The Daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1845-1850, 1845-09-26
HOW THE MOUNTAIN BLACKSMITH
WAS CONVERTED.

Georgia. Mr. Forgeron, blacksmith had great
antipathy against all Methodist ministers in par
ticular. His shop was in narrow mountain pass.
and he declared his determination to whip every
Methodist preacher that passed his shop The
Rev b. Stubbleworth, however, readily consent
ed to go there, and the following describes his
ride through the mountains
Forgeron heard of his new victim. and reiolced
that his size and appearance furnished better
subject for his vengeance, than the attenuated
frame OF the late parson. 0, what a nice beating
he would have ! He had heard too, that some
ministers were rather spirited, and hoped this one
might be provoked to fight. Knowing that the
clergyman must pass on Saturday, in the after
noon, he gave his striker holiday, and regaed
himself on the beauties of Tom Paine, awaiting
the approach the preacher. 1t was not over an
hour before he heard the words
"Oh, how happy they who their Savior obey
And have laid up their treasure aboven
sung in full, clear voice and soon the vocalist,
turning the angle of the rock, rode up with con-
tinued smile on his face
Chow are you, old Slabsides Get off your
horse, and join in my DEVOTION said the smith.
81 have miles to ride, answered the preacher,
''and hav't time, my friend | will call when
| return.''
"Your name is Stubbeworth and you are the
trifling hypocrite the Methodists have sent here
10 preach, eh -
''My name is Stubbleworth,'' he meekly re-
piled
Didn't you know my name was Ned Forge
ron, the blacksmith, that whips every Methodist
preacher that comes along % was asked with an
audacious look 'sand how dare you come here %
The preacher replied that he had heard of For
geron's name, but presumed that he did not mo-
lest well-behaved travellers.
FEYou presume so Yes, you are the most
presumptuous people, you Methodists, that ever
trod shoe-leather, any how Well, what will
you do, you beef-headed disciple you %
Mr. Stubbleworth protested his willingness to
| do anything reasonable, to avoid such pen
ance.
"Well there's three things you have to do or
III maui you into jelly. The first is, you are
toquit preaching; the second is, you must wear
this last will and testament of Thomas Paine next
your heart, read it every day, and believe every
word you read and the third is, that YOU are to
curse the Methodists in every crowd you get in
to;'' and the blacksmith ''shucked" himself, roll
led up his sleeves and took quid of tobacco.
The preacher looked on during these novel prep
arations, without line of his face moving and at
the end he replied that the terms were unreason-
able, and he would not submit to them.
"You've got whaling to submit to then, III
tear you into doll rags, corner ways! Get down
you cussed long -faced hypocrite.''
The preacher demonstrated, and Forgeron
walking up to the horse, threatened to tear him
off if he did not dismount; whereupon the wor-
thy man made virtue OF necessity and alighted
81 have one request to make, my friend-that
is, that you won't beat me with this overcoat on
it was present from the ladies of my last circuit
and do not wish to have it torn.
''Of with it, and that suddenly, you brazen-
faced imp you!''
The Methodist preacher slowly drew off his
overcoat as the blacksmith continued his TRADE
of OH & l. i
garment behind him. he dealt Mr. Forgeron a ire
mendous blow between the eyes, which laid that
person on the ground, with the testament of Tom
Paine beside him. Mr. Stubbleworth with the
tact OF connoiseur in such matters, did not wait
for his adversary to rise, but bestowed his blows
with courteous hand on the stomach and face of
the blacksmith, continuing his song where he had
| left off on his arrival
! Tongue cannot express the sweet comforts &C.
until Forgeron trom having experienced .s6rst
love-, or some other sensation equally new to
him, responded Justify,
enough enough! enough take him off,,
But unfortunately, there was no one by to per-
form that kind office, except the preachers old
roam, and he maunched a bunch of grass. and
looked on as if his master was happy at camp
meeting.
CHOW, said Stubbleworth, ''there are three
things you must promise me, before let you up. .
= " nat are tney :! asked F0rgerOn, eagerly.
"The first is, that you will never modest a
Methodist preacher again.
Here Ned's pride rose, and he hesitated-and
the reverend gentleman, with his usual benign
smile on his face, renewed his blows and song
Il then rude on the sky, freely justifedI
And the moon il was under my feet"
This oriental language overcame the black
smith. Such bold figures, or something else,
caused him to sing out
swell, I'll do it, I'll do it,
"You are getting on very well,'' said Mr.
Stubbleworth, 81 think can make a decent man
of you yet, and perhaps christian
Ned groaned.
''The second thing Irequire of YOU is to 90 to
Pumpkin creek meeting house, and hear me
preach to- morrow
Ned attempted to stammer an excuse, when
the divine resumed his devotional hymn, and
kept time with the music, striking him over the
face with the fleshy part of his hand.
"I'll do my best" said he in humble voice.
"Well, that's man. said Stubbleworth; "now
get up and 60 down to the spring and wash your
| face. and tear up Tom Paine's testament, and
turn your thoughts on high"
Ned rose with feelings he never experienced
before and went to obey the lavatory injunctions
Of the preacher, when the latter person mounted
his horse, took Ned by the hand and said
oNow keep your promise, and III keep your
counsel. Good evening, Mr. Forgeron, I'll look