Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1853-11-09
Parson SureIy's Experiment.
BY AUSTIN C. BURDIcE.

The small parish at Followdale had beer
for some time without pastor. The mem.
f bers were nearly all farmers, and they hae
not much money to bestow upon clergy
f man yet they were willing to pay for any
thing that could promise them any due re-
turn of good. In course Of time, it happen
ed that the Rev. Abraham Surely visited
Fallowdale, and as Sabbath passed during
his sojourn, he held a meeting in the small
church. The people were pleased, and
some of them proposed inviting him TO re-
main with them, and take charge of their
spiritual welfare.
Upon the merits of the proposition, there
was long dicussion. Parson Surely had
signifed his willingness to take permanent
residence at Fallowdale, but the members
of the parish could not so readily agree to
hire him.
Il don't see the use of hiring parson, y
said Mr.. Sharp, an old farmer of the place.
"He can do US no good. If we've any mo-
ney to spare, we'd better lay it up for
something else. a parson can't learn me
anything"
To this it was answered, that stated reli-
gious meetings would be Of great benefit to
the younger people, and also source Of re-
al social good to all.
II don't know bout that, said Sharp, af-
ter he had heard the arguments against
him. Sharp was one of the wealthiest men
in the parish, and consequently one of the
most influential. II have heard tell, " he
continued, "of parson that would pray for
rain, and have it come at any time. Now
if we could hit upon such parson as that,
l would go in for hiring him."
This opened new idea to the unsophIs-
ticated minds of Fallowdale. The farmers
often suffered from long droughts, and after
arguing awhile longer they agreed to hire
Parson Surely upon the condition that he
would give them rain whenever they wish
ed for it, and, on the other hand, that he
would also give them fair weather when re-
quired. Deacons Smith and Townsend
were deputised to make this arrangement
known to the parson, and the people re-
NAMED in the church while their messen-
gers went upon their errand.
When the deacons returned Mr. Surely
accompanied them. He smiled, as he en-
tered the church, and with graceful bow
he saluted the people there assembled.
"Well, my friend, said he, as he ascend
ed the platform IN front Of the desk, have
heard your request to me, and, strange as
it may appear have come to accept your
proposal; but can do it only on one con-
dition and that is that your request for
change of weather must be unanimous"
This appeared very reasonable, since ev-
cry member of the parish had been inter-
ested in the farming business, and ere long
it was arranged that Mr.. Surely sould be-
come the pastor of Fallowdale, and that he
should give the people rain whenever they
asked for 1t.
When Mr.. Surely returned to his lodg-
ings, his wife was utterly astounded upon
learning the nature of the contract her hus-
band had entered into, bu! the pastor only
smiled, and bade her wait for the result.
"But you know you cannot make 1t
rain," persisted Mrs. Surely; Sand you
know, too, that the farmers here will be
wanting rain very often when there is none
for them. You will he disgraced.''
IL will learn them lesson" quietly re-
turned the pastor.
"Ay, that you cannot be as good as your
word and when you have learned it to
them, they will tuln you off.
"We shall see" was Mr.. Surely's reply,
as he took up book and commenced read
ing.
This was signal for the wife to desist
from further conversation on the subject,
and she at once obeyed.
Time flew on and at length the hot days
of midsummer were at hand. For three
weeks it had not rained.and the young corn
was beginning to curl up beneath the eff
fects of the drought In this extremity, the
people bethought themselves of the prom
ise of their pastor, and some of them has
tened to his dwelling.
Come, said Sharp, whose hilly farm
was suffering severely, 1--WE want some
rain. You remember your promise.'
"Certainly," returned Mr.. Surely. "lf
you call for meeting of the members of
the parish, will be with you this even
ing"
With this the applicants were perfectly
satisfied, and forthwith they has'ened to
call the folks together.
Nov you'll see the hour Of your dis
grace" said Mrs. Surely, after the visitors
had gone. "Oh, l am very sorry You un-
dertook to deceive them so.
~ did not deceive them"
eyes, you surely uid.'
ttIVo chall con rasnondod tla o,,tor
$50 we shall see," added the lady.
The hour for the meeting came around,
and Parson Surely met his people at the
church. They were all there most Of them
anxious and the remainder curious.
"Now, my friends" said the pastor, ari-
sing upon the platform. II have come TO
hear your request. What is it,"
"We want rain, bluntly spoke Farmer
Sharp; "and you know you promised to
give it to u.s.
cay, rain /! rain !'' repeated half dozen
voices.
"Very well. Now when will you have
it,"
"This very night. Let it rain all night
long," said Sharp, to which several others
immediately assented.
mo, no; not tonight" cried Deacon
Smith b" have six or seven tons of well,
made hay in the field, and would not have
it wet for anything"
$50 have hay out, J." added Mr.. Peck
"We wont have il rain tonight"
.sThen let it be tomorrow"
"It will take me all day tomorrow to gel
my hay in, said Smith.
Thus the objections came up for the two