The Westerly echo, & Pawcatuck advertiser. [volume] (Westerly, R.I.) 1854-1858, 1855-05-24

lsequently one of the most Influential.
f" I've hearn tell" he continued, of q
parson that could pray for rain, and
have it come at any time. Now if we
could hit upon such a parson as that, [
would go in for hiring him."
This opened new idea to the un-
sophisticated minds Of Fallowdale. The
farmers often suffered from long
droughts, and after arguing while
longer, they agreed to hire Parson Sur
ley upon the condition that he should
give them rain whenever they wished
for it, and, on the other hand, that he
would also give them fair weather when
required Deacons Smith and Town
shend were deputized to make this ar
rangement known to the parson, and the
people remained in the church while
their messengers went upon their errand.
When the deacons returned, Mr..
Surley accompanied them. He smiled
as he entered the church, and with a
graceful bow he saluted the people there
assembled.
"Well, my friends" he said, as he
ascended the platform in front of the
desk, =" have come to accept the pro-
posal but l can do it only on one con-
dition and that is that your request for
a change Of weather must be unan-
iimous." .-, .g.,
| This appeared very reasonable, since
every member had deep interest in
the farming business, and ere long it
was arranged that Mr.. SurIey should
become the pastor Of Fallowdale, and
that he should give the people rain
whenever they asked for it
When Mr.. Surley returned to his
lodgings, his wife was utterly astounded
upon learning the nature of the contract
her husband had entered into but the
pastor only smiled, and bade her wait
tor the result.
But you know you cannot make it
RAIN" persisted Mrs. Surley; land you
know, to, that the farmers here will
be wanting rain very often when there
is none for them. You will be dis
graced.o
81 will learn them a lesson," quietly
returned the pastor.
" Aye-that you cannot be SO good
as your word and when you have
learned it to them they will turn you
off"
eve shall see," was Mr.. Surley'sI
reply, as he took up book and com
menced reading.
This was a signal for the wife to desist
from further conversation on the sub
ject, 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 taincd, and the
young corn began to curl up beneath
the elects of the drought. In this ex-
tremity the people bethought themselves
of the promise of their pastor, and some
of them fastened to his dwelling.
Come" said Sharp, whose hilly
farm was suffering severely, "we want
some rain. You remember your pro-
mise"
" Certainly" returned Mr.. Surley.
" If you will call for meeting of the
members of the parish, l will be with
you this evening"
With this the applicants were per-
fectly satisfied, and forthwith fastened
to call the flock together.
"Now you will see the hour of your
disgrace" said Mrs Surley, after the
visitors had gone. 40, | am very sorry
you ever undertook to deceive them So"
CT did not deceive them"
Yes, you surely did,"
I'VE shall see," responded the pas
tor.
$50 we shall sce," added the lady.
The hour for the meeting came
around, and Parson Surley met his peo-
ple at the church. They we're all there
most of them anxious, and the re-
mainder curious.
"Now, my friends" said the pastor,
arising upon the platform, "I have
come to hear your request. What is
it 7" 20 a.'-.r % ...
"We want rain" bluutly spoke Far-l