The new dominion. [volume] (Morgantown, W. Va.) 1876-1904, 1878-07-06

about this time brought out the fact that
early influences often determine the
character of those which will continue
to act with more or less force. Poor
Poll was overcome by sudden tempta-
ton, and it occurred in moment of
great hilarity. The older members of
the household having gone abroad to
spend the day, the two youngest daugh-
tiers were housekeepers. The day was
lovely, and the girls, contrary to orders,
ventured to take Poll from his ac-
customed place in the sunny corner Of
the sitting@room Tor keeping-room, as it
was called them, placing him in his
outdoor nook, in the sweetbrier brush
under the windows. 1t being Polls first
spring airing, he was wild with delight,
jumping about in great glee, until the
nail, probably weakened by the winter
storms, gave way, and the cage fell to
the ground with great force. The
children, loving the bird very dearly,
and conscious of their disobedience,
quickly ran to the rescue, calling to Poll
to tell them if he was killed. On raising
the cage the frightened bird shook him
self vebemently, and, jumping on his
perch, exclaimed, in his grufest tones,
Poll thought he was going to the
devilp' Years had gone by since Poll
had used word of the kind, and the
| children, whose tears were turned to
merry laughter, always affirmed that
they had evidence of his penitence in
the fact that he was never known to
repeat the offense.
Polly's religion did not save him from
his inveterate habit of tale-bearing. AS
the daughters grew up to womanhood
there could be no counting done in that
| chimney corner, for Poll would tell.
When the second daughter was about to
be married considerable anxiety was ex-
pressed in reference to keeping the APP
| preaching marriage from gossiping
neighbor until the bans were published
on the following Sabbath. Poll heard
all the talk between the young couple
| during that twilight hour. Before the
Sabbath came this neighbor called to see
| the family. AS soon as she entered the
sitting-room Poll began to make great
commotion in his cage, swinging and
dancing at fearful rate, until he at
tracted her notice, when in a singing
tone he repeated over and over again,
George and Rose going to be married,
| to be married, to be married."
But Poll, as he advanced in years,
grew thoughtful. After the removal of
the family to the home on Transit-street
he was more than ever associated with
its religious life. All Father Dod's
daughters were singers--what blessing
to the household! The eldest daughter
frequently led the singing at these
social meetings. A Methodist sister
sometimes shared this honor with her.
An English minister, who was often
| aguest at the house, took the first oppor-
tunity to say to this daughter, "Sally
Sally, don't let that Methodist body
beat you'll" Poll was an unobserved
| listener.
At the next weekly meeting, as soon
as the hymn was read, and the good sis
ter was alb ut to commence to sing in
her spirited way, Poll electrified the
whole worshiping company by repeating
in its loudest, clearest tones the admoni-
ton he had recently heard, "Sally,
Sally, don't let that Methodist body beat
you'll" We omit the scene at the close
of the meeting. Poor Poll was in dis
grace. Poll was opposed to the long
meetings, and more than once called on
| different brethren to close the meeting.
On particular occasion he seemed to
soon tire of the regular exercises, and
called out, Brother Bushbee, close the
meeting by prayer" The brother thus
called upon was sitting with closed eyes
waiting for an opportunity to exhort.
Sadly embarrassed and wondering at the
sudden termination of the meeting,
he arose and offered an appropriate clos
ing prayer.
Poll was removed by member
of the family, much to the chagrin of
the young people, who believed he
should be allowed full liberty to exer-
else his gift. Poll must have had some
idea of this principle, for at another
time he gave life and spirit to a dull
meeting by saying, in quick, energetic,
: tones:
Brethren, there is Hbertyp
His power of speech was clear and
strong, and as he advanced in years SEN
tentious. 1t was not strange thing for
age, as well as youth, to receive words
of caution or reproof. One summer
afternoon Mrs. Dods was engaged in
making copperplate curtains for the
windows; several of the good sisters of
the First Church were assisting in the
work. There was pleasant converse,
with long and earnest discussions, as to
the best method of draping curtains
There was good deal of measuring and
puzzling in trying to decide whether
they should allow for frill at che top or
no frill, to be made open in the center
and Topped on either side of the window,
or only on one side; how much fringe,
which was Mrs. Dods's own netting,
should be used, etc.
Poll was grave and quiet, watching all
the doings with interest, but this manifes-
tatiOn of extreme worldliness was too
much for him to bear. Improving a
pause in the conversation, he spoke out
in his sharpest manner, "Mother Dods,
curtains, curtains, all curtains, and no
religion to-dayp Shall we tax the
credulity of the readers of the Journal
by adding that these good women,
startled by this rebuke, laid aside their
work at once joined in singing "Come,
thou fount of every blessing" thus COM
mencing an informal religious service :?
We know where of we write.
In age and increasing febleness Poll
did not lose his remarkable memory. A
beloved sister in the church ("Sister
Ross ~, who was frequent visitor at
the house, and was very fond of Poll,
died very suddenly. More than two
years had elapsed when lady called
on Mrs Doda who in sizo opd Irass ro