Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1855-07-25
MISCELLAN Y.
A Cle--v,nan Turned Soldier.

A Clergyman Turned Soldier.
Some twenty years ago, young man, whom |
shall name Jamie" was pastor of q large con-
greration Of the Established Church of Scotland.
Atschool and at college he was distinguished for
his love of learning, and, rs minister, was unrl-
vailed for his eloquence and mental attalnments
He had been settled about year, and was upon
the eve Of being married TO fine young woman.
whom he had beloved from childhood when the
heri,ors and several English gentlemen, who
were then on q visit to The North attended Kirk
to hear the famous preacher. He more than ver-
ifei his fame he euraptured his audience. His
theme was the story of his church. It's many
years of disastrous mars, It's martyrs, its heroes,
It's uGdying hope, even when despair seemed to
shroud it in endless nights its unwearied tolls and
its iaal triunphs were each in turn presented to
the minds OF the hearers, with power and feel
ing That defy description. lie stood the genius of
elOluence perSonjied. But there was one among
his hearers who was not bewildered by his glow
ing pictures.
The gentle hearted Bella, his betrothed, when
the congregation dispersed, followed him 10 the
manse. He received her in his study, but while
conducting her TO 4 chair she sank upon the floor,
and burst into tears. 90, jamie! Jame!" she
exclaimed, as he raised her tenderly in his arms,
and seated her on Il sofa, ''ye hae broken my pur
n6dTl! llOW 81. NY Delld GA pldlu! Ae
were drunk. raving drunk. Jamie. and wonder
the elders did nae tax ye out o the pulpit! Ye
whned and ranted, and sometimes, God 0rgie
me for saying sac, / thought saw the Evil One
standing beside you. laughing aud clapping you
on the shoulder. My pnir brain reeled-l was
mad, ard knew it--i'ln mad now Gamma live
out this day feel my blood ireeze-O, God, be
merclu to me, sinner, aud save, o, save my
Jame!" Her head recliued upon his bosom, she
gazed upon him for u moment, and expired in his
arms.
lie had preached his last sermon. No entrea,
ties OF I congregation who loved him-no flatter-
ing offers Of future preIermeut, rendered by the
gentry, could induce him to resume his labors as
minister
Five or six years passed when the writer Of this,
who was his schooieow, accidentally met him
ia London. jamie was then one of the principal
teachers in large educational establishment, and
was highly esteemed Tor the moral excellence of
his character, as well as his varied learning and
skill as a successful teacher. lie was dressed in
deep mourning, Stunned society, and when the
labors Of the day closed, be either wandered alone
through the streets, or reared to his lodgings
The scene Of Bella's death was ever present to his
memory.
Her pure soul. he said. saw him as ha was,
IL
Dase of concentrating his thoughts and infusing
life into his ssru1ns, he was in the habit OF talk
ing glass Of whjs!ley before entering the pulpit.
The morning before he preached the fatal sermon,
he fell rather nervous, for he knew there would
be strangers to hear him, and he took nearly two
glasses. What he said. or how he conducted
bim5olt, no effort of memory could recall-the
death OF Bella alone had merged into itself the
doings of that dreadful day. The compliments
which he received slunded in his ears like satire
and mocSary, and the very name Of liquor i'm
pressed him with horrOrl
He left home and came to London, where he
Obtained situation rs teacher but everything
appeared 50 black to him that he expressed fear
he should, in some unguarded moment, destroy
himself
His friend, who was a sailor, suggested some
active employment. that woud call into play his
pIyssll flcuIjies. and thus give his mind spell,
AMI ended By offering TO procure him place be,
FIRE the INST in ship II like your suggestion" ,"
h, said. s.bnt dislike the sea-" Then turn sol
der and seek employment in India. where there
is always plenty of lighting" Il Will" ne Said'
so,inrinr frln his chair when my engagemen NJ
expires, will purchase an Ensign's commission
/ wonder the thought never suggested ltsell 10
ma, for any ancestors as far back as | can trace
them, We're soldiers. Better, far better, die on
the field Of battle, than fall by epc's own hand -
We separated