Cooper's Clarksburg register. [volume] (Clarksburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1851-1861, 1853-04-20

ing hymn that was just then very popu-
lar
..Now let us hear you say the command
ments," spoke up the mother, well pleas
ed at the 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 looked up
at the stranger, near whom he sat, and
said innocently-
"How many are there ?"
The man thought for some moments.
and said. as if in doubt
ELEVEN, are there not ?''
"Elevenr' calculated Mrs. w, in un-
feigned surprise.
"Eleyen?" said her husband with more
rebuke than astonishment in his voice
"Is it possible, sir, that you do not know
how many commandments there are ?''-
How many are there, Charley? Come.
tell me-you know. of course.
"Ten." replied the child.
"Right, my son." returned MIR. W.,
looking with a smile of approval on the
child Fright. There isn't a child of
his age in ten miles who can't tell You
there are ten commandments. Did you
ever read the Bible, sir?''
"When l was little boy, used to
read it sometimes. But l am sure l
thought there were eleven command
ments. Are you not mistaken about there
being only temp
Sister W. lifted up her hands in un-
feigned astonishment, and exclaimed
"Could any one believe? Such igno-
rance of the Bible"
Mr.. w. Did not reply, but rose, and GO
ing TO one corner of the room where the
good book lay upon the small table. and
opened at that portion in which the COM
mandments are recorded.
There" said he. placing his finger
upon the proof of the strangers error
There. Look for yourself.
The stranger came around from his
side of the table, and looked over Mr.
W.'s shoulder.
g There. dye see ?''
! "Yes. it does say ten" replied the man;
"and yet it seems to me there are elev-
en-. Pm sure always thought so.
Doesn't it say ten 2" inquired Mr..
W., with marked impatience in his voice.
" 1t does. certainly"
"Well. what more do you want? Can't
you believe the Bible ?"
go, yes, believe the Bible, and yet
it strikes me, somehow, that there must
be eleven commandments. Hasn't one
been added somewhere 90
! Now this was too much for brother and
sister w. to hear. Such ignorance of sa-
cred matters they felt to be objectionable.
a long lecture followed, in which the man
was scolded, admonished and threatened
with divine indignation. At its close he
modestly asked if he might not have the
Bible to read for an hour or two before re-
tiring for the night. This request was
granted with more pleasure than any of
the proceeding ones.
Shortly after supper the man was con-
Quoted to the little square room, accom-
alone, Mr.. w. ielt tito be his duty to ex-
hort him to spiritual things. and he did SO
most earnestly for ten or fifteen minutes.
But be could not see that his words made
much impression, and he finally left his
guest, lamenting his obduracy and igno-
rance.
In the morning he came down, and
meeting Mr.. W., asked him if he would
be so kind as to lend him his razor that
. he might remove his beard, which did not
give his face a very attractive aspect
His request was complied with.
awe will have prayers in about ten
minutes" said Mr.. W., as he handed him
the razor and shaving box.
The man appeared and behaved with
due propriety at family worship. After
breakfast he thanked the farmer and his
wife for their hospitality, and departing,
went on his journey.
Ten O'Clock came, but Mr.. n. had not
arrived. So Mr.. and Mrs. w. started for
the meeting house, doubling not that they
would find him there. A goodly number
of people were inside the meeting house,
and goodly number outside, but the
minister had not yet arrived.
"Where is Mr. N-?" inquired a
dozen voices, as little crowd gathered
round the farmer.
He hasn't come yet. Something has
detained him. But will look for him
indeed, 1 fully expected to find him
here @
The day was cold, and Mr.. W.. after
becoming thoroughly chilled, concluded
TO go in and keep a good lookout for the
minister from the window near which he
usually sat. Others from the same cause.
followed his example. and the little meet
ing house was soon filed, as one after
another came dropping in. The farmer.
who turned towards the door each time it
was opened. was somewhat surprised to
see his guest of the previous night enter
and come slowly down the aisle. looking
from side to side as if searching for va
cant seat, very few of which were now
left. Sill advancing. he finally got with
in the little enclosed altar, and ascending
to the pulpit took off his old gray over