Jeffersonian Republican. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1840-1853, 1843-01-18

anu was just the spot 10 remind youth fresh
from his classic studies, of the place where
Leonidas and his three hundred Spartans fell
in attempting 10 defend Greece against the ar.
my of Xerxes; but in despite of the grandeur OF
its beetling cliffs, and the beauty Of its verdure;
II was associated in the minds of many pious
persons, with the broad gate that leads 10 de-
struclion. And Ned Forgeron, the handsome
blacksmith, was invested with the attributes
and hideous aspect Of his Satanic majesty, by
many mountain girl, who would doubtless
have fallen in "love at first sight with him. un-
der any other name.
The preacher whose circuit lay on either
side OF the mountain, al The time Ned's direfu
edict was promul gated TO the world, was meek
and lowly man, who approached nearly in his
natural disposition, TO willing obedience to the
mandate, relative TO turning the cheek 10 the
smlter. The poor soul passed many sleepless
nights in view of the fate that awaited HIM a,
the mountain pass. In his dreams he saw For.
geron with huge sledge hammer in his hand
ready 10 dash out his brains, and would start
with such violence TO wake himself He
inquired If there was no other place at which
The mountain could be passed, only to learn his
doom more certainly. Being limid man, but
witha deroutly impressed with sense of du-
iy, he resolved 10 discharge his duties faithful
ly, be the consequences what they might Like
a lamb going TO the slaughter did he wend his
way toward the gap; as he came in front of the
shop, the blacksmith was striking the last blow
on shovel. and singing 10 the tune of "Clear
the kitchen'-
"Old Georgia is a noble State,
Her laws are good and her people great"
On catching glimpse of the poor parson
who had fallered himself lha, he was abou, to
pass with mpuniiy. Ned sung out-"Slop,
there, you eternal shad-bclly, and pay the pen
atty Of my injured reputation!"
The holy man protested innocence of having
ever intentionally injured him, by word or deed
The mans subdued looks and earnes, voice,
had half dissuaded Ned from his stern purpose,
when the giggling of his striker and the cheer.
ing of two or three idlers. nerred him to do
what he felt was mean. Let any one pause
moment, and reflect if he has never been urged
on 10 acts his conscience smo,e him for, by the
opinions of others, before Mr.. Forgeron is sen-
fenced as devil The preacher received sew
era boxes on his ears, and heard many denun-
ciallons-against his sect before he was permit
ted to depart; and when that permission was
received, he was not slow in ayailing himself
of the privilege.
Al the next annual conference, when circuits
were assigned TO the different preachers, this
one made his appearance punclually, but by
some process Of casuisiry, convinced himself
that his duty did moi call for revelation of his
sutierngs. If he was TOO sensitive of the black
smiths character 10 expose il 10 rude remark,
or if he had a preference that some wor,hier
hrnf fhnr L.,
among the mountains, is difficult 10 conjecture.
But Forgeron's reputation had extended beyond
the circuit, and was done ample and severe JUS
tice 10 by others, who had heard of his fame.
1t soon became the subjec, of animated conyer-
SALON, and there was no little wincing, each
one fearing it would be his cruel fate, to be sent
victim TO appease the wrath of this human
mno,aur against The Methodist church.
Alter time it was decreed that the Reverend
Mr. Stubbeworth was the doomed Individual,
and when ihe annunciaiion came, many an eye
of mingled pity and curiosity was turned on his
ruddy, good-na,ured face, 10 see how the dis
pensaton was borne, but not muscle moved.
With quiet smile, he prolessed a perfect will
lingness TO 60 where he was sent. He was
"clay in the hands Of the potter" he said. II
he plqued himself on slolid indifference TO
the blacksmilh's pummelings, or if he relied on
his ample dimensions 10 protect himself, he
never disclosed, but appeared as self-salished
and content as ever. His predecessor looked
for all the world like a mouse just escaped from
The fangs of some terrible grimalkin.
Mr.. Slubbleworth arranged his few subluna-
ry affairs, and bidding his friends adieu, mount.
ed his old roam and departed for his new home
Of trials, with song of praise on his lips. Let
US hope The best for him.
CHAPTER II.
The Rev. Mr. Stubbleworih was very much
pleased with his new situation. Having been
transferred from a evel-pine-w0ods country,
near The confines of Florida, the novelty OF
mountain scenery and pure, bracing atmos-
phere, seemed 10 inspire him with new life.
Complimen,ing all the mothers, on the singular
beauty and intelligence of their children, with
delicate alluson to their own personal ap-
pearance, he soon became general favorite,
Mr.. Siubbleworlh "knew which side Of his
bread the butter was on"
The time arriving for his departure 10 visit
Il. 4 1 1