The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1853-09-07
n I NJ B Err 81

no time in trying it on. lie was delighted
with the gift, dried up his tears, appeared
cheerful and started upon his journey with
apparent joy.
"In short time after this, I retired to
my room, and here, for the first time,
was brought to reflect upon my own con-
dition. | was then among strangers, at
country tavern, one hundred and thirty
five miles from home, and but 25 cents in
my pocket. After rejecting short time,
| concluded to remain the next morning
till aft,r breakfast, then to call for my
horse, place my s'ddle bags on my arm,
them to shake hands, and bid farewell to
every one about the house, in order to
make my departure as notorious as posi-
bic, that if should be reminded Of my
unpaid bill, | would make my situation
known, and promise to send back tho
amount as soon as | arrived among my
friends in Carolina.
The next morning I carried out my
previous plan to the letter. Nothing was
said about my unpaid bill, and | rode
slowly off. had another cold days ride
of thirty-fivc miles, which brought me to
the mansion Of Il farmer that gave abun-
dant evidences of comfort and plenty
Upon inquiry, WAS told that could stay
all night was very cold, and before
got comfortably warm, tea was announced.
| Before the plates were turned, the gentle
man asked a blessing. Ills manner OF
doing this, and other evidences, convinced
IN" that was among q religious family.
"Shortiy after tea, n servant, (without
previous orders) placed the stand with the
Bible and hymn book before her master.
'N!r," said he, 81 presume that you are
| iatigued from your days journey, and wish
TO retire carly. 1t has been my practice
for many years past, before retiring to rest,
to call my family together and humbly
beg forgiveness for past offences against
our heavenly Father, ana to implore lis
protection and care during the night, and
! will be glad if you remain few min
utcs."
ITO this request gave cordial assent.
My manner OF doing this, or something
. else, caused him 10 ask ir rreSlI l~od IN
! prayer. | replied that I would. Where
upon his seat was kindly and politely ten
dcred me. After prayer the old gentle
! E.'NH 'ISNSi IL were minister l IN
formed him that l was, and was then on
my way home from circuit. The
next morning before breakfast, the old gen.
tIeman addressed me thus: Friend" said
he. eve do not belong to the same de-
nomination of Christians. You are a
Methodist, and | am Presbyterian. 1t
is, | day say, with the ministers of your
denomination as with ours. You, at times,
stand in need Of little money. Will you
accept of this, and if your present circGm-
stances do not require it, keep it until you
have use for it," handing me twenty
dollar bank bill.
Now" said the Bishop, "see how soon
| got back my eight dollars with more
than one hundred per cent. interest. And
that was not ALL" said he. "Wheu got
home, | enclosed to the tavern keeper
where met with John, $3.50 for my bill.
In n short time, received an answer, with
the money returned, saying they never
CHARGED preachers for staying all night,
and begged that would again call, Il
ever passed that way. Ihave many times
since made inquiry for John, but never
could obtain the least trace of him."