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

Some twenty years ago young man WnOm
shall call ssJamie," was the pastor of large
congregation of the established Church of
Scotland. At school and at college he was
distinguished for his love OF learning, and as
a 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 a visit to the North, attended the Kirk to
hear the famous preacher. He more than YER
ified his fame; he enraptured his audience.
His theme was the story of his church. Its
many disastrous wars, its martyrs, its undying
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 personified. But there
was one among his hearers who not bewiI-
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 20 she exclaimed, as he raised her
tcnderly in his arms, and seated her on a sofa,
ssye has broken my puir heart!''
elbow so, my Belle! explain
eye were drunk. Jamie, and wonder the
elders did nae tax ye @ the palpit Ye whin-
ed and ranted, ipess God forgive
:: ::::: :: 8: !: ';:5 !: f: ::::;
i was mad and knew it-In mad now
Gamma live out this day feelmy blood freeze.
Oh, God be merciful to me sinner, and save
oh. save my Jamie 20
Her head reclned 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-nc
f1attering 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 o
this, who his schoolfelow, accidentally
met him in London. Jamie was then one o
the principal teachers in large educationa
establishment, and was highly esteemed fo
his moral excellence of character, well a
his learning and skill as successful teacher
He was dressed in deep mourning, shunne'
society, and when the labors of the day closes
he either wandered alone through the streets
or retired to his lodgings. The scene of Belle
death was ever present to his memory.
Her pure soul, he said, saw him as he was
poor, vain, self-conceited sinner.-For tn
purpose of concentrating his thoughts, and in
fusing life into his sermons, he was in the hat
it OF taking glass of whskey before enter
ing the pulpit.-The morning before he preach
ed the fatal sermon he felt rather nervous, fo
he knew there would be strangers to hear him
and he took nearly two glasses. What he sal
or how he conducted himsell-no effort coul
recall-the death of Belle alone had merge
in itself the doings of that fearful day. Th
compliments which he received sounded
his ears like satire and mockery. and the Yer
name of liquor impr essed him with horror.
He left home and came to London, where b
obtained situation as teacher; but every
thing appeared so black to him that he EXPIRE:
ment destroy himself.
His friend, who was sailor, suggested som
active employment that would call into pia
his physical faculties, and thus give his min
a resting spell, before the mast in ship.
81 like your suggestion," said he, ssbut
dislike tho sea.''
"Then turn soldier and seek employment
India, where there is always plenty of figh
ing"
"I will,'' he said springing from his chat
"when my engagement expires. l will pu
chase an ensign's commission. / wonder ii
thought never suggested itself to me, for n