The Columbian fountain., 1845-11-22
BISHOP GEORGE,
ANN THE YOUNG PREACHER

the horizon of that rich and picturesque country,
in the vicinity of Springfield, Ohio. 1t was a
sultry August evening, and he had journeyed a
distance Of thirty five miles, since morning, his
pulses throbbing under the influence OF a burn
ing sun. AT Fairfield he had been hospitality en-
tertained. by one who had recognized the veter-
an soldier of the cross, and had ministered TO
him for his Masters sake, of the benefits him
self had received from the hand Of Him who feed
eth the young lions when they lack; and he had
travelled on refreshed in spirit. But many a
weary mile had he travelled over since then,
and now as the evening shades darkened around,
he felt the burden of age and toll heavy upon
him, and he desired the pleasant retreat he had
pictured to himself when that days pilgrimage
should be accomplished.
1t was not long before the old man checked
his tired animal at the door OF the anxious look
cd for havenof rest. Amiddie aged woman was at
hand, to whom he mildly applied for accommo-
datun for himself and horse.
''ldon't 'tknow, said she coldly ,aterscrutlnizlng
for sone time the appearance OF the traveller,
which was not the most promising, "that we can
take you in, old man. You Tired, however, and
iii see if the Minister OF the circuit who is here
10 night, will let you lodge with him.
The young circuit preacher sJon made his ap-
p,arance, and consequently staggering up to
the old man, examined him f1r q lew lnoulents
inqusilively, then asked few mpertinent ques-
tions--and finally after adjusting his hair half a
dozen times, feeling his smoothly shaven chin,
consented that the stranger should share his bed
for the night, and turning upon his heel entered
the house
The traveller aged. and weary as he was, dis
mounted, and led his faithful animal to the stable
where with Ms own hand, he rubbed him down,
watered him, and gave him food, and then enter
ed the hospitable mansion, where he had expect
ed so much kindness. A Methodist family re-
sided in the house, and as the circuit preacher
was to be there that day, great preparations
were made TO entertain him, and number of the
Methodist young ladies in the neighborhood had
been invited, 50 that quite party met the eyes
OF the stranger as he entered, not one of whom
took the slightest notice Of him, and he weary
sought vacant chair in the corner ont OF direct
observation, but where he could note all that was
going on. And his anxious eye showed that he
was no careless observer of what was transplr-
ing around him. aasg ys 1s3
The yong minister played his part with all
the frivoity and fuolishness OF a city beau, and
nothing like religion escaped his lips Now he
was c,atieriny and bandymg senseless cunpl.
men;s with this young lady, and now engaged in
a tri1ng repartee with another, whuw us anxious
to appear interesting in his eyes.
The stranger, after an hour, during which no.
refreshments had been prepared for him. asked to-
be shown To his r,oln, 70 which he retired nnno-
ticed-grieved and shocked at the conduct Of the
family and minister. Taking from his saddle
bags well worn bible. he seated himself in
chair, and was soon buried in thoughts holy and
elevaling and fDod to eat which those who pas
sed him by in pity and scorn, dreamed not Of
L,.., Il al
to invite the old, worn down traveller, to parake
of the luxurious supper which was served below.
Towards eleven O'Clock ne minister came mp
stairs, and without pause prayer, hastily threw
off his clothes, and got into the very middle of a
bed, which was to be the resting place of the old
man as well as himself. Alter while the aged
strr,ger rose mp, and after partially dsrobing hm-
self, knelt down, and remained for many min
utes in fervent prayer. The earnest breathing
out of his SOUL soon arrested the attention of the
young -reacher, who began to feel some few re-
proofs of conscience for his own neglect of duty
The old man now rose from his knees, aud after
undressing himself, got into bed, or rather upon
the edge OF the bed, Tor the young preacher had
taken possession of the centre and would not, vo
UNFAIRLY move an inch. In this uncomfortable
position, the stranger lay for some time, in silence.
At length the young preacher made a remark, to
which the old man replied in style and manner
that arrested his attention. On this he moved
over an inch or two and made more room.
Chow far have you come to-day, old gentle
man %
''Ihrty-fve miles, tt
"From whereof @#
"From Springfield"
"Ah, indeed You must be tired after 50 long
a journey, for one of your age"
''Yes, this poor old body is much worn down
by long and constant travelling, and feel that
the journey of to-day, has exhausted me much.
The young minister moved over little.
'sYon do mol belong to Springfield then2"
"No, | have no abiding place."
sHow?"
81 have no continuing city. My home is be-
yond this vale OF tears"
Another move of the minister.
chow far have you travelled on your present
journey?"
'.From Philadelphia ,t r
''From Philadelphia Gin evident surprise J
The Methodist General Conference was in ses-
sion there short time since. Had it broken up
when you left ?"
''It adjourned the day before siarted'
"Ah, indeed n'--moving still farther over. To-
warJs the front side Of the bed, and allowing the
stranger better accommodation. Had Bishop
George left when you came out
s1Yes--he started the same time did I've
left in company"