Juniata sentinel. [volume] (Mifflintown, Pa.) 1846-1873, 1867-08-28


ths whole house was shaken with the agi-
tatiou oe its half demcn:ed inhabitants.
One brigh. thought, however, occurred,
and as message was sent for the minis
ter to come and ''iay the devil"
The parson, man more celebrated for
good nature, piety and credulty, than for
talent and herosm, slipped small bible
into his pocket, put on his band and sur
plice, SO he should appear as formidable
as possible to his grca. antagonist, and
hastencd to the reliet of his distressed
parishioneers
On coming to the house tho reverend
was hailed as a deliverer, and implored
by at least dozen persons at the same
moment to drive the devil away. But
few moments were lost in asking that
WHICH no one knew, before the parson
pushed forward as leader, with the saline
peaurious light, into the cellar, the most
courageous Of the company keeping close
behind him. He reached the foot of the
stairs, the eyes Of fire, and the shadowy
leailne OF the enormous horns, magniiied
tenfold, at least, by the terror of those
who bchcld them, removed all doubt If
any had existed in his miuJ as to the in-
ferna! naturc Of the being with whom he
Lad to contend.
The divine instantly fell on his knees,
and with upifled hands, began to pray in
his most teryent manner The ram not
understanding the pious mans motives,
but supposing by the motion of his hands
that lie was darius him to bu.ting con-
test, made a pass with all bis might at Iii,
supposed adversary, but, deceived by the
swelling dimensions o.! his drapcry, miss
ed tue slender body of the priest, aud
drawing hastily back to renev the assault,
hooked enc Of his horns into the belt of
the surplice and pulled the priest with
him into the cellar.
While thus in the power of his victo-
rious foe, he lost hope SO lar as it regard
ed himself, and the natural beucvolence
OF his disposition burst forth in the cx-
clamation:
"Brcthren, take care Of yourselves
the devil has got me-"
This exortation was better ojeyed than
any lie had ever delivered from the pulpit
his friends all fiea and left kim to Lii,
fate. Among the company was shrowd
young farmer, who had, from the first.
supposed the fend to besome domestic an
imil, but being lover of fun and vii
ling to see comedy, kept his thoughts
to himself and pretended to sympathise
with others in their fears. He thought
1t time TO interfere, and, snatchng a pitch
pine knot from the blazing fire, expressed
his determination to rescue the preacher
or perish IN the attempt.
"Don't. don't :" shouted several.
What does the devil care Tor fire ?"
said another.
Take along the bible if you will go,"
suggested another.
But, unheeding the suggestion, and the
OF concern for his safety.
he pushed into the cellar, seizing the an
imal by one Of his horns, and dragged
the struggling ram up stairs, calling to
the astonished parson, "iollow me ~ The
horned devil was led in triumph, followed
by the ecciesiastic, into the midst of the
company. A momentary silence and hang
ing down Of heads ensued, but the past
scene was too ludicrous to admit of sober
reflection, and loud pcals of laughter burst
-orth from every side, during which the
am was turned ont at the door, the par
son abscntins himself without ceremony,
md the sports of the evening were re-
7 Il L