Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1853-08-04
Wolf-Soalp---Special Providence

The old log meeting house in which Pres
MIA had long worshipped had fallen so much into
decay, that meeting of the church was called,
10 consider the proprety OF taking measures for
the erection of new house. Moved with a
zeal for the honor of Gods house, and with
spirit of selEdenying liberality, not 100 common
in these more prosperous days, the meeting re-
solved at once TO commence a subscription for
the purpose. A paper was properly headed, and
handed to the ruling elder of the church first,
and 1t was naturally expected that they should
set an example of beraliIy to the people. One
Of them was poor man in this worlds goods,
but-rich in faith, who walked with God, and
acknowledged him in all his ways lie felt
constrained 10 set down his name ior eight dollars,
large sum for man in his circumstances, and
in those days-nore than half century before
California had begun to pour her golden treas.
ures into the land. He hoped, by industry and
economy with the blessing of God, to raise the
sum before the time of payment should arrive,
which was many months ahead but everything
seemed to 60 against him. With all his cxer-
lions he had not oeen able to save dollar, after
defraying his most frugal household expenses.
To add to his perpexity, he oN ed bill of two
dollars for taxes, which was 10 be paid at the
same time. With heavy heart, he started on
foot to the place of meeting, which was at the
county town, several miles Distant with his rifle
on his shouder-the backwoodsman's insepara-
Bile companion in th1se days, when hostile
Indian or d wild beast might be expected at any
moment to cross his path. AS ho proceeded on
his solitary way through the woods, he was per-
mitted to talk iamiliarly with the Lord on the
subject of his painful dilemma and we may
suppose that he plead with him somewhat in this
maenner:
"Lord, thou knowest that it was not in any
spirit of vain boasting that took on inc this OBJ
legation, but in humble reliance on thy provi-
dence, and with single eye to thy glory. Wilt
thou not, then graciousy interfere to save thy
servant from the disgrace et broken pledge,
and thy holy cause, which is dearer to him than
life, from discredt and reproach? Thou hast
all power in heaven and earth. The silver and
the gold are thine. ask not for my righteous
ness sake, but for thine own names sake. |
believe Lord help mine unbelief!"
While thus pleading, all his burden was re.
moved, and he felt all assurance that all would
be well: but how, he could not imagine. He
had nearly reached his destination, when he
perceived large wolf standing right across his
path, as if speilbouud, and awaiting his fate
Raising bis trusty rifle and taking an unerring
aim, he brought the animal to the ground with
a ball through the heart. In few minutes he
had his pleading scalp removed, and deposited
safely in his pocket, and went on his way re.
ioicng in the Lord. But what was the ground
of his exultaton and gratitude? Was it de.
liverance from danger? No; he was too true
backwoodsman to fear any monster Of the for.
est while he had his rife in his hand. Wait
reader, and you shall learn. When he reached
the town, he proceeded straight to the Office Of
the county treasurer, and handed him his wolf
scalp, and at the same time his bill for taxes
The farmers had suffered so much in their hocke
from the depredations Of wolves, that reward
had been offered for the scalp of every vol
killed within the county. The treasurer taking
it, said, need not put you to our oath that the
wolf to which this belonged was killed within
this country find it is still warm"
Putting receipt on his bill for two dollars
he handed him eight dollars, the balance Of the
premium. Thence the good man proceeded to
The church meeting, and, with feelings of de-
light which may be more easily conceived thar
expressed, he paid his subscription to the new
meeting house.
Let the skep,ic talk of lucky accident, ant
laugh of the credality which can see the fngc
of God in this; envy him not. TO me, it is
most RATIONAL as well as consoling truth, that no
sparrow falls to the ground without our Heaven
ly Father; and while believe that Elijah wa
literally fed by" raven" and not by " merchant,
or :" Arabans," or by the inhabitants of Arbo,
as some theological commentators would trans
late the word, in order to ignore special prov
idence, am prepared to believe any well au
tIlanticated fact of Divine interposion in be
half of Gods afflicted and believing people,
Presbyterian. ....