Daily Ohio statesman. [volume] (Columbus, Ohio) 1855-1870, 1862-08-03

necessity, be was kindly asked to come TO cup
per-an invitation be did lot decline Grace
was said over the meal by Mr. W :, and tbt
coffee poured out, the bread helped and the
milk served.
There was fine little boy six yeap old al
the table, who had been frightened 10 and
dressed In bis best, in order 70 grace the min-
isiers reception Charles was full of tax,
and the parents lelt mutual pride 10 shown z
him OF, even before their humble guest, who
noticed bin particularly though he had not
much to say.
Gone, Charley said Mr. W =, after the meul
was over and he sat leaning back Ia bis chair,
cant you repeat the pretty hymn mamma learn
ed you last Saturday.
Charley started off without further invitation,
and repeated very bccurately two or three verse;
OF new camp-meeting hymn, that was just
then very poprlar.
Now let US hear you say the commandments, ,
spoke out the mother, we'll pleased at the child's
performance.
Aud Charley repeated them with the aid of
little prompting.
'How many commandments are therer asked
bis father.
The child hesitsted, and then looking IN
as the stranger, near whom he sat, ssd inno.
Gently;
How many are there2'
The man thought for some moments, and
said as ii in doubt:
Eleven, are there not2'
'Eievenp calculated Mrs. w., in unfeigned
surprise.
'Elevenp said her husband, with more rebuke
than astonlshmeDt 10 his voice. 'Is it possible,
sr, thar you don't know how many command
ments there are2 How many are there, Charley 7
Come, tell me; YOU know, of COURSE
'TeD,' replied the child.
Right my SON. returned Mrs. W., looking
with smile OF approval on the child. Right
There isn't child of his age within ten miles
who can't tell you there are ten commandm ents.
Did you ever read q Bible, sir?'
When was little boy used to read 1t
sometimes. But l am sure l thought there
we're eleven commandments. Are you not mis-
taken about there being only tent
Sister W. lifted up her hands in unfeigned
astonishment and exclaimed:
Gould any one believe it2 Such ignorance
of the Biblen
Mr.. W. did not reply, but rose, and going
to one corner OF the room where the good book
ley upon the small stand, he put it on the table
before him, and opened al that portion In which
the commandments are recorded.
There he said, placing his finger upon the
proof of the the straDger's error. There, dye
seer
Yes, it does say ten replied the man; 'and
yet it seems to me there are eleven. I'm sure
always thought so.'
'Doesn'si it say ten2 inquired Mr.. w, with
marked impatience 10 his voice.
1t does, certainly
'Well what more do you Want2 Can't you
believe the BibleT
%, yes, believe the Bible; and ct It strikes
me somehow that there must be eleven COM
msndments. Hasn't one been added somewhere
elser
| Now this was too much for brother and sister
| W. TO bear. Such ignorance of sacred matters
they felt to be uDpn dOnable. A loug lecture
followed, in which the man was scoIded, ad-
monished, and threatened with divine indiRna-
ton. At its close he m0destly asked il he
might not have the Bible TO read for an hour
or two beflre retiring for the night. This re-
quest was granted with more pleasure than any
oil the preceding ones.
Shortly after supper the man was conducted
to the little square room, accompanied by the
Bible. Before leaving him alone, Mr.. w. felt
it to be his DUTY to exhort him TO spiritual things,
and he did 90 most earnestly for ten or fifteen
miDuess. But he could not see that his words
made much impression, and he finally lett his
guest, lamentiDg his obduracy and ignorance.
In the morning he came down, and meeting
Mr.. w. asked him if he would be go kind as to
lend him q razor, that he might remove his
beard. which did not give his face a very at
tractive aspect. His request was granted.
we will have prayers in about ten minutes,
said Mr.. w, as he handed him the razor and
shaving box.
He appeared and behaved with due propriety
at family worship After breakfast he than *.
| ol A. s. I'D 20 lo,t h.. L.
and departing, went on his ,urney
i Ten o'clock came, but Mr.. N. had not ar
rived. So Mr.. and Mrs. w. started Tor the
meeting house, not doubling that they would
find him there. Bat they we're disappointed
A goodly number Of people were inside the
meeting house, and goodly number outside
but the minister had not arrived.
where is Mr.. N 2 inquired dozen voices, q:
a little crowd gathered around the farmer.
HE hasp't oome yet Something has detain
ed him. But will look for him-indeed,
fully expected to find him here
The day was cold, and Mr. W., after becoming
thoroughly chilled, concluded to go in and keet
a look out lor the minister from the window
near which he usually sat. Oshers from the
same Cause, followed bis example, and the littlC
meeting house Was soon filled, as one after al
other came dropping in. The farmer, who
turned LOWaru tue 1OOr eacn tlm0 10 was open
ed, was little surprised to see bis guest of the
preyous night anter. and nnnpa sInalv A~--
tue aisle locking from side 10 side, as II search
ing for yacant seat, very few OF which were
now left. Sill advancing, be fnally got within
the little enclosed alter ascending to the pulpit
took off his old grey evercoat, and eat down
BY this time Mr., w. was at his side, and hsC
his hand upon his arm.
"You mustn't cit here. Come down ant
l will show you q eest," said he, In an exctst
tone.
"Thank you," replied the man, in oOmposet
voice. at is comfortable here" And the mai
remained immovable
! Mr. W. feeling embarrassed, went down, in
tending to get brother official to assist him il
making q ioFoible election oi the man from th'
, place he was desecratine. Immediately upoi
his doing go, however, the man rose and stand
log up at the desk opened the hymn book. Hi
| voice thrilled to the fDger ends Of brother W
as in distinct and impressive manner, he CAV
out the hymn beginning:
Help us to help each other, Lord,
Each others to bear;
Z Let each his friendly aid afford;
And feel brothers care.
r The congregation rose after the stranger ha
{ read the entire hymn, and repeated the first tw
! lines for them to sing.
/. Brother W. usually started the tunes II
tried this time, but went off on a long meil
l. 1rna niaoouarinu hia u,iaka 10 thu aaoon