Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1858-08-18
TOUCHING INCIDENT.

1o1 Sh1-tU lNSlDEN
The following extract, taken from an ac-
count written by the Rev. James Miller, and
quoted by the author of ssOId Redstone.'' will
give the reader some idea of the pecunary
embarrassments of early ministers and of the
general state of the Western country, and
also OF the remarkable interpretation of Di-
wine Providence for the relief of one of those
ministers.
ssOur story says Mr.. Miller, sswill carry
the reader back to the period when all north
OF the Ohio river WAS 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, and 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 grove or rude log church to hear the
Word of God, with their rifles in their hands
To preach to these settlers, Mr.. Jos. Smith,
Presbyterian minister, had lett his parental
home, east of the mountains. He, it is said,
was the second minister who had crossed the
Monongahela. He settled in Washington
county, Pennsylvania, and became the pastor
OF Cross Greek and Upper Buffalo congrega-
tioEs, dividing his time between them. He
1ound them willing and united people, but
still unable TO pay him salary which would
support his family. He, in common with all
the early ministers, must cultivate farm
lie purchased one on credit, promising to
pay for it with the salary pledged TO him by
his people. Years passed away. The pastor
unpaid. Little or money was in circu-
ll;ion. 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 been brought across the
mountains pack-hOrses, worth eight
dollars per hushel, and twenty-one bushels Of
wheat had often to be given for one of salt.
The time came when the payment must he
made, and Mr.. Smith was told he must pay
or leave his farm.
Three years salary Gas now due from his
people. For the want of this, his land, his
improvements upon it, and bis hopes of re-
manning among beloved people must be a.
baudoned. The people were called together,
and the case laid before them, and they
greatly moved; council from high
sought; plan after plan was proposed and
abandoned; the congregation was unable to
pay a tithe of their debts, and no money could
be borrowed. In despair they adjourned TO
meet again the following week. In the mean
time, it was ascertained that a Mr.. Moore, who
owned the only mill in the country, would
grind for them on reasonable terms. At the
next meeting it was resolved to carry their
wheat to Mr.. Moore's mill; some gave fifty
bushels, some more This was carried from
fifteen to twenty miles on horses to the mill.
Il
TO go TO market. Again the people were cal
led together. After earnest prayer the
question was asked, ssWho will ran the flour
to New Orleals?' This was a startling ques-
tion. The work was perilous in the extreme,
months must pass before the adyenturer could
hope to return, even though his journey should
he fortunate nearly all the way was wilder
ness, and gloomy tales told of the 1ndi-
ans. More than one boats crew had gone on
that Journey who had come back no more.
-sWho then could endure the toll and brave
the danger 2" None volunteered, the young
shrunk back, and the middle aged had their
excuse. At length hoary headed man, an
elder in the church, sixty-four years of age,
rose and TO the astOnishment of the assembly
said ssHere am /; send me-" The deepest
feeling at once pervadcd the whole assembly.
TO see their vencrated old elder thus devote
himself for their good, melted them all TO
tears. They gathered around Father Smiley
20 learn that his resolution was Indeed taken;
that rather than lose their pastor he would
brave danger, toll, and even death. After
some delay and trouble, two young men were
induced, by hope of large reward TO go as
his assistants. A day was appointed for start
ing. The young and old, from far and near,
fiom love to Father Smiley and deep interest
in the object OF his mission, gathered togeth-
er, 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 fare
well. Then a prayer was offered up by their
pastor, and parting hymn was sung. Ihen
said the old Scotchman. S-U ntie the cable, ana
let us see what the Lord will do for u.s.
This was done and the boat foated slowly
away.
- More than nine months passed and no word
came back from Father Smiley. Many pray
fcr had been b-eathed for him, but what ms
fate was, was unknown. Another Saooath
came the people came together for worship
and there, on his rude bench, before the preach
er, composed and devout, sat Father Smlley'
After service the people were requested 10
meet early in the week to hear the report.
All came again. After thanks had been re-
turned to God for his safe return, Father Smi-
icy rose and told his story: That the LORD
had pfospered his mission that he had sold
his -four for twenty seven dollars barrel, and
then got safely back. He then drew large
purse and poured upon the table larger pile
of gold than most of the spectators had ever
seen before. The Young men were paid each
one hundred dollars. Father Smiley was ask
cd his charge. He meekly replied, that he