The Baltimore County union. [volume] (Towsontown, Md.) 1865-1909, 1866-04-28
The Minister and tho Quaker

An amusing story under this title has long
been current in various FORMS among good peo.
pie. An authentic statement of it, with name
and place, is given in the Presbyterian Standard,
by the Hon J. r. Snowden. He says that the
minister in question was Rev. Robert Smith,
whose fame as learned and eloquent divine has
been overshadowed by that of bis sons, John
Blair Smith and Samuel Stanhope Smith, .Presi-
dent of Princeton College.
Dr. Robert Smith, before he became President
Of Hampton Sydney College, was principle of q
very successful classical academy at Pegua, Pa.
While here he had near neighbof, Friend,
whom Mr. Snowden, having forgotten his real
name, calls William Jones.
Mr.. Smith and Mr.. Jones were very good
friends, aud often visited each other One day,
Dr. Smith said 20 Friend Joues, notice that al
though we are good friends and neighbors; yet
have never seen you at my church, or meeting
house, as you call it.''
''That is very true friend Robert, but thee
knows the reason. We Quakers, as we are call
ed are not in favor of a hireling ministry, who
are educated especially fol- that purpose. We fa-
vor those only who preach by the Spirit
Well, says the Doctor, " without entering
npou the first point of your objection ut present,
] think | can say that we Presbyterans follow
the teachings of the Spirit in our sermons to the
people"
:" Oh no, friend Robert, thee knows very well
that thee prepare thy discourse before thee enters
the pulpit
"That is quite true to some extent, but never
theless can preach without such previous prep
aration." @
:. Well, then, says the Quaker, " will try
thee will go to hear thee preach on this con-
dition, namely, that will give thee a text which
thee must not see until thee goes into the pull
pit. -
.oocor4 1t,o oFp.. CO sc n, S,,;ti,
Very WELL then, will 60 to thy meeting
house next first day and will send up the text
by the sexton after thee has made the long prayer
which learn thee makes"
!" That is not quite what expected when you
made the proposition" says DR.. Smith, :" but l
accept it, and will expect to see you at the Pegua
Church next Sunday morning."
DR.. Smith entered his pulpit the next Sabbath
with some anxiety. A glance over the coDgre-
cation showed him that his Quaker neighbor was
there and at the appointed time he expected the
text. He commenced his services in his usual
manner and after the 9 long prayer he COM
menced q very long Psalm. believe it was not
the 10th Psalm throughout but it was quite a
long Psalm.
AS soon as the preeepter, or fine singer rose,
the sexton came up the aisle, and handed the
preacher the text. II was from the Book of
Ezra lst chapter and latter clause Of the 9th
verse: +" Nine and twenty knives" < sharp
rs well as hard one, thought the Doctor. The
singing of the long Psalm gave him Il few min
utes for reflection when that was ended, he
arose and announced his text, and noticed many
q smile upon the faces ofbis congregation even
some venerable elders could not preserve the.
usual solemnity of their countenances. But the
preacher proceeded with his discourse. He
spoke briefly of the captivity of the Jews in Bah
ylon of their condition there the proclama-
ton of Cyrus of the wonderful preservation of
the utensils oftbe Temple, which had been taken
from Jerusalem by the conquerers ofJuda none
of the knives which were used for Staying and
preparing the sacrifices were lost, mslaid, or de-
stroyed. They were said Dr. S., under the spe-
cial care and protection of God, and were in
due time restored TO the Temple He then en-
larged upon the special Providence of God. Not
o sparrow falls without his notice. and the
very hair of our heads are numbered" The
Lord knows them that are his, and none of them
shall perish" The Quaker was not only pleased,
but he was amused and delighted.
The next day he sent for DR.. Smith to dine
with him. After the dinner, be invited DR.. S.,
to take walk around his farm, and coming 10
pasture field in which were his cattle, he stop
ped abruptly and said, " was much pleased with
thy discourse, friend Robert, last first day
Now, thee knows, we follow our leader, George
Fox, who bore bis testimony against lrireling
ministry we never pay our public friends, but
We sometimes give them presents. wish to
give thee present. | have many good mich
cows. wish thee to select one for tbyself.
Mr. Smith wished to decline the gift but the
Quaker insisted, aud said 81 will be offended at
thee if thee refuse"
The Doctor having noticed small and i'll
looking COW, said, g Well, il must take Que of
the cows, will take that small red COW; point
ing to the one be had noticed, and which he
supposed to be the least valuable.
:" Well, do profess says friend Jones, g thee
does not only preach by the Spirit, but thee can
choose by the Spirit that little red COW is the
best one have my wife would not sell it for
$l00, but thee shall have it."
And accordingly the same evening the little
COW was driven to the " manse, and proved TO
be valuable acquisition to the domine's dairy