Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1856-07-30
A ROMANTIC STORY.

Some twenty years ago young man whom
! shall call ''Jamie,' was the pastor of large
congregation of the established Church of
distinguished for his love of learning, and as
minister was distinguished for his eloquence
and mental attainments. He had been set
tied about year, and was upon the eve of be-
ing married toa fine young woman whom he
had loved from childhood, when the heritors
and several English gentlemen who were then
on visit to the North, attended the kirk to
hear the famous preacher. He more than YER
lfied his fame; he enraptured his audience.
His theme was the story of his church. Its
many disastrous wars, its martyrs, its undyng
hopes, even when despair seemed to shroud it
in endless night, its unwearied tolls, and its
final triumphs, were each in turn presented to
the minds of the hearers, with a power and
feeling which defy description. He stood the
genius of eloquence personiied. But there
was one among his hearers who was not bewil-
dered by his glowing pictures.
The gentle hearted Belle, his betrothed,
when the congregation dispersed, followed
him to the manse. He received her in his
study, but while conducting her to the chair
she sank to the floor and burst into tears.
go Jamie ~ she exclaimed, as he raised her
tenderly in his arms, and seated her on a sofa,
''ye has broken my puir heart''
ssHow SO, my Belle explain.'
ssIe were drunk, Jamie, and L wonder the
elders did nae tax We o. the pulpit Ye whin-
ed and ranted, and sometimes, God forgive
r1,a fors ax-ip I T ~
standing behind you, laughing and clapping
you on the shoulder. My poor brain recled
i was mad and knew it-I'm mad now-I
cannalire out this day feelmy blood freeze
Oh, God be merciful to me a sinner, and save,
oh, save my Jamie! 20
Her head reclined upon his bosom, she ga
zed upon him for moment, and expired in
his arms
He had preached his last sermon. No en-
treaties of congregation who loved him-no
hattering offers of future preferment 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 schoolfelIow, accidentally
met him in London. jamie was then one of
the principal teachers in large educational
establishment, and was highly esteemed for
his moral excellence of character, as well as
his learning and skill as a successful teacher.
He was dressed in deep mourning, summed
society, and when the labors of the day closed
he either wandered alone through the streets,
or retired to his lodgings. The scene of Bellies
death was ever present to his memory.
Her pure soul, he said, saw him as he was,
a poor, vain, self-conceited sinner.-FOr the
purpose of concentrating his thoughts, and in
fusing life into his sermons, he was in the hab-
it OF taking glass of whiskey before enter
ing the pulpit.-The morning before he preach
ed the fatal sermon he felt 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 himself-no effort could
recall-thc death of Belle alone had merged
IN itself the doings of that fearful day. The
compliments which he received sounded in
his ears like satire and mockery, and the very
name of liquor impressed him with horror.
He left home and came to London, where he
obtained situation as teacher; but every
thing appeared SO black to him that he express
sed fear he should, in some unSuarded mo-
ment destroy himself.
His friend, who was asailor, suggested some
active employment that would call into play
his physical faculties, and thus give his mind
aresting spell, before the mast in ship.
81 like Your suggestions" said he, "but L
dislike the sea.''
Then turn soldier and seek employment in
lhdia' where there is always plenty of fight
ing.''
Il WILL he said springing from his chair,
.when my engagement expires. will pur-
chase an enslgn's commission. / wonder the
thought never suggested itself to me, for my