Delaware weekly Republican. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1841-188?, 1857-03-05
THE UNWELCoME PREACHER.
ny ruR REV. J. v. WATSON, D. D.

In the fall of 1928, the Methodists of cer-
tain town in Kentucky concluded that they were
able, though but twenty-five in number, to sup
port preacher by themselves. Accordingly,
they wrote to the conference, requesting the
bishop to make station of their village. But
considering their want Of numerical and finan-
cial sti tiength, it was deemed all-important that
the minister sent them should be man of pop
ular talents, because, unless ho could command
admiration and conciliate the favor of the peo-
pie, there was dagger OF failing to support
him.
They therefore asked for Brother johnson
at that timo ono Of the most popular and etfec-
tive ministers in the state and made the get
ting ofthat particular man the condition upon
which they wished to become station. 10
them it was clear that the destines of Metho-
dism ii not of Christianity itself, in that part-
cular region, depended upon their having she
man they wanted that very year. 1t was
thought advisable however, to station Brother
Johnson elsewhere.
There was in the conference at the time, a
young man who had just been received into full
connection, without experience or reputation
as a preacher, and by nature sngularly disqual-
flied for any position where his sensibilities
were likely to be tried. Tender-hearted and
addicted to gloom, exposure to rude treatment
or, what would be worse, a cold reception from
those to whom no might be sent, would dis
hearten him at once. Some such treatment
most probably awaited any man, save Brother
johnson, who might be sent to the town of
which we speak yet this young man was seec-
ted togo. Fortunately, however, the bishop
was to accompany him.
1t is known to as many as were acquainted
with Bishop George, that his most noticeable
characteristic was prayertulness. The freauen-
cy, fervor, and singular power with which he
addressed the throne Of grace, arc mentioned
us often rs a "reminiscences of him is made
During their journey of two hundred miles on
horseback, the young preacher had abundant
opportunity to observe and to imbibe the spirit
Of this excellent man. Whenever they stop
ped for meals, rest, lodging, or to sec and en-
courage some pious family, whose residence
by the way was known to them, they had
season of prayer.
When about twelve miles from the place of
the young mans destination, at the house of a
Brother s., the bishop was attacked with asth-
ma, a disease to which he was very liable The
remedies which usually relieved him, were tried
without effect the man Of God got no better.
AT length he sent for the young preacher, and
directing his attention to the sublime descrp-
tion of the new Jerusalem, contained in tile
Book Of Revelation, desired him to take his
Bible into the grove, mediate upon that pas
sage for a season, and then come in and preach
to him about it; "For;" said he, 81 want to
think it would cure my body"
The young man, ever distrustful of his own
powers, was alarmed at the idea. He begged
TO be excused and prompted as much, per-
haps, by fear as by faith, recommended to the
bishop hisnever failing expedient for sgetting
'sWell,'' said the sick man, ego out my son,
and shut the door; let me be left alone"
His wish was complied with. In another
moment he was composing his mind to its IA |
vorite employment Elijah wrapped in the
mantle OF prayer, was alone with God.
For a moment all was silent; but at length
loud and repeated praises issued from the sick
room. The family gathered around to rejoice
with the man of prayer; and the immediate
effect of the excitement was a cure Of the NAL
ady so etlGctual that the travellers proceeded
on their journey in the morning.
But before they started, tho good brother
with Whom they were sojourning, broke to the
unsuspecting young preacher the shocking in
telligcnce, already in the readers's possession,
that he would be IN unwecOme arrival in the
place Of his appointment. OF course, he was
sunk at once IN the deepest detection. Pos
sessed with kneen perceptions OF the painful,
nervously sensitive to any unkindness, he was
tho very man TO be overM h 9med in such sit
uation. Personal danger, itrial, toll would
not have daunted him, but to be coldly pushed
of as not welcome, TO feelthat he was imposed
upon u people who did not want him, was
what he could not bear. Instantly resolving,
therefore, not to submit to such modification
he hastencd to communicate his discovery and
his purpose to the superintendent. The bish-
op, aware Of the feeling of revolt with which
the protege was liable to be met, exhorted him,
nevertheless to determine upon nothing rashly,
to await till he saw the place and the people,
aud inthe meanwhile, give himsefup to prayer
adding, that he had telt persuaded all the while
that the appointment was s'right," and in the
end would prove proydential. This advice
was reluctantly taken.
Arriving at the new station, they were guests
Of Il prominent member of the church, known
for many years aiterward as the usual host and
friend Of the preachers. The next morning,
Us the bishop was preparing to pursue his jour
ney, he and the good brother ofthe house were
together in the parlor, while un-
known to them, and without design, the young
preacher was sitting on the porch near the win
dow, with nothing but a thin curtain between
him and them; so that what passed within,
was distinctly audible to him.
ssWell, BROTHER" said the bishop, show will
lhe young msn do 10
'Not at all he will not do at all, sir; We
might as well be left without preacher alto
gether," was the emphatic reply.
"0h, hope you will like him better after a.
whil0," raplisd ths cid man. "Trsat him