The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1847-09-25
Vol. ~.

1
brought the ow ner Of the mansion 10
the door.
"Who is there?" said he.
"a friend who has lost his way, and
is in search of SHELTER" was the reply.
"Come n," added the first speaker,
sand whatever my house will afford.
you shall have with welcome"
81 must first provide for the weary
companion of my journey remarked
the other.
But the farmer undertook 1 the task
and after conducting the new conner in
to the room where mis- vile was seated,
he led the horse to well.stored barn,
and there provided for him most boun-
tifulIy. On rejoining the traveller he
observed, "that's a noble animal of
yours, sir"
"Yes," was the reply, sand am sor-
ry 10 be obliged to misuse him, so as
to make it necessary to give you much
trouble with the care of him; but have
yet to thank you for your kindness to
both of u.s."
81 did no more than my duty, sir,"
said the entertainer, "and therefore am
entitled to no thanks. But Susan," ad-
ded he, turning to the hostess, with IA
half-reproachful look, "why have you
not got the gentleman something to
eat!"
Fear had prevented the coed woman
from exercising her well known benev-
olence; for robbery had been COM
mtted by a lawless band ofdepredators
but a few days before, in the neighbor-
hood, and as report stated the ruffians
were well dressed, her Imagination sug-
gested that this man mi ght be one OF
them.
At her husbands remonstrance, she
now readily engaged in repairing her
error, by preparing plentiful repnst.
During the meal there was much inte-
resting conversation between the three.
AS soon as the worthy countryman
perceived that his guest had satisfied
his appetite, he informed him that it
was no. the hour at which the family
usually performed their evening devo-
ton, inviting him to be present. The
invitation was acceptedin in these words:
"It would afford Inc the greatest pleas
ure to commune with my Heavenly
Preserver; after the events of the day,
such exercises prepare US for the re-
pose which we seek in Sleep"
The host now reached his Bible from
the shelf, and after reading a chapter
and singing, concluded the whole with
fervent prayer-then lighting a pine
knot, conducted the person he had en-
tertained to his chamber, wishing him
a good nights rest, and retired to an
adjoining apartment.
"John," whispered the woman, "that
is good gentleman, and not one of the
highwaymen, as supposed"
eyes, Susan," said he, 81 like him
better for thinking Of his God, than for
all his kind enquiries after our welfare.
wish our Peter had been from the ar
my, if it was only to hear this man talk;
am sure Washington himself could
not say more for his country, nor give
a better history of the hardships endu-
red by our brave soldiers"
"Who knows now,'' inquired the
wife, shut it may be he himself, after
all, my dear, for they do say he travels
just SO all alone, sometimes. Hark
what's that"
The sound of a voice came from the
chamber of the guest, who was now
engaged in his private religious wor-
ship. After thanking the Creator for
his many mercies, and asking blessing
on the inhabitants Of the house, he con-
tinued-"and now, Almighty Father,
lift is thy holy will that we shall OBJ
tain a place and name among the ma
tions of the earth, grant that we may
be enabled to shew our gratitude for
thy goodness, by our endeavors to O.
bey thee. Bless US with wisdom in our
success In battle, and let our
victories be tempered with humanity.