The Bedford gazette. [volume] (Bedford, Pa.) 1805-current, 1858-07-16
TOUCHING INCIDENT,

-
/ quoted by the author of s'Old Redstone," will
/ give The reader some idea of the pecuniary en-
barrasSments of early ministers and Of the Gene
raj state OF the Western country, and also Of
the remarkable nterposition Of Divine Proyi-
dence Tor the relief OF one OF those ministers.
"Our story, says Mr.. Miller, s'will carry the
reader back TO the period when all north OF the
OHIO river was almost an unh-oken wilderness
the mysterious red mans home. On the
other side bold hardy band from beyond The
mountains had built their log cabins, and were
trying TO subdue the wilderness. To them every
hour was full of peril The Indians would
often cross the river, steal their children and
horses, kill and scalp any wet i'm that came in
their way. They worked ia the field with
weapons at their side, and on Sabbath met in
grove or rude log church TO hear the Word of
God, with their rifles in their hand.
To preach TO these settlers, Mr.. Joseph Smith,
a Presbyterian minister, had left bis parental
homo, east of the mountains. He it is said,
was the second minister who had crossed the
Monongahela. He settled 10 Washington
county, Pennsylvania, and became the pastor of
Cross Greek and Upper Buffalo congregations,
dividing bis time between them. He found
them willing and united people, but still una
ble to pay him salary which would support
his family. He, in common with all the early
ministers, must cultivate farm. He purchased
one on credit, promising to pay for il with the
salary pledged 10 him by his people Years
passed away. The pastor was unpaid. Little |
or no money was in circulation. Wheat was
abundant, but there was no market It could
not be sold for more than twelve and a halt
cents, in cash. Even their salt, which had
been brought across the mountains on pack
horses, was worth eight dollars per busheI, and |
twenty-one bushels Of wheat had often TO be |
given for one of Salt. The time came when the
payment must be made, and Mr.. Smith was told |
he ransi pay or leave his farm.
people. For the want Of this, his land, bis i'm |
provements upon ii, and his hopes of remaining |
among beloved people must be Abandoned
The people were called together, and the case
laid before them, and they were greatly moved; |
counsel from on high was sought; plan after
plan was proposed and abandoned, the congre
cation was unable TO pay 1.-THE of their debts,
and no money could be borrowed. In despair |
they adjourned TO meet again the following |
week. Ia The meantime, it was ascertained |
that Mr. Moore, who owned the only mill in
the country, would grind for them on reasonable
terms. AT the next meeting il was resolved to
carry their wheat TO Mr.. Moorc's mill; some
gave fifty bushels, some more. This was car
ried from fifteen to twenty miles on horses 10
the mill. In a month word came that the -four
was ready TO go 10 market. Again the people
were called together. After an earnest prayer
the question was asked, "Who will run the
-four 10 New Orleans ~ This was a startling
question. The work was perilous in the ex-
ireme, months must pass before the adventurer
could hope to return, even though his journey
should be Fortunate nearly all the way was a
wilderness, and gloomy tales were told of the
Indians. More than one boats crew had gone
On that journey and had come back no more
''Who then could endure the toll and brave the
danger?" None volunteered, the young shrunk
back, and The middle aged had their excuse. At
ength hoary headed man, an elder in the
church, siXty-tour years Of age, rose, and 10 the
of the assembly said, "Here am;
send me-" The deepest feeling at once per-
vaded the whole assembly. To see their ven
Grated old elder thus devote himself Tor their
good, melted them all TO tears. They gathered !
around Father Smiley to learn that his resolu-
lion was indeed taken: that rather than lose
their pastor be would brave Danger tor, and
even death. After some delay and trouble,
lw young men were induced, by hope OF
large reward to 90 as his assistants. A day was
appointed for starting. The young and old,
from far and near, from love 10 Father Smiley
and deep interest in the object of his mission,
gathered together. and with their pastor al their
head came down from the church, fifteen miles
away. 10 the bank of the river, TO bid the old
man farewell. Then prayer was offered up
By their pastor, and parting hymn was sung.
Then said the old Scotchman, sUntie the cable,
and let US see what the Lord will do for u.s."
This was done and the boat noated slowly
away.
More than nine months passed aud no word
came back from Father Smiley. Many prayer
had been breahed tor him, but what his fate
was unknown. Another Sabbath came the
people came together for worship, and there,
on his rude bench, before the preacher, COM
posed and deyout, sat Father Smiley. Afler