Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1868-12-29

could be seen upon his person. He
began his discourse in a modulated
voice, and as he warmed with his
great subject in true backwoods style,
he laid aside his coat and went on.
"Jehul what muscler whispered
Walt Walters, as Mr.. Buell. raised his
right arm and pointed to the cruel
fxion on Calvary.
To the delight Of the boys, the SER
vices were at last concluded, and the
members pressed forward to grasp
the minister's hand and congratulate
him upon his greatest discourse.
"All ready, boys ?" whispered Har-
vey, as Mr.. Buell. stopped upon the
step moment to converse with one
of the deacons. The next minute he
was in the crowd of boys, making his
way to his buggy, which stood beneath
giant walnut.
did you say the Skifton boys cut
your harness, eh, Mr.. Buell. ?" demand
ed young Ing5ly, stepping before the
reverend gentleman, completely block
ing his way.
Il do not doubt my own eyesight," "
was the calm rejoinder.
Mr.. Buell. attempted to move on.
"Then you utter a talsehood !'-
cried the bully, beginning to draw off
his coat. But he was not quick enough.
The minister drew himself up to his
full height, his arm shot forward, and
Mr.. Harvey Ingsly lay full length up
on the green sward.
The rest, seeing their old leader
fall, crowded forward. The arm shot
out again and again, and two more
went down.
Deacon Jones and White, seeing
the disturbance, rushed to the rescue
of their beloved minister.
"Back, brethren" said Buell., II will
chastise them myself. Take my coat =
and he handed his coat to deacon
White. Now, then," he said to his
prosecutors, "let me say a word. This
church has been cursed long enough
with your unholy actions, and it falls
upon me, an humble follower of the
meek and lowly, to chastise you. Now
you must severally take a whipping
or depart peaceably to your homes.
The boys looked at each other, then
at the stern minister, and concluded
to depart. They saw the eye of that
man, and had jus t witnessed his
strength. They raised their faller
comrades, and while Mr.. Buell. pu
on his coat, they were on their wa,
to Skitfton.
Come, brethren, we also will de
part, said Buell., as soon as the grove
was deserted.
1t was a defeated and discomfteC
crowd that entered Skiffton that night
MY eyes will be shut for a week,
said Walt, putting his hands to hi
visual orbs, which were fast closing.
Il believe you, Walt" said Harvey
che strikes like a sIedge"
They sought their respective couch
es, wiser and better young men, 70
each and every one had secretly re
solved in his heart never to try t,
harm a minister of God again.
The next night the "set" returned
to the church aud took front seats
Walt with a bandage over his eyes
The congregation was astOnished a
their conduct, and thought they in
tended taking vengeance upon MI
Buell.; but when the services wer
over, they walked up and asked hi
: forgiveness, which was freely granted
The meetings closed, and more thai
l one half of the boys who had attacke'
5 Mr.. Buell. were added to the churcl
and ever since have walked in th
straight and narrow way,
Twenty years have passed away
and the Rev. Joel Buell. sleeps in th
Skiffton cemetery, aud above him rise
a splendid monument erected by Wal
! Walters, Esq, now fourishing mel
chant.
A new church stands where the oil
: one did, and the people of S.
now city, worship there, Perhap
} the reader will be pleased to know
: that that noble temple of the livin
God was erected by Harvey Ingsly
the wealthy manufacturer, whose gel
ial face can be seen near the sacre
4, desk.