The Cass County Republican. [volume] (Dowagiac, Mich.) 18??-1880, 1863-04-09

ed in the foregoing chapter, Henry an
nounced his intention of preparing for
the ministry after having been admitted
to the church. The young enthusiast
mildly but firmly resisted both entreaty
and ridieule-his patrician mothers
and sisters reproaches, and the sneers
Of his father and brothers, at "ranting,
canting, beggarly Methodist parsons. |"
With strength and determination
which amazed those who would deter
him, he resolutely trod the rugged and
undertaking path of duty. Diligently
and prayerfully he fitted himself for his
sacred office; and at the age of twenty
three was stationed as regular preach
er in romantic part of the valley of
the Juniata. He had heard much of
the natural beauty of that portion of
the country, and was all ardor and
hopefulness in contemplation of his
pleasant duties, as the shepherd who
should watch and lead the flock of the
faithful, scattered through those wild
regions. But alas he soon found that
he had dropped down among a set of
semi-barbarians, in manners, preiu-
dices, habits and religion. Sensitive
and refined, reared in luxury, and of a
delicate physical organization, what
course did the young clergyman pur-
sue, when made aware of the errOne-
Gus ideas he had formed of the location
to which he had been appoicted? Why
he made up his mind to labor as mis-
sionar,y, ceaselessly, and ardently until
better state of things was established,
in his congregation at least. This he
found to consist almost altogether of
the ranting Methodists, whose fits of
religious feeling were accompanied by
shoutings and violent convulslons. In
their meetings it was not deemed out
of order for singing, praying, and ex-
horting to 60 on simultaneously; and
be or she was the best saint, whose
voice rose loudest or thrilest. Gentle,
and gradually, by the influence of love
and reason, did Elbridge bring about
his much needed reform and before a
year had passed, a decent quietness
reigned over his religious meetings.
There was one female preacher, how
ever, whose frequent and singular ex-
hOrtations continued source of consid-
cradle annoyance to Elbridge. In her
''holdings FORTH" she invariably began
by powerful appeal to the worlds
people, expressing fervent desire to
behold ga harpoon from the quiver of
gospel truth piercing the stubborn
heart, and closing with an admonition
to the brethren and sisters "never to
turn aside to pluck the flowers that
grow in 'edter's garden" but to persvere
until they should land on the other side
of everlasting deliverance," &c.
Poor Elbridge found it vain for him
to attempt putting spell upon a
woman's tongue when "set on fire Of -
zeal.
There was also one of the brethren
who offered stout breast to the food
of innovation. This was a good old
father in Israel, who had for many
years been a elass-leader, and was
therefore, privileged person. Here
joiced in bonUivdnt-ish rotundity OF
figure, and round, funny face, irresis.
tibly laughter-exciting in one of his
calling. His seat was directly in front
of the desk, whence his responses were
most frequent and inopportune. AT
every "Amen," which he uttered with
loud, sonorous voice, he brough his
heavy walking stick to the floor, in a
most striking and emphatic manner
Having been interrupted and confused
until his patience was exhausted, oul
hero of the white neck-cloth sought his
hearer, and, with kind persuasion, and
by reasoning against his mal-apropos
responses, wrung from him a promise
of future torbearance. 1t happened
that Elbridge's next discourse was a
remarkably fine one, and it was with
evident difficulty, from the first, tha,
the "stout gentleman" controlled his
anae,aity. Warmer and armer waxed
the preacher, more and more eloquent
until it was too much for Methodist ma.
ture to bear, and the old man brough,
down his stick, louder than ever, and
shouted boldly, "Amsn, hit or miss"
/ need hardly say that Elbridgc did
not attempt to "deal'' with his "unruly
member"
| (To be continued)