The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1845-11-01
HOW THE MOUNTAIN BLACKSMITH
WAS CONVERTED.

HOW THE MOUNTAIN BLACKSMITH
WAS CONVERTED.
| The scene is laid in the mountainous regions of
Georgia. Mr.. Forgeron, a blacksmith had great
antipathy against all ministers. and methodsts IN
particular. His shop was in a narrow mountain
pass, and he declared his determination to whip ev-
cry Methodist preacher that passed his shop. The
Rev. Mr.. Stubbleworth, however, consented to 60
there, and the following describes his long ride
through the mountains:
Forgeron had heard of his new victim, and re.
oced that his size and appearance furnished bet
ter subject for his venge hce than that of the late
parson Oh, what nice beating he would have
He had heard too that some Methodist ministers
were rather spirited and hoped that this one might
be provoked to fight. Rowing that the clergyman
must pass on Saturday, in the afternoon, he gave
his striker holiday; and regaled himself with the
beauties of Tom Paine awaiting the arrival Of the
preacher. 1t was not over an hour before he heard
the words,
"How happy are they, who their Savior obey,
And have laid up their treasure in heaven"
sung in full clear voice; and soon the vocalist,
turning the angle of the rock, rode up with con-
tented smile on his face
"How are you, old slab sides' Get off your
horse, and join in my devotion" said the smith,
"I have many miles to ride" said the preacher,
" and hav'ht time. my friend! will call when
return"
| - "a, md N
canting hypocrie the Methodists have sent here to
preach, chr"
"My name is sstubbleworth, i" he replied meekIy.
I "Didn't you know my name was Ned Forge
ron, the blacksmith, that whips every Methodist
preacher that comes along'" was asked with an av-
dacious look; " and how dare you come here'"
The preacher replied that he had heard Forge
ron's name, but presumed he did not molest well
behaved travellers
"You presume sol Yes, you are the most pre-
sumptuous people, you Methodists that ever trod
shoe leather, any how. Well. wha;'ll you do, you
beef-headed disciple you"
Mr.. Stubbleworth professed his willingness to
do any thing reasonable to avoid such penance.
"Well, there's three things you have to do, or
III maui you into jelly. The first is, you are to
quit preaching; the second is, you must wear this
last will and testament of Thomas Paine next to
your heart read ii every day and believe every
word you read; and the third is that you are to
curse the Methodists in every crowd yo get into" Z"
and the blacksmith shuckcd himself, rolled up his
sleeves, and took quld of tobacco.
| The preacher looked on during these novel pre-
parations,wi thout line of his face moving and at
the end replied that the terms were unreasonable,
and he would not submit to them.
"Well, you've got whaling to submit to, then.
III tear you into doll rags cornerwise. Get down,
you cursed, long faced hypocrite."
| The preacher demonstrated. and Forgeron walk
ked up to his horse, threatened to tear him off ifhe
did not dismount-whereupon the worthy man
made virtue necessity and alighted.
I "Ibave one request to make, my friend-that Is
that you wont beat me with this overcoat OMIT
was present from the ladies of my last circuit, and
do not wish to have il torn"
"Of with it, and that suddenly, you basin-faced
imp you"
The Methodist preacher slowly drew off his ov-
ercoat. as the blacksmith continued his tlrade OF
abuse on him and his sect. and throwing his gar
ment behind him, he dealt Mr. Forgeron tremen-
dous blow between the eyes, which laid that per-
son at full length on the ground. with the testa-
ment of Tom Paine beside him. Mr. Stubbleworth,
with the tact Of connoiseur in such matters, did
not wait for his adversary to rise, but mounted him
with the agility of cat, and bestowed his blows
with a courteous hand on the stomach and face of
the blacksmith, continuing his song where he had
lett off on his arrival,
" Tongue cannot express the sweet comfort" sc.
until Forgeron, from having experienced first
love- or something else equally knew to him, res
ponded Justify,
Enough! 'nough 'nough! take him or
But unfortunately no one was by to perform that
kind Office, except the preachers old roan and he
munched bunch Of grass and looked on ss if his
master was happy at camp-meeting.
SHOW" said Mr.. Stubbleworth, there are three
things you must promise me before I let you up.
/" "What are they'" asked Forgeron eagerly
"The FIRST Is, that you will never molesta Meth
odist preache. again"
Here Ned's pride rose and he hesitated, and the
gentleman, with his usual benign smile
on his face, renewed his blows and sung,
"Irode on the sky, freely justified I,
And the moon II was under my feet"
This oriental language overcome the blacksmith