Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1849-12-01
Gnoo Aouifr.
BISHOP GEORGE AND THE YOUNG
PREACHER.

AN aged traveller, worn and weary, was
gently urging on his tired beast, just as the
sun was dropping behind the range of hills
that bounds the horizon of that rich and
picturesque country in the vicinity of
Springfield, Ohio. 1t was sultry August
evening, and he had journeyed distance
of 80 miles since morning-his pulse
throbbing under the influence of burning
sun. AT Fairfield he had been Hospitality
entertained by one who had recognized the
veteran soldier of the cross, and who had
ministered TO him for his Masters sake, of
the benefits he himself had received from
the hand which feedeth the young lions
when they lack; and he had travelled on,
refreshed in spirit. But many weary
mile had he journeyed 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 re-
treat 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
anxiously looked for haven of rest. A
middle aged woman was at hand, to whom
he mildly applied for accommodation for
himself and horse.
81 don't know,' said she coldly, after
scrutinizing for some time the appearance
of the traveller, which was not the most
promising, "that we can take you in, old
man. You seem tired, however, and I'!l
see if the minister of the circuit, who is
here tonight, will let you sleep with him."
The young circuit preacher soon made
his appearance, and consequently swagger-
ing up to the old man, examined him for
some moments inqusitlvely; then asked a
few impertlnent questions-and finally,
after adjusting his hair half dozen times,
feeling his smoothly shaven chin as often,
consented that the stranger should share his
bed for the night, and turned upon his heel,
and entered the house.
The traveller, aged and weary as he was,
dismounted and led his faithful animal to
the stable, and with his own hands he rub
bed him down, and gave him food, and
then entered the hospitable mansion where
he had expected so much kindness. A
methodist family resided in the house, and
as the circuit preacher was to be there that
day, great preparations were made to en-
tertain him, and number of the methodist
young ladies of the neighborhood had been
invited, SO that quite party met the eye
of the stranger as he entered, not one OF
whom took the slightest notice of him, and
he wearily sought vacant chair in the
corner, out of direct observation, where he
could note all that was going on-and his
! anxious eye showed that he was no careless
observer OF what was transpiring around
him.
The young minister played his part with
all the frivolity of city beaux, and moth.
ing like religion escaped his lips. Now he
was chatting and bandying senseless com.
plments to this young lady, and now en-.
gagged IN triAing repartee with another, who
was anxious to seem interesting in his eyes
The stranger, after an hour, during which
no refreshments had been prepared fol
him, asked to be shown to his room; tc
which he retired unnoticed, grieved ant
shocked at the conduct of the family ant
the minister. Taking from his saddle bag
a well worn bible, he seated himself in ;
chair, and was soon buried in thought holy
and elevating, and had food to eat whicl
those who passed him by in pity and scorl
dreamed not of. Hour after hour passet
away, and no one came to invite the oil
worn down traveller to partake of the luxu
rious supper which was served below.
Towards eleven o'clock the minister cam
up stairs, and without pause or prayer
hastily threw off his clothes, and got int
the very middle of the small bed, whicl
was to be the resting place of the old ma
E as well as himself After while, the age
stranger rose up, and after partially disrO
{ bing himself, knelt down and remained 70
: many minutes in fervent prayer The eaI
nest outpouring of his soul arrested the al
! ! tention OF the young preacher, who bega
1 to feel some few reproots of conscience fo
!, his own neglect of this duty. The old ma
now arose from his knees, and after slowl
L undressing himself got into bed, or raths
upon the edge of the bed, for the youn
preacher had taken possession of the Gel
tire, and would not voluntarily move a
inch. In this uncomfortable position Ii
stranger lay for some time in silence.
y length the younger Of the two made r.