The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1856-08-28

tgure, riding slowly on horseback, comes round
the bend of the forest path. 1t is father Dick.
son. 1t was the habit of this good nan, much
of whose life was spent in solitary journeyings,
to use the forest arches for that purpose, for
which they seemed so well designed, as a great
cathedral of prayer and praise. He was riding
with the reins loose over the horses neck, and
pocket.Bible in his hand Occasionally he
broke oat into snatehes OF song, Ike the one
which we heard him singing few moments ago.
AS he rides along now, he seems absorbed in
mental prayer. Father Dickson, in truth, had
cause to pray. The plainness of speech which
he felt bound to use, had drawn down upon him
opposition and opprobrium, and alienated some
Of his beet friends. The support which many
had been willing to contribute to his poverty
was entirely withdrawn. His wife, in feeble
health, was toiliug daily beyond her st-cl
anu munger nau looked in at the door, but each
day prayer bad driven it away. The petition,
" Give us THIS DAY our daily bread )" had not
yet failed to bring an answer; but there was no
bread for tomorrow. Many friendly advisers
had told him that, If he would relinauish futile
and useless undertaking, he should have enough
and to spare. He had been conferred with by
the elders in vacant church, in the town of
E., who said to him, awe enjoy your preach
ing when you let alone controverted topics; and
is you'll agree to conhne yourself solely to toe
Gospel, and say nothing on any of the delicate
and exciting subjects of the day, we shall rejoice
In your ministrstions." They pleaded with him
his poverty, and the poor health of his wife, and
the necessities of his children; but he answered,
Man shall not live by bread alone God is
able to feed me, and he will do it." They went
away, saying that he was a fool, that he was
crazy. He was not the first whose brethren had
said, He is beside HIMSELF
Is he rode along through the forest paths, he
talked of his wants to his Master "Thou
knowest," be said, show suffer. Thou knowest
how feeble my poor wife is, and how it distresses
us both to have our children grow up without
education. We cast ourselves on thee Let us
not deny thee let US not betray thee. Thou
hadst not where to lay thy head; let us not
murmur. The disciple is not above his master,
nor the servant above his lord" And then he
sang:
"Jesus my Cross have taken,
All to leave and follow thee;
Naked, poor, despised, forsaken
Thou my all henoeforth shalt be-
Let the world despse and leave me
They have left my Saviour too
Human looks and words deceive me
Thou art not, like them, untrue!
And, while thou shalt smile upon me-
God of wisdom, power, and might,
Foes may hate, and friends disowI me,
And, as he sang and prayed, that strange Joy
arose within him which, like the sweetness of
night flowers, Is born of darkness and tribula-
ton. The soul hath in it somewhat of the d.
vine, in that it can have Joy in endurance be-
yond the JOY of indulgence.
They mistake who suppose that the highest
happiness lies in wishes accomplished pros
perity, wealth, favor, and success. There has
been JOY in dungeons and on racks passing
the JOY in harvest JOY strange and solemn,
mysterious even to its possessor-a white stone,
dropped from that signet-ring, peace, which a
dying Saviour took from his own bosom, and
bequesthed to those who endured the cross, de-
spising the shame.
As father Dickson rode on, he lifted his voice,
in solemn exultation:
"S2ul, then know thy full salvation;
Rise DER fear, doubt, and care;
Joy 10 ind, in every station,
Something still to do or bear,
Think what spirit dwells within thee;
Think what Fathers smiles are thine;
Think that Jesus died to win thee;
Child Of heaven, wilt thou repine -
At this moment, DIR. Gushing, in the abun-
dsnt comforts of his home, might have envied
father Dickson in his desertion and poverty.
For that peace seldom visited him. He strug-