Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1846-07-23

Father CravenS,

A FAITHFUL MINISTER IN THE SoUTn VINO
WAS NOT KILLED. We have long suspected that
the difficulty of preaching the plain gospel at the
South was greatly exaggerated. We have some
reason for entertaining the opinion that the real
danger is, that the preachers popularity would
suffer with the aristocracy ofthe land ifhe should
pursue an even course in lis religious teachings
Let them honestly follow Father Craven's ex-
ample and we shall see whether the Lord will
lorsake them. We find the following ancedote
credited to the Southern Christian advocate.
The Rev. VIM Crayens was among the early
Methodists of Rockingham co. Va, lie owned
number of slaves when he embraced religion
but he let the ofpressed.go free. Subsequently
50 constant was his testimony against the abomi-.
nations of slavery, and intemperance, that it be-
came a common saying among the people that
Father Cravens could not preach a sermon with
cut having negro and a bottle of whskey in it.
lie had a wealthy andrespcctablc neighbor by
the name of Miller, who was a protested Deist.
Miller died with consumption Some short
time before his death he sent for Father Cravens.
The old servant of God went immediately and
when he came into Mr.. MS room said to him,
"Wel Harry, Ohe name Mr. NJ. was familiar
y called in the neighborhood,) did you send for
me!"
He answered, 81 did, Mr.. Crayens,"
"And what do you want with me, Harry"
II fnd Mr. Cravens, that must soon leave
this world and find am not prepared to die
| want you to pray for me, and give me some
instructions how may prepare to stand before
the Savior whome have so long sighted"
Mr. G. replied, 81 thought it would come to
this" abiding to Mr.. Ms profession of Deism;
"but what have you done with your negroes?"
Mr. NJ. informed him that he had made his
will, and settled all his worldly business that he
had divided his slaves among his heirs
To which the preacher replied, 81 can't pray
for you, Harry. | would as soon pray for the
devil as to pray for you; you are about to rve the
chains ofbondage on your fellow man with your
dying breath-to take from those unfortunate
creatures and their unborn posterity, the right
which their God and your God, and the God who
is no respecter of persons, gave them. 1t is not
possible that God can have mercy upon you, If
you expect mercy Of righteous God, you mast
at least do Justice to your fellow man, and this
you cannot do unless you let the oppressed 60
free. Good day, Harry" and thus left the sick
man.
1t was not long before the preacher was again
sent tor, when he asked again, What have you
done with your negroes3"
But a very different answer was given. Mil
Ter informed him that he had seriously consider
ed what the preacher had said at their first inter-
view-that he had seen the injustice of slavery,
and made a rev will, and set all his slaves free
Brother c. exclaimed, 81 will pray for you
now, Harry and am sure God will have mercy
on you, too"
He prayed, and conversed with the sick man
frequently, visited BIN often, and as far as it
can be known in the world, the Lord was en-
treated. Mr.. M. obtained mercy and died in
peace.