The Sumter watchman. [volume] (Sumterville, S.C.) 1855-1881, 1871-05-17

comes a colcred man. "Cau you tell
me-" says the young parson, "where the
Methodist preachers stay, when they
come to town 2" "Gist ober dare boss. "
"Who lives there ?" Mas P. he Is de
fader of the Methodist about here" 7"
The house to which the informant
pointed, was splendid white mansion,
with green blinds. partly hid in lu1u-
rlous cluster of oaks, with flower gar
den of ample dimentiOus in front. The
Young parson was worn out By his long
Journey, his white cravat and bosom
badly soiled, and hat, coat, and pants
all covered with dust. Young Ms heart
sauk within him at the thought Of en-
tering such house in his present con-
ditiou. He soliloquised, "Nice people
live there. am dirty and worn out,
twill never do for me to go there. Bat
where else can l go? l must 60 there,
and mechanically he rides up in front OF
the gate, undetermined what to do. A
lady is in the flower garden, who at once
comes to the gate, opens it, and comes out
and then right up to our yonng parson.
She has sweet face, and with be
witching couutenancc all beaming with
pleasure, she says, "YJu are our Young
preacher l suppose" and without wait
ing for reply, continues, "Alight aud
come in, We have been expecting you
for several days The bell will ring
directly, for We expect you to preach
for US, to night" The young parson is
taken by storm, and yields himself a
willing captive. lie attempts to al'sht
from his hose. but what with great
soarncss, s;iAruess Of limbs, and saddle
bays in the way, he's is unsuccessful
He tries again, bat with about the same
success. "Let me help you" said the
fair lady, kindly, 4ud with the aid of her
gentle hand, and an honest effort on
the part of the youag parson, he gets on
terra frma once more, and with hob
ling gate makes his way to the house.
He is introduced to Mrs U. and two
fascinating young ladies', Miss Mary and
Miss Annie, relatives Of the fair lady
who had first greeted our young hero
Mrs. u. was Methodist lady, living
twelve miles distant in the country, two
miles from where the young parson vs.
to preach his next sermon, alter one
day Of rest. Just starting home, she
says, "you preach at our church, day
after to morrow" The rarsou consults
his plan, aud replies, "according to my
plan, preach at Bethlehem, ten miles
distant from this place" "That is our
church." she said, land as to morrow is
rest day, You must come out early
after breakfast, spend the day with us,
and you will te only two miles from the
church, and we will all 60 over
together" GLOW shall l 6nd the
way 2" asked the preacher, 80, you
cannot mis-, it," said she, ''just take up
the big road and follow it for ten miles,
and yo1 will see left sand ueighbor-
hood road, which will take you in two
niles to our house. We live just twelve
miles from town." every well, l thank
you, twill be pleasant to spend a rest
day with you and be so near the church,
shall come"
Now lie. US look at cur young friend,
he had just completed horse back
Journey Of 30 miles, having never rode
80 miles ip this way before in his life,
with as little experience in preaching as
iu horse back riding, his garments all
s1ilcd and dusty, and those in his saddle
bags, mashed and stained by the perspi
ration Of his horse, SO as neither to be
plesaut to the eye nor olfaciories, had
ate but little breakfast, aud no dinner
with head acheiug as though it would
burst, aud reeling and totteriug when
he walked, as a drunken man, and yet
rcqui ed to preach that night, but he
dares no demurl He saw from the
very tone aud manuer of the fair lady,
that preach he must, and he quietly
submits to his fate.
He is now is an elegant sleeping
ell alone-thinks of home
and all the dear ones left behind, bears
the bell which gives notice that be VII
preach. all the responsibilities Of his
position crowd upon aim, and over.
whelmed, he throws himself upon his
knees, food of scaldiug tears aoW
down his cheeks and with heavy groaDs
seeks the divine assistance, aud hears
the soft, sweet, whisper in his heart,