The Illinois free trader and LaSalle County commercial advertiser. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1841-1843, 1843-04-07


was no other place at which the mountain
could be passed, only to learn his doom
more certainly. Being timid man, but
wihal devoutly impressed with sense of
duty he resolved TO discharge his duty
faithfully, be the consequences what they
might. Like lamb going to the slaugh-
ter, did he wend his way toward the gap;
as he came in front Of the shop, the black
smith was striking the last blow on a sho-
vel and singing the tune of "Clear the
kitchen
"Old Georgia is noble state,
Her laws are good aud her people great"
On catching glimpse Of the parson,
who had Aattered himself that he was a.
bout to pass with impunity, Ned sung out
-"Stop there, YOU eternal shad-belly,
and pay the penalty for my injured repu-
tation.'
The holy man protested innocence Of
having ever Intentionally injured him by
word or deed.
The mans subdued looks and earnest
voice had half dissuaded Ned from his
stern purpose, when the gigglng Of his
striker and the cheering of two or three
oilers, nerved him to do what he felt was
mean. Let any one pause moment, and
reflect if he has never been urged to acts
his conscience smote him for, by the opin-
ions Of others, before Mr.. Forgerou is SEN
fenced as a devil, The preacher received
several boxes on the ears, and heard ma
ny denunciations against his sect before
he was permitted to depart; and when
that permission was received, he was
not slow in availing himself of the privi-
lege.
At the next annual conference, when
circuits were assigned TO the different
preachers, this one made his appearance
punctually, but by some process Of casui-
suy. convinced himself that his duty did
not call for revelation of his suf'evings.
If he was too sensitive of the blacksmith's
character to expose il to remark, or if he
had preference that some worthier
brother should occupy that healthy sta
ton among the mountains, is difficult to
conjecture. But Forgeron's reputation
had extended beyond the circuit, and was
done ample and severe justice to by 9TH
ers, who had heard Of his fame. 1t soon
became the subject of animated converse
ton, 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 minoteur against the Me-
thodist church.
After time it was agreed that the Rev.
Mr.. Subblewonh was the doomed indi-
vidual, and when the annunciation came,
many an eye of mingled pity and curl,
osity was turned on his ruddy good natu-
red face, to sec how the dispcnsation was
horne, hut not muscle was moved
With a quiet smile, he expressed per-
feet willingness TO go where he was sent.
He was "clay in the hands of the potter"
he said. If he piqued himself on a stolid
Indifference to the blacksmith's pummel-
ing, or if he relied on his ample dimen-
sions to protect himself, he never disclos-
ed, but appeared as seli-satisied and con
tent as ever. His predecessor looked for
all the world like mouse just escaped
from the fangs of some terrible grlmaI-
kin.
Mr.. SubbIeworh bid his breathern
adieu, mounted his old roam, and depar.
ted for his new home Of trials with a song
of hope on his lips. Let us hope the
best for him.