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

Elder, Mr.. N, was expected In tnat district; and.
as the ministers all stopped with brother w. and
bis wife, every preparation was made to give him
a cordial reception. The honest couple thought
that religion, in part consisted in making some pa
rade, and therefore the paror was put in order.
nice fire was made, and the kitchen repIenished
with cakes, chickens. and every other delicacy pre-
paratory to cooking.
While Mr. w. was out at bis wood pile, a plain
Ioaking coarsely dressed. but quiet-lke pedestrian
came along and inquired tie distance to the next
town. He was told that twas three rnifes Be-
ing very inclement, hs asked permission TO enter
and warm himself. Assent was given grudgingly,
and both went iuto the kitchen. The wife looked
daggers this untimely intrusion, for the stranger
had on cowhide boots. old hat, and thread BARE
but neatly patched coat. At length she gave him
a chair beside the Dutch oven which was baking
nice cakes for the Presiding Elder who was mo-
smentarily expected, and he was to preach the
next day at the church, mile two beyond.
The stranger, after warming himself, prepared
to leave, but the weather became more inclement,
and his appetite was reused by the yiands about
the fire, he asked for some refreshment ere he set
out on cold walk to the town beyond. Mrs. w.
was displeased, but consultation with her hus-
band, some cold bacon and bread were set on an
old table, and he somewhat gruffly told to eat.
1t was growing dark, and hints were thrown out,
that the stranger had better depart, as it was
three long miles to town. The wife grew petu-
LIANT, as the new preacher did not arrive. and her
husband sat whstling the tune of ..Auld Lang
Syne,' while he thought Of the words of the
hymn-"When I can read my title clear" and
felt as if he could order the stranger off without
any further ado.
The homely meal was at last concluded-the
man thanked them kindly for the hospitality he
had received, and opened the door to go. But it
was quite dark and clouds, denoting a storm filed
the heavens-]
/ You say it is full three miles to D-l'
i do,' replied Mr.. W. ooldly, 1 said so 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 I was cold and hungry and might have
tainted by the way
The manner Of saying this touched the farmers
feelings little.
You have warmed me and fed me, for which
am thankful. Will you not bestow another act of
kindness upon who is in strange place, and,
if he goes out in the darkness, may loose himself
and perish in the cold7'
The peculiar form in which this request was
made. and the tone in which it was uttered, put
it out of the power of the farmer to say no.
go in there and sit down. he answered, point
ing to the kitchen, and will see my wife and
hear what she says
And Mr.. w. went into the parlor where the
clo,h and displaying his wifes set of -sprigged
china, that was only brought on special occa-
sons.
| The tall mould candles were burning thereon
| and on the hearth blezed cheerful fire.
| Hasn't that old fellow gone yeti asked Mrs
| w. She heard his voice as he returned from the
door. e
No. and what do you suppose? He wants us
to let him stay all night
| Indeed, we'll do no such thing? We cam
have the likes of him in the house no how. Where
could he sleep?'
Not in the best room, even if Mr.. N. should no
come.
No. indeedi'
"But really don't see, Jane, how we can turr
him cut of doors. He doesn't look like very
strong man, and it's dark and cold, and full thres
miles to D..
sIt's too much. He ought to have gone on while
he had daylight, and not fingered here as he di'
till it got dark
we can'tturn him out of DOORS Jane, and its nj
use to think of it. He'll have to stay now.'
But what can we Go with him?'
He seems to be like a decent man at least; AM
doesn't look as if he had anything bad about him
We might make him bed on the floor some
where.' s
i wish he had been to Guinea, before he cam
here!' said Mrs. w. fietfuliy. The disappoint
ment and conviction that Mr.. N. would not STRIVE
occasioned her to feel and the intrusion of SO uu
welcome visitor as the stranger, completely uu
hinged her mind.
%, we'll, Jane,' replied her husband, in sooth
ing tone -~er mind. We must make the bes
of it. He came to US tired and hungry, and w
warmed and fed him. He now asks shelter fo
the night, and we must not refuse him, nor graz
his request in conn laning or reluctant spirit
You know what the Bible says about entertanin
angels unawares!'
ANGELS! did you ever see an angel lock Ek
him!
Having never seen an ANGEL said the farme
smiling, Il am unable to speak as to their appear
ance.'
This had the effect to call an answering sm
to the face of Mrs. w. and better feeling to tn
, heart. 1t was finally agreed between them th'
the man. as he seemed like decent kind of a pei
son, should be permitted to occupy the minister
room, if that individual did not arrive, an event
which they both now looked with but small expe'
fancy. If he did come, why the man would ha'
to put up with poorer accommodations.
When Mr. w returned to the kitchen wheI
> the stranger had seated himself before the fire,
4 informed him that they had decided to let hi
stay all night. The man expressed in few wore
his grateful sense of the kindness, and then becan
# silent and thoughtful. Soon after, the farmer
i, wife. giving up all hope of Mr.. Ms arrival, had SUI
per taken up,whch consisted of coffee, warm sho
= cakeand broed chickens. After oil was on the tab