The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1845-07-14
Vol, 8. Whole No. Ais. No. 81.
SIN ECUREs;
Or, ParSOn ThaCher's Day.
ny C. NJ. KIRKLAND.

'When my brother L. was u little hoy said
Miss -, his health was delicate, and he was sent
into the country TO school, and there boarded at
great old farm house, one in the real old New
England style, of which few specimens now re-
main. Here in the first cold weather of autumn,
the family congregated about the kitchen fire, so
as not to disturb the flower pots which still
ornamented tho hearth Of the keeping ROOM Tho
young student from Boston accommodated, on
side Of the fire. with liuo stand on which
placed tall iron candlestick, bearing dipt candle
with wick an inch long, for tho furtherance Of his
studies. Not being much inspired by the book un-
der these circumstances, E. wont to listen to tho
talk ofan ancient dame who sat perennial fountain
Of knitting work in high backed chair the oppo-
site side of the fire, bestowing various hints and
tons upon young clergyman lately ordained, and
hoping he would be 'kerried through all the work
that was before him in the ministry Of that parish.
The young clergyman, city Bred and only guest
at the farmhouse listened with Difference and replied
very satisfactory most Of the old lody's remarks;
but he could not be made TO understand very clearly
in what particulars he likely End his position
more than usually difficult. lie did not to
doubt that he should be 'kerried through, though he
said very modesty.
'Humph!' said the old lady, taking u spare knit
ting needle from her work and passing it gently un-
| der her cap with reflective air
did you ever hear about purson Thacher's day,Mr
L? My mother could remember parson
Thacher, though he died in 1927. He was a man
that had been to school and then college in this
country; and that wasn't enough but he must be
to the old country, (t the custom in them days)
yes Teyden where he studied for the ministry and
no, only but learned medicine surgery, s not
tent with that studded law besides.'
MrZ-- began to open his eyes at this emu
meraiion of his predecessors accomplishments.
YES continued the good lady, and besides, no
was good mechanic, so that he could use most any
tool. Well, he came back, and settled in this town
and married The odosia F. and she made him good
wife, and they lived very comfortably in their plain
way
But said the young clergyman, who, being fresh
from college, was the least in the world prggish, Il
can scarcely see how Mr. Thachers European ac-
quirenents necessary to fit him for such posi-
! ton
'Humpb, said the old lady again, stay till tell
you my story, One Monday morning parson Thach-
er said to his wife, Pve engaged to go TO D
to preach an ordination sermon Wednesday and I
must set out morrow; this day must have en-
tireIy for my study, and you must not allow TO
be interrupted for any thing short oc of life
death. So Mrs Thatcher promised and the good par
cnt thoughtfuy up stairs to prepare his
He was scarcely seated when woman of the neigh
borhood in, almost breahless, anxously inquir-
! ing for Mr. Thatcher,
'EIe is in his study, and cannot be disturbed on
any account
ooh dear!' says the poor woman, Il don't know
what shall do. for our best cows very sick, and
nobody can't do nothing TO help her,--We've had
Loren the COW doctor, and he cant tell what's the
matter with her. What wiH become of us if we
loose herr Now Mrs. Thatcher felt so bad to think
the loose her that she cen ventur-
cd up stairs ahd Knocked at her husbands door.
Wife, you know told you cou'dn't-'
yes, but poor Mrs. Trmbly-' and then she
told all about the cow and tried persuade the par
TO 90 This he said was out of the qucs-
ton; but he would certainly call after dinner, as he
was obliged to pass by Mr. TrmbIeys go to rais-
ing, where he had promised to make prayer. So
the poor woman went home, very much comforted TO
think that parson Thacher would come at all, so
great her opinion Of his skill She had hardly
shut the gate, when another ncighbor in fur
ried and out of breath, Mrs Trmbley; hardIy re-
Numbering to say 'how dye do? before she cried
out, sWhere is Mr. Thacher9'
My husbands in his study, and cannot be -
oh, run up, do, Mrs. Thacber, and tell him that
Mr. Vose and Mr. Hunt have had an awful quarrel a.
gain, and Mr. Vose says he'll go right off Boston
and employ lawyer Gridey, "a pretty awful threat in
those days. for he wont put up with III usage any
longer
This frightened Mrs. Thatcher drendfully, to think
aquarre should get to such ength in the neighbour
hood So knowing her husbands powers peace
maker she went up to his sudy-door more.
sWhat is the matter, now, wfe?' said parson
Thatcher
'Oh dreadful QUARREL and forth, repeating ali
the threats and hard speeches, end begged her hus-
band to interfere without delay. $50
well, can't possibly go now, bu, send word to
Mr. Vose not to go to Boston till he has seen ME.
will call after dinner, as go to the raising
This paciled the messenger, and the parson went
with about the'fourhly of his ordination
Presently violent rappiug with the heavy end Of
a whip was heard at the door, and farmer from some
distance off inquired for Mr. I'hacher. Mrs. Thach-
or repeated the old excuse but the farmer
he put off SO easily. He insisted the minster's
wife going up and telling her that a man was below