Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1846-01-22
select Tales.
From the True Wesleyan.
The Village DrGSSmaker,
or CHRISTIAN FIDELITY REWARDED,
by an Episcopal Clergyman
Concluded,

COV1uutu'
However, he resolved to do nothing rashly ;
and so after reciprocating all the kind express
ions of Mrs. Saunders and her daughter, which
he could consistently, he started for home, and
at twelve O'Clock brought up at the mansion on
Walnut Hill. He retired to his chamber, threw
himself on his bed, but could not sleep. tie
thought Of the sore trial which awaited him.
He ardently loved Jane; indeed, though poor,
she had been for years the idol OF his heart Sc
cretly. it is sure, because of a fear Of offending
his proud father; but all along he had cherished
the hope that, when he got through college, and
should settle in some profession, or otherwise,
fortune would so favor him as that he would be
able to wed the Village Dress-Maker with the
aspiration, or, at least, the consent of the 'old
Squire. But now all these hopes were evapo-
rating! Jane was converted! and now could he
endure this severe calamity! No! he coutd not,
and he wouM not but first, he determined to
see Jane, and, if possible, set her at rights again.
So, after an hours doing, he rose halfbewiIderd
with what had happened.
The day hung heavily upon him, and he long
ed for the evening shadows. At length they
came, and off he started with his bosom h%eaving
with uncommon and conflicting emotions, to see
Jane. H came in sight of the village-then of
the widows humble cottage, and soon stood up
on the Threshold of the door. He waited a
iuoment-listened-he heard his own name
breathed pathetically it was the voice OF Jane
in prayer before engaging in her evening task !
The lion of ~depravity was reused within him +!
This praying was well enough for ministers and
d%eacons, and WORKOUT old men and women, but
every way unbeftting a gay young lady He
had been taught, like thousands of others, that
if a person lived moral, all would be well that
experimental religion was not required in the
Bible, or necessary to salvation.
At last he raped heavily on the door, which
was soon opened, and Jane once more stood be-
fore him. Heavens he thought within himself,
she is more beautiful than ever - Why, good
evening, Robert! How glad l am to see you
Please walk in and be seated. You are in good
health 1 hope, Robert?'
Quite we'll, thank you, Jane only | was
out rather late last night, where | heard some
news respecting you which has brought me here
this evening; for | did not intend to come until
tomorrow, as | wrote YOU
well, what news Robert, did you hear con-
corning me ? inquired Jane, 4 hope it was not
any thing which gave you pain, did it?
Why, yes, Jane; | heard quite a long ac-
count from a friend who said he was acquainted
with all the facts, respecting a so-called rerirai
of religion in Mr.. Grundy's parish, He stated
what he had seen in some Of Mr.. Grundy's meet.
ings-that a large number had been concerted, as
he called it, and that yOu, among many other.
IN the village, had become a subject of the de-
l%usions and to ascertain the truth Of these sto
ries, l have called on you this evening"
well, Robert, | am very glad of the opPor
tuuity of conversing with you on this subject
have wished for it these many happy days, since
| trust, for the sake of the blessed Saviour, Goo
forgave me my sins, and filled my mind with un
utterable peace. IT'S true, there has been, anC
is nOw a very happy state of things in the village
church and Mr.. Grundy, our devoted pastor, ha.
been instrumental of very much good among hi
people this winter and, Robert, as you wish tc
know, | will add, ! am Il subject Of the dctusior
of which you speak. |, do, feel, that, wherea,
| was once blind, now | see.' feel that ] an
a sinner saved by grace. A few weeks ago
had no hope beyond the grave but it is not SC
now, Robert, | am happy in hope of immorta,
felicity in heaven nor can | think that | am
deIuded.'
so l sec, Jane said Robert, that what
heard was true, and my worse fears are realized
Jane, | have loved you'll still love you-but
can neUer IOUe your religion; for it appear
nonsense, to use no stronger term. You mus
remember, Jane, the obligations you are unde
to me, arising from my choice in view of the dis
parity in our condition in life. | have incurred
the displeasure of all my friends who know it
and even their ridicule but all this | could bear
were you to continue to be the person you was
few months ago, Only think How / shoul(
appear in the gay, and reputable circle of m,
friends with a little uncovered, piouS, orthOdO5
girl for a wife | tell you, Jane, the thought i
insufferable, | can never submit to it-neUcr
So, one of two things must foIlow,-either go,
must give up your religious fanaticism or, 10
must diSsOlUe our engagements. The choice il
before you, and you can decide. Which will 20,
do? 1t will cost me a severe struggle to aban
don you; but can do it fur easier than l cal
consent to be disgraced by your religious frenzy,
This, as the reader will Judge, was an unusu
al strain for Robert Ellison especially, when ad
dressing himself to Jane Arlington, the cherish
ed idol of his heart. 1t is probable no othe
cause than that of religion, pure and. undefled
could have elected such remarks from him t.
the innocent and lovely creature before him an
when he saw the silver tears c%oursing in flood
dawn her rosy cheeks, he half blamed himse
for the severity of his manners and language
But he thought the case uncommon, and deeme
a severe remedy important.
Jane had anticipated some tokens Of displea'
ure from Robert but did not dream OF the sterr
ness of his opposition to the fact Of her conVeI
sion from the error of her ways hence his III