The independent press. (Abbeville C.H., S.C.) 1853-1860, 1858-07-02
that, Jeptha like, he had made rash

The minister was the first to break silence.
His Indignation at being disturbed in his
discourse, and his anger at such an open
violation Of holy time, were at the boiling
point. lie exclaimed in his loudest tones
"Young man, who are you, that you should
disturb the worship of the sanctuary -? Know
you not that you are breaking the laws 0 f
God and man' Constable Chapman, ar
rest this man and hold him prisoner until
further disposal can bo made of his per-
son !"
Poor Stafford was thunderstruck he had
intended no harm, but in his eageness to
display his prize, and supposing service over,
he had hastened towards the village. 1t
had not once occurred to him that he was a
church member, and as such liable to CEN
sure.
IIo knew that it was wrong to absent
himself from meeting, but he thought the
offence would be pardoned, because of the
benefit conferred. Seeing he was about to
be taken prisoner, he at first resisted, but
recollecting that lie was in the hands of
legal officer, he thought best to submit
quietly. His confinement, however, was
short, and another mode Of punishment
proposed.
During the week church meeting was
called, and young Stafford cited to appear
thereat, and give reasons why he should not
be communicated from church for his
high-handed wickedncss. The deacon was
present, but Polly was nowhere to be seen.
When her father proposed so summarily to
dispose of her hand, her first thought was
OF Stafford, and knowing his bold and daring
spirit, she felt sure that he would win.
Poor girl! She little thought of such sad
termination Of the affair. 10 be excommu-
nicated from church was, in the eyes of
that little community, most grievous in
Fiction. Such unfortunates were considered
as losing caste, and were ranked among
pagans and nfidels.
Stafford pleaded his own cause with all
the eloquence he could command. In vain
did he contend that it was lawful to do good
on tho Sabbath day; bespoke before judges
determined to condemn.
lie was accordingly condemned to be
present on the next Sabbath, when the SEN
tence would be read. In the meantime the
lovers had an interview. Poor Polly could
do little else but weep. Her father said
nothing, but looked stern and displeased.
"But you say, RolIy," repeated Stafford,
"that if am not cxcommunicateJ, your ia.
ther will consenta"
"lIe cannot help doing so," she answer.
ed; "but he thinks the Bible condemns
church members marrying non-professors,
and would not dare to give his consent to
our marriage if they turn you out of the
church."
"Dut I tell you am not going to leave
tho church; that tory minister will find
that be cannot manage me so easily"
"But it is already decided" said Polly
"the papers are already made ont, and to-
morrow it will be read"
S''rhey a0M not read it, trust me, Polly :"
and thus they parted.
Sunday came, and with it the whole con.
gregation to meeting. The Whole, did
says All except young Stafford. But when
the afternoon service was about half over.
lie entered, his gun loaded with brace of
balls, his sword and cartridge box on his
side, and his knapsack on his back with six
days provisions in It. lie marched into
cerner and there took mp his position. AS
soon as the benediction was pronounced,
Parson Goodman began to read the excom-
mupication, but had not proceeded far when
Stafford entered tho aisle in his martial array,
cooked and leveled his pistol, exclaiming,
"Prooeed, if you dare p "Proceed, and
you are dead man" The poor man,
overwhelmed with astonishment and fear,
shrunk behind bis pulpit, and handed the
paper to one Of his deacons. lie, trembling
from head to foot, endeavored to obey. The
same threat was repeated, and Stafford added,
ADesist and march, or you are all dead
men !! I will not leave this house in shame !"
Not many minutes elapsed before the house
was cleared, and the daring young man left
it's sole occupant. He locked the door. put
the keys iu his pocket, and sent them the
a6t day, with his respects, to The minister.
BE thus remained q a,rnember Of the church
in 9goed and regular standing" until the
day of bis death. Deacon Burr received
such Evidence Of tbe perseverance, Of. his
selfelected son, That hs dared not to refuse
bis eonsAds tbe nsalrisge.,, 3. sas
"And. grandpa, didn't you feel badly i"
.ssid litilssA lice. z9ssbss A-zszs,s4sra IN
"4'bsres ySdt Aunt saNy c6hiibkpslun .f,a