that was going on. And his |
anxious eye showed that he was no care |
less observer Of what was transpI ring
around MIN.
mir 1.
with all the irivoliiy and luolishness of
city beau, and nothing like religion
escaped his lips. Now he was chatter
ing anu bandying senseleso compliments
with young lady, and now engaged
with another IN trlhing repartee, who |
were anxious 10 appear Interesting in
his eyes.
The stranger after an hour, during
which no relreshment had been prepa-
red Tor him, asked 10 be shown TO his
room to which he retired unnoticed-
grleved and shocked at the conduct of
the family and minister. Taking from |
his saddle bags we'll worn Bible, he
seated hlmsClfin the chair, and was soon
buried IN thoughts, holy and eleyating 2, /
and had food TO eat which thuse who !
passed by him dreamed not of. Hour
after hour PASSED away, and no one came
to invite the old, worn down traveller 10
Partake Of the luxurious supper which
served below.
Towards / | o'clock the minister came
up stairs, and, without pause or prayer,
hastily threw of his clothes and got in
ITO the very middle Of small bed, which
was the resting place ofthe old man as
well as hi nself. After a while the aged
Stranger rose up, and after partially dis
Tobing himself, knelt down and remain
ed for some time in fervent prayer. The
earnest breathing out of his soul soon
arrested the attention Of the young min.
lister, who began to feel some few re-
proofs Of conscience for his neglect of
duty. The old man now rose from his
knees, and after slowly undressing him
self, got into bed, or rather upon the
edge Of the bed for the young preacher
had taken possession Of the bed and
would not voluntarily move an inch -
In this uncomfortable position the
stranger lay sometime in silence. At
length the young preacher made a re-
mark to which tho old man replied in a
--!SStaV1e ana manner that arrested his at
tentiou. On this he moved over an inch
or two and made him more room.
'How far have you came to-day, old
gentleman
Thirty five miles
From whereP
sFrom Springfield
gAh indeed Z Won pnust be al red az.