The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1872-03-01

c,cGrsTIvE PRAYING.-When the town Oh
o.. in Ohio, was settled the people Were
moor. The early pioneers were from inc
New England States, and spirit OF rcIi-
oious enthusiasm devoted their lives to the
Iuildiur I'D OF an ecclesiastical college where
younr men could be educated, at small eN-
ncnse, for the ministry. And the record OF
thirty wears, during which time over twelve
hundred Young men and women nave nech
educated and sent 10 almost every hcld Of the
home and foreign missionary work, gives
evidence that the zeal Of the early inhabitants
has borne abundant fruit. In one OF The
towns adjoining O. there WAS settled
very pompous presiding elder of the Metho-
dist Church, who was known us Elder Pope.
This worthy follower OF the Apostle Paul
had heard much of the reputation OF the
town OF o.. and he WAS seized With q de-
sire to see with his own eyes il any good
could come of the abolition Nazareth. Al
raving himself i'll his best suit of broadcloth,
and cnyelpping his throat in the stillest OF
white neckties, the elder one day started on
a trip for the new sent Of learning. O.,
in those days, had 10 hotels, and every i'm
portant parsonage who visited there found ii
home with the president or one of his pro-
f.sSorS.
The elder, on bis arrival in town, was di-
rcctcd to the presidents house. Alter
making known the Object of his visit, he was
kindly invited to enter and make himself
comfortable till the presidents return. We
will now give the story as Elder Pope after
ward told it at dinner-,able in Columbus.
CATER whiting" said he, for about Two
hours in room scantily furnished, tall
iarge-eycd man opened the sittinS-room door
and stared at ME for moment, and then re-
tired without saying word. Whcn tle
evening meal was ready the same lmge-cyco
man invited NE to share the repist. Lie
table was spread in the kitchen, and on II
there was a plateful OF Graham bread, ano
beside each plate was tumbler OF water.
During the meal told the president that
was Elder Pope, OF the Methodist Church
and that lived on the adjoining circuit.
had heard much of the presidents peculiar
methods of prayer, but never had the
slightest idea that I was to be made the spe'
cial subject Of one of them till that evening
Had / known it, O. might have gone
on forever in its peculiar educational work
without my desiring to investigate it. Alter
the Graham bread and water had Deen done
ample justice to by the family, who were
blessed with healthy appettes, the presi.
dent opened the family Bible and began the
evening family service. Prayers were then
offered, and of all the prayers ever heard
that was the most original. The college and
town were especially remembered, and, rs q
close, imagine my feelings when he COM
mcnced as follows "Lord, thou seest be-
fore thee Elder Pope. Thou knowest who
Elder Pope Is, and whether he is working
for the salvation of souls. Lord, Elder Pope
is no doubt Il great man in his own Church
aud in his own estimation, but, Lord, he
wants humbling. Humble him and make a
thorough Christian Of him. This was too
much for me-" said the elder; q could for
give his staring at me and the Graham bread
and water for supper, but never will for.
give that prayer as long as live"