The North-Carolina standard., 1850-09-04
THE PASTOR OF ST. AGATHY.

Editor come postage.
THE PASTOR OF ST. AGATHY.
In the most remote and unknown part of the De
village of poor peasants, under the and patronage
of ST. Agathy. 1t contained about forty houses,
which might more properly be called hus, for their
roofs were composed of reeds and straw, and their
walls but mi serable union of woodwork and clay.
There lived here, however, commu nifty distinguish.
ed both for simplicity of manners and 6rmness of
ligous principle Its pastor had taken his post here
at the age Of twenty-five and had ever since shared
the joys and sorrows of his flock. living like them
selves in miserable hut, satisfied with the same
meagre tare and doing his duty in every respect with
that faithful zeal which only deep inward piety can
simulate. Thus he had spent fifty years, and had
won the hearts of all his parishoners, who loved and
reverenced him father. He had during this time
declined all propositions for betterng his position
partly from love for those under his charge, partly
from fear that other pastor would remain long in
such poor parish; and therefore he became old on
the same spot amid the same poverty, doing all the
good he could in his narrow sphere, for which he felt
himself richly rewarded by the childlike love of his
little flock.
As the French Revolution broke out, the Pastor of
St. Agahy began to fear that neither he nor his little
parish would be spared from the all visiting storm.
One day he received orders from the chief place of
the Department to swear to what then called the
civil constitution of the clergy, or to give up imme
diately his post and quit his parish. The good man
was so little acquainted with political matters that
he did not at first know what was required of him
but as copv of the constitution accompanied the
orders, he lost time in studying its contents, and
came to the conviction that he could neither acknowl
edge nor swear to it. Still less did he think himself
bound to obey the orders by leaving his parish. He
continued therefore, to remain at ST. Agathy and to
perform his clerical Offices as if nothing uncommon
had happened, believing himself acting according to
his duty and conscience.
Meanw hile this measure, to which many other
clergvmen also refused to conform, began to create
troubles; particularly in the Departments of the West.
After the authorities had forcibly removed many of
the opposing clergymen, the discontented parishes
united themselves in formal alliance, and prepared
to defend themselves by arms against all violence.
Thus was developed by degrees an insurrection,
which from mere spark became raging fame. The
National Convention, informed of the state of things
ordered out troops to restore tranquility wherever it
was disturbed. Commissaries were appointed, with
full powers. Such Commissary came to Mort, the
chief place of the Department in which st. Agathy
situated.
This man was of cruel nature, and believed him
self bound to act with severity against all who resist
ed. He ordered all insubordinate clergymen to be
taken prisoners putting price upon the head Of such
as could not be found. The pastor Of St. Agathy
could evidently not escape the prescription, and one
evening accordingly the news spread that the next
day company of soldiers was to come from Mort,
to take him prisoner. The Communal Council inn
mediately assembled. Of resistance there could be
question: az it would have been useless. Yet the
worthy pastor, whose safety was the subject Of uni
versal anxiety, could not be forsaken. 1t was there
fore resolved to bring him to place of safety, which
had already been found out. He opposed at first,
and said he would willingly endure whatever Heaven
ordained for him. He suffered himself, however,
finally to be led by his faithful parishoners to coal.
hut in the forest, where four armed men remained
with him, both to prevent him from delivering him.
self up voluntarily, and to defend him in case of ne
cessty.
The following day, eighty soldiers. with two can
non, made their appearance at the village to get pos
session Of the weak old man. The leader OF the troop
made the inhabitants acquainted with the object OF his
visit and demanded of them. in the name OF the law
to deliver up their pastor, without hesitation. AS
the command was not obeyed the soldiers began a
Search They searched every room and corner OF the
parsonage but in vain-broke open the doors of the
church, ravaged and desecated every part of it, but
found not what they sought; and finally went again
from house to house, but all to no purpose. The
priest of ST. Agathy was now declared criminal before
the law and the price of 10000 francs set upon his
head. The whole village was then set on fire, and
amid the desolaton they had Produced marched forth
the soldiers to the sound of the drum.
Towards evening the pastor was informed that the
danger was past; but he did not know at what price
his parshioners had paid for his safety He return
ed with those who accompanied him, not to the viii
age of ST. Agathy. but to the smoking ruins where II
had once been. No words can express the deep pain
he felt as he saw the desolation of the scene in which
the families to which he had so long administered
were gathered in the open air. robbed of their all
With streaming eyes, he reproached them for moi
having hindered great misfortune. Is Would II
not have been better to have delivered the old
OF three score and ten, who has at most but short
time to live, and thus have saved the rest!' They
answered him that he was the father of the commu
nity and that good children should shun no sacrifice
tor their father. He rejoined. that such sacrifice
was worthy of equal love, and that he hoped to show
them his part what he able to do for his chill
dren.
Three days after, as the commissary, or rep'esen
tant OF the Convention sat in his cabinet at Mort al
old, 6aldheaded man was led before him, supported
upon s''ck' MS shoes covered with dust, and wear
ing the gown Of priest sadly worse Of the wear
The old man approached and said s. Citizen Repre-
sentant, You have made known at St. Agathy tina
10000 francs will be given to him who shall delive
up the head Of the pastor of that village am ready
to earn the price,"
Much as the representative was acquainted with
the baseness Of men, he was yet astounded at such
proposition from man who was himself evidently
90 near his own end.
"Priest," said he " thou makest me proposition
which, for man Of thy age and profession, must fill
"Not so much as you think! Do you accept m,
ofer!'' So
Who art thou, that thou wilt sell the life of tn,
fellow priest!''
What has that to do with the matter. il onl,
offer =" '''''' '''.' 'o' -'>'p' '. NY
head!
Fs Fsds sSIyGu .s. will pay me the sum promised"