Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1859-07-14


tall, graceful birch tree. This pulpit stood in
the middle Of the channel, directly facing that
congregation, and separated from them by the
clear deep, sparkling water into which scarce
heard water, as it left the stream, separated
into two streams, and flowed on each side Of
that altar, thus placing it in an island, whose
large mosSy stones were richly emboSered un-
de: the golden blossoms and green tresscS of
the broom
Divine service was closed, and a row Of
maidenS clothed in purest white, came gliding
on from the congregation, aud crossing the
stream on some stepping stones, arranged them
selves at the foot OF the pulpit with the infants
about to be baptized. The fathers of the
infants, just as if they had been in their own
kirk, had been sitting there during worship
and now stood up before the minister Baptis-
nal water taken from that pellucid pool, was
laying conSecrated in a small hollow Of one Of
the upright stones that formed one side or pill
lars of the pulpit and the holy rite proceeded
Some of the younger ones in that Semicircie
kept gazing down into the pool, ia which the
whole scene was reflected, and now and then
in spite of the grave looks or admonshin-
whispers of their elders, letting Il pebble full
into the water, that they might judge of its
depth from the length OF time that had elapS-
ed before the clear air-bellS lay sparkling on
the agitated surface The rite was over and
the religious service of the day closed by a
psalm. The mighty rocks hemmed in the hoy
sound, and sentIt in more conpacted volume,
clear, sweet and strong up to Heaven. When
the psalm ceased, and echo Ike spirits voice
b.n I
niicent architecture of the cliffs, and once more
might be noticed in the silence the reviYing
voice of the waterfall
Just then large stone fell from the elf in
to the pool, q loud voice was heard, and plaid
hung over on the point Of a shepherds staff
Their watchful sentinel had deserted danger
aud this was his warning Forthwith the con
gregation arose. There were paths dangerous
to unpTacticed feet along the ledges Of the
rocks, leading up TO several caves and places
of concealmeut. The more active aud young
assisted the e.der-mOre especially the old
Pastor aud the women with infants; and not
many minutes had elapsed till not living crea-
tnre was visible iu the channel Of the stream,
but all Of them, or nearly so, in the cIefts and
caveruS.
The shepherd who had given the alarm, had
laid down again in his plaid, instantly on the
green sward upon the summit of these precipces
A party OF soldiers we're Immediately upon him
aud demanded what signals he had been max
ing, and to whom, when one of them, looking
over the cliff exclaimed. See see Humphrey.
We have caught the whole Tabernacle of the
Lord in a net at last There they are. uraiS-
ing God among the stones OF the river MouSS
These are the Garland Craigs By mr. soui's
salvation a noble cathedral Fling the living
sentinel over the cliff Here is a cautiug COW
enauter for YOU, deceiyiug honest soldiers gu
the very Sabbath day Over with him, over
with him ! Jut Of the gallery into the pit
But the shepherd had vanished Ike shadow
and mixing with the tall green broom aud
brushes, was making his unseen way towards a
wood Satan has saved his servant but
come my lads, follow me- know the way
down into the bed of the stream. and the steps
up to WulIace's cave They are called the
. Kettle Mine Staucs. The hunts up Wen
be all in at the death Halioo, my BOYS, hal
loo
The soldiers dashed down less PERCEPTIONS
part OF the wooded banks, I.c,le below the
craigs and hurried up the channel But when
they reached the altar where the old gray hair
ed minister had been standing. and the rocks
mad been covered with people, all WAS silent
aud solitary, not creature was 10 be seen.
Here is 4 Bible dropped by some OF them "
cried soldier, and with lis foo. spun it away
into the pool. " A bonnet. a bonnet " cried
another, now for the pretty sanci6ed face
that rolled its denure eyes below it Bat
after few tests and oaths, the soldiers stood
sill. eyeiug with kind Of nvSterious dread the
black and silent walls of rock that hemmed
them in. and hearing only the small voice Of
the stream that sent a profounder SlillueSs
through the heart Of that majestic sol tuIs
Curse these cowardiy covcnanters What
If they tumble down uPon our heads pieces Of
rocks from their hiding pace? Advance or
retreat :"
There was no reply. \ slight fear was mp
on every man mu>ket or bayoaet could be CT
little Use TO man obliged to Chamber up rocks,
along slender paths, leading they knew hot
where and they were aware that armed men
nowadays, worshipPed God-msu Of iron
hearts. who feared not the glitter Of arms
neither barrel nor bayouet-meu Of long >tr DE
firm sep. ard broad breast, who on the open
field would have oyerthrown the marsha!.yd
i!ne, aud gone first aud foremost Il city had
TO be taken by storm
As the soldiers were standing together. IRE
solate, noise came upon their ears Ike dis
tant thunder, but even more appalling sad a
slight current Of air, as though propelled by IL,
passed whispering along the sweet brers and
broom, aud the tresses of birch trees II came.
deePing and rolling, and roaring on aud the
very Cartland Craigs shook 10 their fcnada-
tons, as if il an earthquake
The Lord hare mercy upon rs. what is
this - And down fell manv of the miserable
wretches on their knees. ard some u7on their
faces upoa the sharp point rocks. Now, j,
was ike the soaBd OF many myriais Of chari-
ots rolling Oh their iron sIlss down the stony
channel Of the torrent. Tie -rav-haired minis