The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1854-07-19
A Young Robber Reclaimed.
BY ALLEN NJ. SCOTT.

these lines, and who first saw "sweetlight''
in Tennessee or Kentucky, will remember
the Rev. John Craig. This gentleman
was of the Methodist persuasion, OF the
original Asbury school. and he, like most
which we allude, was noted alike for his
plainness of dress, and a strict walk and
reproof of sin in what form soever it made
its appearance, and under any and all cir
cumstances. st
Mr.. Craig was one Of the first preachers
TO visit the section, called Middle Tennes-
see. now so populous and powerful. but
then (laOI mere wilderness. He was
an itenerant His circuit extended from
Powell's Valley. east OF the mountains. to
the extreme western settlements on the
Cumberland and Duck Rivers. The set
Elements of the white men were "few and
far belween;" no public roads had been
stablished-those distant neighborh orhoods
we're connected only by faint traces, which
were but seldom travelled.
Mr.. G. was exposed to many hardships.
He lay down on hard beds. slept in open
cabins. and shared many a scanty repast.
But he was man, OF energy, and his zeal
never Jagged nor grew weary. tie felt the
Importance OF his mission. and urged on
by his zeal in his Masters cause, and the
good OF souls. he waded SHOWS and foods,
braved the fury of the winds, surmounted
all difficulties, and carried the glad iidings
of salvation to the new settlers.
The writer was born in Middle Tennes-
see. and although but a mere. child when
i L. - H. e. IA
in his mind as the events of yesterday
In 1880. Rev. Mr.. C. came, late one
evening. TO my fathers and passed the
night al our house. During the evening
after family prayers had been offered by
him. before retiring to bed, he gave to my
aiher. in my presence. an anecdo,e which
was sinssubstance the following: f
Many years before. MIR Craig was pass
ing from East Tennessee to the Duck river
country. His way led him along dim
path through mountain pass, amid crag
gy rocks. near awful precipices and fright
iul chasms. Suddenly young man sprapg
from behind huge rock. and with heavy
rifle presented at Mr.. Craig. demanded his
money. a4s0a aia; taae Is = aaT
MIR. G. regarded the robber with look
of peculisr discrimin alton peculiar to him
self, as he reined up his horse and said.
"Young man, you'll have never robbed be-
fore. What has brought you to- this?"
The robber again demanded his money
thre ea,ening instant death if the other did
not comply eis5 q e1'zs
Mr.. Craig answered, .'This is your firs1
attempt You have been better raised
| Your mother-''
Instantly the young man dashed down
his gun and burst into tears saying that in
deed he had been taught better things. And
he cried most bitterly. - - @et
Mr.. Craig tied his horse to limb. alight
ed and invited the trembling youth to b.
seated near him on fiat rock. The young
man instantly complied. when Mr. Craig
in mild and engaging manner. asked
how he happened to become robber.
/ The other told him that he had beer
raised in Virgnia--his parents were ir
easy circumstances in life, and members o
tthe Presbyterian church-that they hat
educated him religiously, and lavished OF
him all the affections characteristic Of pa
rental love. About eighteen months sine.
he had married against their will and witt
his young and beautiful vile. he had mad
his way into this new and unsettled coun
try. His parents had given him no assis
tance. and having but little on which I,
; commence life. and falling sick. had wei
nigh starved. In the depth of his distress
, he had, as a last altern alive, resolved L
make one robbery, only one. and after
, wards live honestly. aa .1sA' 2
Mr.. Craig, in the spirit Of love, pointe
out his error. He told him he should hav
gone to his Heavenly Father, and mad
known his wants-that his tender mercie
are over all his works, and none that trus
{ in him shall ever want. The young ma
; was all tears-all penitence.
Il Mr.. Craig arose. went to his horse. an
taking off his saddle bags. said-'.l. toe
, am poor. own no foot Of land--no co,
| age in the wilderness is mine. | have bu
lthirty.one dollars in the world, and resery
ing one dollar only. in The name Of III
l"Giver of all good" present you wit
, thirty dollars. Take this little sum, as on
! sent you from Heaven. and God and hi
angels are witnesses that you proInis
| amendment in future. q tts 6ts& q
G Mr. Craig then prayed with and for th
E astonished young man and took an affec
; tionate leave. . N5'8 g.
fy* y *rNa& eeli@lci *as%ut. SO
Il Thirty long years have elapsed. We.
! Tennessee is wilderness no more. oTh
4 pale face had felled the forest. The re
II man had Quilted his hunting grounds, an
J. they were chequrred off into thousan
e turrowed fields. MIR. Craig was now a
}. old man. His locks were white as WOO
His children and grandchildren had grow
v up around him. and children Of his spiri
q uai charge surrounded him like wavin
9 wheat.heads in The harvest field.
J. One sunny eve in Autumn, as the ol
J. preacher sat in the midst Of the famil
!. group, il was told him that gentleman
' the gate wished to speak with him. H
!. went out. and saw an elderly man. neatl
], dressed. riding q fine horse. The strar
h ger asked for accommodations for tn
night. This being granted, he Gismoun
a ed. and with Mr.. Craig he entered til
' house. 4
!. Little beyond the, common civilities
J. life passed between them, until suppt
j. mad been served. The elderly genllema
O asked Mr.. Craig to show him a priyal