The Hillsdale standard. [volume] (Hillsdale, Mich.) 1851-1909, 1853-03-01
THE ELEVENTH COMMANDMENT.

T. s. ARTHUR tells q good story, wo heard
years ago, about loving couple in New Jer
sey, who belonged to the Methodist Church,
A new presiding Elder, Mr. N. was expected
in that district; and, as the ministers all stop
ped with brother w. and his wife, every prepa-
ration was made to give him cordial recep.
tion. The honest couple thought that religion
in part, consisted in making somo parade, and
therefore the parlor was put in order, nice
fire was made, and the kitchen replenished
with cakes, chickens, and every delicacy, pre-
paratory TO cooking.
While Mr.. w. was out at his wood pilo, q
plain looking, coarscly dressed, but quiet.likt
pedestrian came along, and enquired the dis
tance to the next town. He was told that il
was three miles. Being very inclement, he
asked permission 10 enter and warm himself
Assent was given very grudgingly, and both
went into the kitchen. The wife looked dag
gers at his unimcly intrusion, for the stranger
had on cowhido boots. an old hat, and thread
but neatly patched coat. At length she gave
him chair beside the Dutch oven which was
baking nice cakes for the Presiding Elder who
was momeutarily expected and was to preach
tho next day at the church, n mile or two bo.
yond.
The stranger, after warming himself, prepar.
ed to leave, but tho weather became more in.
clement, and as his appetite was reused by the
viands abyut the fire, he asked for some little
refreshment ero he set out on a cold walk to
the town beyond. Mrs. w. was displeased
but on consultation with her husband, some cold
bacon and bread were set on old table, and he
was somewhat grnffly told to eat. 1t was
growing dark, and hints were thrown out, that
the stranger had better depart, as it was three
long miles to town. Tho wife grew pctulant
MS the new preacher did not arrive and her
husband sat whisiling the air of "Auld Lang
Sync." while he he thought of the words Of the
words of the hymn--"Wh hen can read my IT,
tie clear and felt rs if he could order the
the stranger off without any further ode.
The homoly meal was at last concluded
the man thanked them kindly for the hospital
ity he had received, and opened the door to
60. But il was quite dark, and clouds denoting
n storm filled tho heavens.
"You say it is full three miles to D."
IL do replied Mr.. w. coldly. 81 said SC
when you first stopped, and you ought to have
pushed on, like prudent man. You conld
have reaccd there before it was quite dark
"Aut | was cold and hungry, and might have
tainted on tho way
The manner of saying this touched the far.
mcr's feelings little.
"Xou have warmep me and fed me, for which
| am thankful. Will you not bestow another
act of kindness upon one who is in strange
place, and. il he goes out in the darkness, may
loose himself and perish in tho coldY
The peculiar form in which this request was
made, and the tone in which il was uttered
put it out of the power of tho farmer to say no.
go in there and sit down." he answered,
pointing to the kitchen, ''und will see my
wife and hear what she says"
And Mr. w. won't into tho parlor where the
supper table stood, covered with q hite
cloth, and displaying his wife's set of bluo-
sprigged china, that was only brought out on
special occasions.
The tall mould candles were burning there
on, and on the hearth blazed cheerful fire.
"IIasn't that aid fellow gone yetT asked Mrs.
w. She heard his voice as he returned from
the door.
"No, and what do you suppose: Ho wants
us 10 let him stay all night
Indeed, well do no such thing! We can't
have the likes of him in the house 70 how
Where could he sleep!
".Not in tho best room, even if Mr.. N. should
not come"
"No. indeed!'
"But really, don't see, Jane how we can
turn him out of doors. He doesn't look like a
very strong man. and its dark and cold, and full
three miles to d."
ats too much. lie ought tn have cono on
whilehe had daylight, and not fingered here as
he did till it got dark
1--WE can't turn him out Of doors, Jane, and
its no use to think of it. He will have to stay
now1'
but what can VIC do with him.
He seems like decent man at least; and
does mt look as if he had anything bad bout
him. We might make him bed on the floor
somewhere
Il wish he bad been i'm Guinea before he
camel said Mrs. w. fre,fuly. The disappoi-
ntment and conviction that Mr.. ~ would not
arrive, occasioned her to feel angry, and tho
intrusion of so unwelcome a visitor as the strau-
GER completely unhinged her mind.
20, well, Jano. replied her husband, in a
soothing tone, never mind. We must make
tho best of it, He came to us tired and hun
gry, and we warmed and fed him. He now
asks shelter for the night, and we must not re-
fuse him, nor grant his request i'm complain
ing or reluctant spirit You know what the
Bible says about entertaining angels unawaresl
ANGELS. did you ever see an angel look like
himY
Having never seen an adgel, said the farm
er smilieng. Il am unable to speak as to their
appearance.
This had tho effect to call an answering
ing to the heart. It was finally agreed between
them that the man. as he seemed like decent
kind fperson, should be permitted to occupy
the minister's room, if the individual did not
arrive. an event to which they both now look
cd with but small expectancy. If he did come
why the man would have to put up with poorer
accommodations.
When Mr.. w. returned 10 the Kitchen where
tho stranger had seated himself before the fire
he Informed him that they had decided to 10,
him stay all night. The man expressed in a
few words his grateful sense of the kindness
and then became silent and thoughtful. Soon
after, the farmers wife, giving up al. hope oi
Mr.. Ne. arrival, had supper taken up. which
consisted of coffee. warm short cake and broil-
cd chickens. After all was on the table short
conference was held as to whether il would dc
not TO invite the stranger into supper. IL was
true they had given HIM as much bread and
bacon as he could eat. but then, as long as he