The Union and eastern journal. [volume] (Biddeford [Me.]) 1854-1858, 1856-02-15

sor, tho Rev. Mr.. Smith, and that he an
Mr.. Norton bad nlled tho sslue pulpit 70
the better part Of the last eighty years.
"Mr. Smith, aid she, "wss an e1cell
ent man, and . very ane preacher, but b
had high notions Of himself and family-ir
other word, hs was something Of an aristo
crat." ~ .s.ste .l. CD J.s o.
Ono day uho told me the following ancc
dote Of parson Smith, and several other per
sons Of distinction =
Mr.. Smith had two charming daughters,
Mary was the name Of the eldest, theothen
namo have forgotten. They were admired
by the beaux, and envied by the bellies Oi
the country around. But while the careful
guardians Of the parsons family were hold
ing consultation ON the subject, 1t was ri.
.s,oreht.nt two young Awyep-I think
both Of the neighboring town Of Quincy-a
Mr.. Cnnch, and Mr.. Adams-werc pay.
ing their addresses to the Misses smith
As every man, woman, and child, Of q coun-
try parish in New England is acquainted
with whatever occurs in the parsons family,
all the circumstances Of the courtship soon
transpired.
Mr.. Crunch was Of respectable family
of some note, was considered 4 young man
of promise, and altogether worthy Of the al
lance he sought. He was very acceptable
to Mr.. Smith, and was greeted by himself
and his family, with great respect and cor
diality. He was received by the eldest
as lover, and was, in fact, q
young man great respectability. Hc af-
rose to the dignity Of Judge Of the
Court of Common Pleas, Of Massachusetts,,
and was the father of the present Judge
Cnnch, of the District of Columbia.
The suitor of the other daughter was John
Adams, who afterward became President Of
the United States. But, at that time, in
the opinion of Mr.. Smith and family, he
gave but slender promise Of the distinction
to which he aftcrward arrived. His preten-
sions were scornod by all the family, except
ing the young lady to whom his addresses
were especially directed. Mr.. Smith showed
him none Of the ordinary civilities Of his
house he was not asked to partake Of the
Of the table, and 1t Is reported
that his horse was doomed to share with his
master, the neglect and modification to
which he was subject, for he was frequently
seen shivering in the cold, and gnawing the
post at the parsons door, Of long winter
evenings. In short It was reported that
the parson had intimated to him that his
visits were unacceptable, and that he would
confer favor by discontinuing them. He
told his daughter that John Adams was un-
worthy of her-that his father was an hon.
est man, and a trsdesman, who had tried to
initiate John in shc art Of husbandry and
shocmaking, but without success and that
he sent him to college as last ,esort. He
begged his daughter not to think Of making
an alliance with one 80 much beneath her.
Miss Smith was among the most dutiful
of daughters, but she saw Mr.. Adams
through a medium very different from that
in which her father viewed him. She
would not for the world offend or disobey
her father but John saw something in her
eye and manner, which seemed to say "per-
severe" and on that hint he acted Mr..
Smith. like good parson and an affection.
ate father, had told his daughters that II
they married with Interpretation, he would
preach each Of them sermon on the Sab
bath after the joyful occasion; and that
they should have the privilege Of choosing
the text.
The cspoual of the Oldest daughter, Mary,
arrived, and she was united to Mr.. Cranch
in the holy bonds, with the approval, the
blessings and the benedictions Of her parents
and friends. Mr.. Smith then said, "My
dutiful child, an now ready to prepare
your sermon for uext Sunday. What do
you select for your teIt?'
"My dear father" said Mary, az have
selected the latter part Of the forty-sccond
verse of Luke Mary hath chosen the
good part, which shall never DO taken from
her."
"yery good, my daughter" said he, and
10 sermon was preached.
Mr.. Adams persevered in his suit, in def
ancc of all opposition. 1t was many years
lfter, and on different occasion, and In re-
'istancc ofvery different opposition, that he
uttered these memorable words-"Sink or
swim, 1.-Two or die, survive or perish, give
my heart and hand to this measure" But,
though the measures were different, the
spirit was the ame. Besides, he had a.
ready carried the main point Of attack-thc
heart Of the young lady-and he knew the
Of the citadel must soon follow
After the usual hesitation and delay that at
.ended such an unpleasant affair, Mr..
smith, seeing that resistance was fruitless,
yielded the contested point with as much
grace as possible, rs many prudent father
has done before and since that time. Mr..
Adams was united to the lovely Mis- Smith.
After the marriage was over, and oil things
we're settled in quiet, Mrs. Adams remarked
70 her father. "You preached sister Mary
, sermon on the occasion Of her marriage
Won't you preach me one likewise"
eyes, my dear girl" said Mr.. Smith !;
choose your tczt, and you shall have your
,crmon."
"well," said the daughter, al have cho-
zen the thirty-third verse Of the seventh
chapter Of Lake: For John came, neither
rating bread nor drinking wine, and 70 ay