The Richmond Indiana palladium. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1854-1855, 1855-05-31

month, word came that the flour was ready
to 90 to market. Again the people were
called together. After an earnest prayer the
question was asked, "Who will run the -four
to New Orleans?' This was startling
question. The work was perilous in the ex-
treme, months must pass before the adven-
turer could hope 10 return, even though his
Journey should be fortunate; nearly all the
wav a wilderness. and gloomy tales had been
one boats crew had gone on that journey and
came back no more. Who, then, would en-
dure the toll, and brave the danger?"
None volunteered: the young shrank back,
and the middle aged had their excuse. The
scheme at last seemed likely to fail Al
length hoary headed man. an elder in the
church. Sky four years of age, arose, and TO
the astoniShment of the assembly, said.
Here am I-send me-" The deepest feelin q
al once pervaded the whole assembly. To see
their veueraied old elder thus devote himself
for their good melted them all TO tears
They gathered around Father Smiley to learn
that his resolution was indeed aiken; rather
than lose theiI pastor he would brave danger,
toll, and even death. After some delay and
trouble, two young men, Induced by hope
Of a large reward, to 90 as his assistants y
dav was appointed for starting. Tho young
Father Smiley and their deep interest in the
object Of his mission, gathered together, and,
with their pastor at their head, came down
from Tie church, fifteen miles away, 10 the
bank Of the river, to bid tue old man farewell,
Then prayer was offered up by their pastor,
a parting hymn was sung. There" said
the old Scotchman, unite the cable. and let
US see what the Lord will do far u.s. This
was done, and the boat hoated slowly away.
More than nine months passed, and no word
back from Father Smiley. Many a
prayer had been bIeathed for him, but what
his fate was unknown. Another Sabbath
came, the people came together for worship.
and there, on his rude bench before the
preacher, composed and devout. sat Father
Smiley. After the services. the people were
requested to meet early in the week to hear
the report. All came again. After thanks
had been returned to God for his safe return
Father Smiley rose and told his story; that the
Lord had prospered his mission, that he had
sold his flour for twenty seven dollars bar
rel and then got safely back He then drew
a large purse and poured upon the table a
larger pile of gold than most of the specta
tors had ever seen before. The young man
were paid each a hundred dollars. Father
Smiley was asked his charges He meekly
replied that he ought 10 have the one
OF the young men. though ne hau not done
quite as much work. 1t was Immediately
proposed to pay him three hundred dollars.
This he refused to receive until the pastor was
paid. Upon counting the money. it was found
there money enough to pay what was
due Mr., smith, 10 advance has salary tor the
year to come. to reward Father Smiley with
three hundred dollars, and then have a large
dividend for each contributor. Thus their
debts were paid, their pastor relieved; and,
while life lasted, he broke for them the bread
of life The bones of both pastor and elder,
l believe have long reposed in the same
churchyard but grateful posserity still tell
this pleasing story of the past"