The Literary echo, and Pawcatuck advertiser. [volume] (Westerly, R.I.) 1851-1854, 1853-02-24


looking with smile of approval on the
child. "Right! There isn't child of
his age in 10 miles who can't tell you the
ten commandments. Did you ever read
the Bible sir 7" addressing the stranger.
"When was little boy / used to
read it sometimes. But I am sure l
thought there were eleven command
mandments Are you not mistaken
about there being only teni" @
Sister W. raised her hands in un-
feigned astonishment, and exclaimed,
"Could any one believe it," Such
ignorance of the Bible ~
Mr.. w. did not reply, but rose, and
going to one corner of the room where
the good book lay, upon small stand,
he brought it to the table, and, pushing
away his plate, cup and saucer, laid the
volume before him, and opened to that
portion in which the commandments are
recorded. .....-
"Thcre !" he said, placing ais finger
upon the proof Of the strangers error.
Z" There, look for yourself"
The man came round from his side OF
the table and looked over the farmers
shoulder.
"There Ten, dye see Z"
Yes, it does say ten," replied the
man ''and yet it seems to me there
are eleven. am sure always thought
So"
Doesn't it say ten here 2" inquired
Mr.. Wade, with marked impatience in
his voice.
at does, certainly"
Well, what more do you want ?
Can't you believe the Bible :"
90, yes, I believe the Bible; and
yet it strikes me, somehow that there
must be eleven commandments. Hasn't
one been added somewhere else :"
Now this Was too much for brother
and sister w. to, bear Such ignorance
of sacred matters they thodght to be un-
pardonabie. A long lecture followed
in which the man was scolded, 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 retiring for the night.
This request was granted with more
pleasure than any Of the preceding ones.
Shortly after supper the man was
conducted to the little square room, ac-
companied by the Bible. Before leav-
ing him alone, Mr.. w. felt it his duty to
exhcrt him to spiritual things, and he
did SO most earnestly for ten or fifteen
minutes. But he could not see that his
words made much impression; and he
finally left his guest, lamenting his igno-
sance and obduracy.
In the morning he came down, and
meeting Mr.. W., asked him if he would
be so kiud as to lend him razor that
he might remove his beard, which did
not give his face very attractive as
pect. His request was complied with.
ave 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, not doujt-
ing that they would find him there. But
they were disappointed A goodly num-
ber of people were inside the meeting
house and goodly number outside, but
the minister had not arrived.
"Wherc is Mr.. M" inquired doz-
en- voices, as little crowd gathered
around the farmer.
"He hasn't come yet. Something
has detained him. But still look for
him here" i ffl
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 be usually sat. Others, from the
same cause followed his example, and
the little meeting house was soon filed,
and one after another came dropping in.
The farmer, who turned towards the
door each time it was opened, was lit
tie surprised to see his guest Of the pre-
vious night enter, and come slowly along
the aisle, looking from sidc TO side, As il
searching for vacant seat, very few Of
which were now left. Still advancing,
he finally got within the little enclosed
alter, and assembled to the pulpit, took
Of bis old gray oyercoat aud sat down.
| Ru this time Mr.. w. was at his side,