The Columbian fountain., 1846-04-15
A DAY GAINEDt OR, THE PAR.
SONS MISTAKE.
A REAL OCCURRENCE.

| He human Ihiiiu 10 el'ouSely ConSlitu-
ted and who can account for some of its
operations? Perhaps some of the most diff
| ficult of them is seen in cases of absence of
mind, as it is called it would be more pro-
per to say, in cases when the mind, from
causes often unknown, receives wrong
impression concerning things as they actu-
ally exist or, state Of forgetfulness Of
some things, while the mind is busily en-
gagged upon other objects.
We have heard of some very amusing
occurrences Of this kind, as Of tile lady who
walked into dry goods store, in one of our
cities, and after purchasing what she desired,
took up a round yard stick that lay upon
the counter, in place Of her parasol, and
carrying it of, did not find her mistake un-
til in the act of hosting it. We might also
mention the case of an old gentleman who
actually forgot his name, when he went to
the post office to inquire for letters.
case differing material from these oc-
Cured at little country place in Virginia,
not long since, with a young minister, as
we shall relate.
His name we shall call James Deustay-
er, in reference to the saying of his host,
"you are always in your den,' meaning his
study.
During one of the weeks in July, our
Reverend hero had employed himself until
Thursday morning in visiting his flock. On
that morning he entered into his room
pleased with the thought OF enjoying three
days before the Sabbath in uninterrupted
study. His mind was soon entirely absor-
bed, and he passed the whole day in read
ing, writing, and meditation; and he might
have intruded upon the night, too, had not
heavy storm arose, which frightened him
from, his den, TO the sitting room of the ia
mily with whom he resided.
James retired at an early hour and rose
pretty earl y the next morning, which,
strange TO tell, he was sure was Saturday
morning. Whether he had been frightened
out of his wits by the thunder and light
ming and rain of the previous evening, or
whether he had received The impression by
a dream, or whether he supposed he had
slept two nights and day, we cannot tell;
hpt fb,th ho e., LII
| it to be Saturday.
In accordance with this opinion, the
young Parson made all hls preparations for
the duties of Sunday, besides speaking of
the day to all, as being the last day Of ano-
ther week. Towards the close Of the day
he wrote his Journal for Saturday and, in
fine, he acted out the duties of preparation
day completely.
Several Of the family noticed his mistake,
but would not mention il, thinking he would
surely discover it before night /; but no the
Parson was fixed, or, as the negro told his
preacher, he was ''solid sir" in his belief
that it was Saturday. The idea of its being
Friday had not entered his mind at all.
The time for evening worship in the fa-
mily came, and James escaped from his
den, where he had been absorbed in study
the whole day--sat at the table with the
bible and hymn book before him; the whole
company, conscious from his movements,
that he was arrived at the last night OF the
week, while they had another day yet TO
pass, before they should reach it. After
reading portion Of Gods Holy Word, and
singing hymn, all kneeled down, and the
minister commenced:
" We thank Thee, 0 God, that thou hast
brought US in safety to the close of another
week. SIC. sc.
After some minutes fervent petition, he
brought his devotions to close with words
like these:
"And now, Heavenly Father, we commit
ourselves into thy care, and pray devout-
ly that when the last day of life shall come,
as the last day of this week has, and the
ebades of daatb rotber nnon nc =, IL = Ja.I