Lewisburg chronicle. [volume] (Lewisburg, Pa.) 1850-1859, 1858-07-02
Touching Incident.

The following extract, taken from an
account written by the REV. JAMES Mil
LER, aud quoted by the author of "OM
Redstone," will give the reader some idea
Of the pecuniary embarrassments of early
ministers and Of the general state of the
country, and also Of the remarkable inter
position of Divine Providence for the re-
lief of ore of those ministers.
"Our story" says Mr.. Miller, "wil
carry the reader back to the period when
all north of the Chic river was almost au
unbroken 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
victim that came in their way. They
worked in the field with weapons at their
side, and on Sabbath met in a grove or
rude log church to hear the word of God,
with their rifles in their hands. Topreach
to these settlers, Mr.. Joseph Smith, a
Presbyterian minister, had left his pater-
nal home, east Of the mountains. lie, it
was said, was the second minister who had
crossed the MonougaheIa. He settled in
Washington county, Pennsylvania, and
became the pastor of Cross Greek and Up
per Buffalo congregations, dividing his
time between them. He found them q
willing and united people, but still unable
to pay him salary which would support
his family. He, in common with all the
o.rly ministers, must cultivate farm.
He purchased one on credit, promising to
pay for it with the salary pledged to 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. 1t could not
be sold for more than twelve and half
cents, in cash. Even their salt, which
had to be brought across the mountains
on pack-horses, was worth eight dollars per
bushel, and twenty-one bushels of wheat
bad often to be given for one Of salt.
The time came when the payment must
be made, aud Mr.. Smith was told he must
pay or leave bis farm. Three years sal
ary was now due from his people. For
the want Of this, his land, his improve.
ments upon it, and his hopes of remain
ing among a beloved people, must be
abandoned. The people we're called to-
gethcr, 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 congregation
were unable to pay tithe of their debts,
and no money could be borrowed. In des.
pair, they adjourned to meet the following
week. In the meantime, it was ascertain.
ed that Mr.. Moore, who owned the only
mil! in the county, would grind for them
wheat on reasonable terms. At the next
meeting, it was resolved to carry their
spare wheat to Mr.. Moore's mill some
gave fifty bushels, some more. This was
carried from fifteen to twenty miles on
horses to mill. In a mouth, word came
that the -four was ready to 60 to market.
Again the people we're called together.
After an earnest prayer the question was
asked, "Who will run the -four to New
Orleans?" This was startling question
The work was perilous in the extreme
months must pass before the adventurer
could hope to return, even though his
journey should be fortunate nearly all
the way was wilderness, aud gloomy
tales were told of the treacherous 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 length a hoa-
ry headed man, an elder in the church,
sixty-four years Of age, rose, aud to the
Of the assembly, said, "Here
l am; send me-" The deepest feeling at
once pervaded the whole assembly. To
see their venerated elder thus devote him.
self for their good, melted them to tears.
They gathered around father Smiley to
learn that his resolution was taken; that,
rather than lose their pastor, he would
brave danger, toll, and even death. AZ
ter some delay and trouble, two young
men we're induced, by hope Of large re-
ward, to 60 as his assistants. A day was
appointed for starting. The young and
old, from far and near, from love to faith
er Smiley, and deep interest in the object
Of his mission, gathered together, and
with their pastor at their head came down
from the church, fifteen miles away, to
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 Scotcbman,