The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1853-03-23
THE YOUNG PREACHER.
A BEAUTIFUL STORY.

'" were SlttliS toSetner III the qulet
parlor at the Oakwood FarmAMr. and
Mrs. Ray, and Elliott and |.
Elliot was reading aloud, but | doubt
whether one of his listeners could have told
the subject of the book or the name of its
author. Mr.. Ray sat, as was his custom,
with his hat on, though now it was drawn
further over his eyes than usual. He was
leaning back in his chair, with his hands
clasped before him, and his thumbs work
ing restlessly over and over each other
and, could it be possible? yes; there was
moisture gathering over his eyes; great.
half formed tears, started beneath the lids.
but were quickly forced back again. 1t
could not be that he was affected by what
his son was reading. for Elliott was smil-
ing at the sentiment his lips had just ex-
pressed. And his mother-she had been
knitting, but her work was lying idly in
her lap, her elbow rested upon the table
close by Elliott's hand, her cheek lay in her
uplifled palm, and she was gazing. with
moist eyes too. full upon Eliou's face. -
Perhaps he thought she was listening to
him and drinking in the beautiful senti-
ments that flowed like music from his lips
But knew she was not, neither was his
father, neither was |.
We were all thinking Of tomorrow
This was Saturday night and to- morrow
Elliott was to stand for the first time in the
sacred desk to speak of our Savior and OF
salvation to those who had known him from
his birth. lie was naturally nervous, ex-
citable, and much inclined to indulge in
depressing melancholy He had been
treated by his father with uncommon ten
derness, almost idolized by his mother.
and had little worldly experience. except
what he had gained among his college
.ssates, where his generous nature had al
WAYS made him tavorite.
He had prepared himself for the minis
try by close and careful study. his natu
raj love of reading had made him acquain
ted with the best speakers OF ancient and
modern times, and yet his friends predict
ed his failure. Elliott. too, had his fears.
He had been talking with his mother abou,
it, and she encouraged him with words of
hope, while fear and trembling wer'. in her
heart. "Think Of the sacredness Of your
mission. Elliott," she said. "think not OF
your own weakness, but Of him who has
said, "As thy day, SO shall thy strength
be-" But do not dwell too much on the
morrow, now. You are too much excited
read something. that will calm you-i'
will do US all good. let US forget that to-
morrow is more than any other day.
And Elliott had forgotten it. apparently.
for his eye kindled as he glanced along
the lines, keeping time with the rapidly
moving melody OF his lips. and now and
then he smiled or raised his hand impress
sively, as some new startling idea was pre-
sented. But his father had not forgotten.
else why that solemn look so seldom seen
on his jolly face, and why did his thumbs
perform such rapid and untiring revolu-
tions over each other. as they always did
when deep or unusual emotions were strug-
Cling in his great heart! His mothA had
not forgotten it, as the love that filed her
swimming eyes, and the fear that paled her
cheek could witness. And |. as watched
the changing emotions fitting like ligh'
and shade across his eloquent face. could
only think Of the coming ordeal, the dread
ed. yet hoped for to morrow. Neither had
Charles his wild and reckless young broth.
er forgotten it, for he broke in upon oul
enchanted circle with boisterous laugh
that startled his father from his dreamy
reverie, made Elliott close his book and
brought reproof from the mild lips of his
mother. r.
$50 we shall have a preach tomorrow
shall we, brother, Ely, old boy. eh9" he
exclaimed, throwing his riding gloves and
whip into one corner and cap into anoth
err, "Hurrah for the Rev. Brother Ray!-
How many converts do you expect te
make tomorrow, Elly?"
''Do not be so rude, Charles said Ell
lott. whose flushed cheek told how pain
fully he felt his brothers. railrery.
r'It don't hurt your feelings to be called
Brother Ray, does it?,,l declare. you blusl
like girl; better get used to it now ant
wear off your modesty before you 60 ou
among folks. III bet you a dollar you'll
faint away before meeting is half out to
morrow" -l
"Charles!' said his father, as his foo
came down emphatically upon the floor.
Mother" whispered Elliott, in a lov
tone. as he turned towards her. with cheek
and lips white enough now, "mother can
not you persuade Charles to stay at hom'
Tomorrow E....
s.No you DON'T exclaimed Charles
Pm going 10 church. and I'm going to 81
exactly in front of Brother Ray, and th'
} first word he says that don't tally with hi
every day life, LIN going to take my ha
and march straight out. making my bo,
to him as 60 along. There's no jokin
about it, now, Elliott. Ill do 1t; see if
DON'T" Il
1t was in vain that Elliott pleaded, tha
his mother coaxed and his father threaten
ed. Charles was a passionately head
strong. reckless boy, yet not altogethe
without feeling when it could be rightly a
wakened. &,if t
: 40 He asserted that he was as good as E
lioit, and had Just as much of call t
: preach. Eliott's delicate hands and min
BILE tongue, he said, were the greatest qua
: --Iifications he had to entitle him to plac
in the pulpit, but he knew if his past lii
, should rise up before him then. his tongu
would be dumb, and his pretty hands dro
! lout Of sight, sand, :" continued he. 81 al
going to sit and look at him in such wa
THAT he can I help thinking Of some thing
81 know Of
= Words were thrown away ,,non the wi