Amador weekly ledger., 1858-02-20
BISHOP GEORGE AND THE YOUNG
PREACHER.
BY T. s. ARTHUR.


urging on bis tired beast, just as the sun was
dropping behind the range of hills that
bounds the horizon Of that rich and pic
turesque country in tie vicinity of Springfield.
Ohio. 1t was sultry August evening, and
he had journeyed distance of thirty-fve
miles since morning, his pulse throbbng nm
der the influence of q burning sun. AT Fair
field he had been Hospitality entertained by
one who had recognized the veteran soldier
of the cross, and who had minstered to him
for his Makers sake, for the benefits he him
self had received from the hand which fed
eth young lions when they lack; and he had
travelled on, refreshed in the spirit. But
many weary mile had he journeyed over
since then, and as the shades darkened
around, he felt the burden Of age aud toll
heavy upon him, and he desired the pleas
ant retreat he had pictured to himself when
that days pilgrimage should be accom-
plished.
1t was not long before the old man checked
his tired animal at the door of the anxiously
looked for haven Of rest--a middle aged
woman was at hand to whom he mildly APP
piled for accommodations for him aud his
| horse.
81 don't Know" said she, coldly, after
scrutinizing for some time the appearance Of
the traveller, which was not the most prom
sing, " that we can take you in, old man,
You seem tired however, and I'll see if the
minister Of the circuit, who is here tonight
will let you lodge with him."
This young circuit preacher soon made his
appearance and consequently staggering up
to the old man, examined him for some mo-
ments inquisitively; then asked few mper-
tinent questions-and finally after adjusting
his hair half-a-dozen times feeling his smooth
| ly shaven chin as often, consented that the
stranger should share his bed for the night
and turning upon his heels, entered the house.
The traveller, aged and weary as he was,
dsmounted, and led his faithful beast to the
stable, when, with his own hands he rubbed
and then entered the inhospitable mansion
where he had expected so much kindness =
A methodist family resided in the house, and
as the circnit preacher was 10 be there
that day, great preparations were made to
entertain him, and number of methodist
young ladies of the neighborhood had been
invited, so that quite party met the eyes of
the stranger as he entered, not one Of whom
took the slightest notice of him, and he
YEARLY sought vacant chair in the corner,
out of direct observation, but where he could
note all that was going on. And his anxious
eye showed that he was no careless observer
of what was transpring around him.
The young minister played his part with
all the frivolity andfoolshness of city beau,
and nothing like religion escaped his lips
1 ha ohat nj l.o, 1xpe
less compliments with this young lady, and
engaged in trihing repartee with another,
who was anxious to seem interesting in his
eyes.
The stranger, after an hour, during which
no refreshments had been prepared for
him, asked to be shown TO his room, to which
he retired unnoticed-grieved and shocked
at the conduct of the family and the minister.
Taking from his saddlebags a well worn bible,
he seated himself in a chair, and was soon
buried in thought, holy and elevating, and
had food to eat which those who passed him
by in pity and scorn dreamed not Of
Hour after hour passed away, and no one
came to invite the old, worn down traveller,
to partake Of the luxurious supper which was
served below
Towards eleven o'clock the minister came
up stairs and without pause or prayer hastily
threw off his cloths, and got into the very
middle of small bed, which was to be the
resting place Of the old man as well as him
self. After awhile the aged stranger rose
up, and after partially disrobing himself,
knelt down, and remained for many minutes
in fervent prayer Tie earnest breathing
out of his soul soon arrested the attention of
the young preacher, who began to feel some
few reproofs of conscience for his own neg
lect of this duty The old man now arose
from his knees, and after slowly undressing
himself got into bed, or rather, on the edge
of the bed for the Young preacher had ta-
ken possession of the centre, and would not,
voluntarily move an inch In this uncom-
Portable position the stranger lay for some
time, in silence. At length the young min
lister made remark, to which the elder re-
piled in a style and manner that arrested his
attention. On this he removed over an inch,
or two, and made more room.
How far have you come to-day, old gen.
tleman 7"
Thirty-Gye miles"
From where ~
From Springfield"
"Ah, indeed ! You must be tired after
so long journey, for one OF your age"
Yes, this poor old body is much worn
down by long and constant travel, and /
feel that the journy of to-day has exhausted
me much.p
The young minister again moved over q
little
"You do uot belong to Springfield then p
n 4 4 -