Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1852-12-09
METHODIST STORY.
THE ELEVENTH COMMANDMENT

I. S. Arthur tells good story, we heard
years ago, about loving couple in New Jer-
sey, who belonged to the Methodist church.
A new Presiding Elder, Mr.. N was expect.
ed In that district and, as the ministers all
stopped with brother W. aud his wife. every
preparation was made to give him cordial
reception. The honest couple thought that
religion, in part, consisted in making some
parade, and therefore the parlor was put in
order, nice fire was made, and tho kitchen
rcpenished with cakes, chickens, and every
delieacy, preparatory TO cooking
While Mr. w, was out at his wood.pilo, d
tilai9 laaking raaYely drayfei hnt, gpias,
Il was three miles. Being very inelenont,
be asked permission TO enter and warm him.
self Assent was given very grudgipgly and
both wont into the Kitchen The wife look
cd daggers at this untimely intrusion, for
the stranger had on COW hide boots, an old
hat, and thread,bare, but neatly patched
coat. Atlength she gave him chair beside
the Dutch oven which was baking nice cakes
for the Presiding Elder who was momenta.
rily expected, and he was to preach the next
day at the church mile or two beyond
The stranger, after warming himself, pre-
pared to leave, but the weather became more
Indictment, and as Lis appetite was reused by
the viands about the fire, he asked for some
little Refreshments ere he set out on cold
walk to thetown-beyond. Mrs w was dis
nleased. but on consultation with her hus-
band. some cold bacon and bread were set
on an old table, and he was somewhat grufiy
told to eat II was growing dark, and hints
were thrown out, that the stranger had bet
ter derart, as it was three long miles to town.
The wife grew petulent, as the new preacher
did not arrive, nad her husband sat whistling
the air Of +" Aud Lang Syne," while he
thought of the words of the hymn" When
| can read my title clear" and felt as if he
could order the stranger off without any fur
thersado.
The homely meal was at last concluded
| lie man thanked them kindly for the hospi-
tally he had received, and opened the door
to 90 But it was quite dark, and clouds,
denoting storm, filled the heavens
You say it is full three miles to D--l'
/ do replied Mr.. Nv coldly, ! said 50
when you FIRST stopped, and you ought to
have pushed on, like prudent man. You
! could have reached there before it was quite
/ dark
But was cold ana hungry and might
have tainted BY theway.
The manner Of saying this touched the
farmers feelings little.
You have warmed me and fed me, fol
which / am thankful VIII you not bestov
another act Of kindness upon one who is in |
strange place, aud, il lie goes out in the dark
ness, may lose himself and perish in thu
| cold p
The peculiar form in which this requcs
was made, and the tone Ia which it was ut
tered, put it out Of the power Of the farme
to say no.
| go in there and sit down. he answered
pointing to the kitchen, and will see N,
4 wife ana hear what she says
And Mr w went into the parlor wher
the supper table stood, covered with snow
white cloth, and displaying his wise's set 9
blue-sprigged china, that was only brsugh
cut on special occasions.
The tall mould candles were burnin
thereon. and on the hearth blazeda cheerf,
Ere
Hasn't that old fellow gone yet 3 'aske
Mys. w. She heard his Voice as he returl
ed from the door.
No, and what do you suppose i
.. wants as to let him stay all night
Indeed. we'll do no such thing "
can't have the likes Of him in the house |
how. Where could be sleep
Net ii the best room, even if Mr.
should not come.
No, indeed 7
sBut really, don't see, Jane, how we q
turn him out Of doors. He doesn't 70
Ike very strong man. and its dark y
cold, and full three miles 70 p
It's too much He ought 70 have g.
81 While be had daylight. and not llngsr
i lsbere a. lie did till il got dark
], I'VE can't turn him ont Of doors, Jal
: and its No use to think Of il. Hell hare
tay now