The Ohio star. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1830-1854, 1853-12-14

his best, In order to grace the ministers reception
Charley was full of talk, and the parentsfet mu-
tual pride in showing him off, even before their
humble guest, who noticed him particularly
though he had not much to say. Come, Char
ley.' said Mr.. w. after the meal was over and he
sat leaning in bis chair cant you repeat the prel
| ty hymn mamma learned you last Sunday!'
| Charley started off without further invitation,
and repeated very accurately two or three verses
of new camp meeting hymn, that WINS then very
popular.
Now let US hear you say the commandments,
Charley spoke up the mother, well pleased at
her child's performance.
And Charley repeated them with the aid Of
little prompting.
How many commandments are there?' asked
the father.
| The child hesitated, and then looking up at the
stranger, near whom be sat, said, innocently-
How many are there?
| The man thought for some moments, aud said
as if in doubt,
Eleven are there nnt!'
'EIevenp ejaculated Mrs. w. Looking towards
the man with uufeigned surprise.
.EIeven' said her husband with more rebuke
than astonisument in his voice. is it possible, sir
that You do not know how many commandments
there are? How many are there, Charleyl-
Come, tell me-you know, ofcourse.'
| Ten replied the child.
Right, my son. returned Mr.. W., looking with
a smile of approval .Righ! There isn't child
of his age in ten miles who can't tell you there
are ten commandments. Did you ever read the
bible. sir!' addressing the stranger.
When was little boy l used to read it some
times. But am sure l thought there were ele-
ven commandments. Are you not mistaken about
there not being only ten7'
Sister w. lifted her hands in unfeigned aston
shment. and exclaimed,
Gould any one believe it! Such ignorance OF
of the Bible!'
| Mr.. w. did not reply, but he rose, and going to
ore corner of the room where the good honk lay
upon small mahogany stand brought it to the ia.
BILE; and, pushing away his plate, cup and saucer,
laid the volume before him, and opened to that
portion 10 which the commandments are record
ed. as
There" he said, placing his finger upon the
proof of the strangers error, There look fol
YOURSELF
The man came around from his side of the Ia
BILE and looked ever the farmers shoulder.
sTherel Ten. dye see2'
Yes, it does say ten, replied the man; and ye
it to me there are eleven. l am sure
have always thought so.'
Doesn't it say ten here?' inquired Mr.. Wade
with marked impatience in his voice.
1T does, certainly
yon 10 r.,
} eve the Bible?'
'Oh, yes, believe the Bible; and yet it strike
me somehow that there must be eleven command
monts. Hasn't one been added somewhere else
Now this was too much for Brother and Sste
w. to bear. Such ignorance of sacred matter
they felt objectionable. A long lecture followed
in which the man scolded admo nished an
threatened with divine indignation. At its clos
he modestly asked if he might not have the Bibl
to read for an hour or two before retiring for tn
night. This request was granted with more pleas
ure than any of the proceeding ones.
Shortly after supper the man was conducted t
the little square room, accompanied by the Bible
Before leaving him alone, Mr.. w. felt it to be hi
duty to exhort him on spiritual things. and he di
SO most earnestly for ten or fifteen minutes. Blu
? he could not see that his words made much i'm
pression and he finally left his guest, lamentin
his ignorance and obduracy..
In the morning he came down, and meeting MI
W., asked him if he would be SO kind as to len
him razor, thathe might remove his beard, whic
did not give his face very attractive aspect. Hi
request was complied with.
I'VE will have family prayer in about ten mir
u ,,tao Nr w l,ab hon ndodh him tho nm
l. shaving box.
: The man appeared. and behaved with due prt
priety at fnmily worship. After breakfast be thanh
ed the farmer and his wife for their hospitalit,
: and. departing, went on his journey.
> Ten O'Clock came, but Mr.. N. had not yet arr
i we'd. So Mr.. and Mrs. w. started for the NEE
i ing house. not doubling that they would find hl
there. But they were disappointed. good
l. number of people were inside the meeting hous
u and goodly number outside; but the minister ha
. not arrived.
II Where is Mr.. NJ inquired drzep voice
1t as little crowd gathered around the farmer.
= He hasn't come yet. Something hns deiaiue
g him. But still look for hm-indeed, l fully Q.
pected to find him here.
q The day was cold, and Mr.. W., after becomir
thoroughly chilled, concluded to goin and keep
r, good look out for the minister from the wndo
near which he usually SAT. Others, from the san
cause, followed his example, and the little meetir
10 house was soon filled, and one after another can
10 dropping in. The farmer, who turned toward Il
az door each time it opened, was little surprised
see his guest of the previous night enter, and con
slowly along the aisle, looking from side to side
10 if in search of vacant seat very few of whit
: were now left Still advancing, he got within IL
70 little enclosed altar, and ascending to the pulp
took off his old grey overcoat and sat down.
70 By this time Mr.. w. was at his side, and hl
10 his hand upon his arm.
=. You mustn't sit here. Come down and W
show you seat he said in an excited tone.
;, Thank YOU returned the man in compose
. voice. 1t is very comfortable here And the i'''
:, remained immovable,
le Mr.. w, feeling embarrassed, went down. 'n'e