Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1878-02-09
Marvin, A Rough Diamond.

In the Nashville Adrocate there is contri'
button signed L., tn all likelihood DR.. Left
wich, formerly ofSt.Lcuis,l on Bishop Marvin
as licentate in the ministry. We copy ii.
He was brought up in obscuriiy, and oi
humble parentage. lie had very limited edu-
cation aud social advantages; so that when be
entered the ministry he was very unpreposses-
slug. aud to tho common eye, very unpromls-
ing. His personal appearance, his dress, bis
manners, were of the toughest class. have
heard him say that on his FIRST Circuit he re-
ceived SO. 40, and on the next Sl4 aud a suit
of clothes consisting OF Jean coat and " cop
peras breeches." Missouri is fall Of personal
incidents aud "reminiscences Of bis early days,
illustrating his awkward habits, unpromising
appearance, and peculiar dress One or two
will sample the whole.
After travelling one year. and on lis way 10
Conference t jefferson city. be struck Camp
Meeting, conducted by w. G.. Caples. The
preachers, with one consent began to excuse
themselves from preaching on Saturday at 3
p. NJ. Some one suggested to Caples to put
mp young Marvin.
"Where is he ?" asked the Presiding Elder
Behind yondcr tent, by the FIRE, smoking.
Caples soon found man, bony, awkward,
rough-looking, with 4 calico hunting shirt on,
without strings, an old wool hat, with half the
brim gone. the crown torn so that the thick
black. uucombod hair stood up through it. bis
mouth half open when the pipe-stem was not
in it, aud apparently innocent Of everything
that could put him in sympathy with the sur
roundings gsnd the occasion.
"Is your name Marvin ?"
"Yes."
"Are you preacher"
"Ycs."
"Will you preach at 3 o'clock ?"
Yes"
All the time with his mouth half open, and
ready TO close over the pipe-stem, which he
held not two inches distant. Carles turned
away, as have often beard him say, Question
ing In his mind whether the young man had
sense enough to know what he meant. lie
never rose from his seat, but continued his
smoke and meditations, until the horn blew,
when he arose, entered the pulpit, threw bis
old hat under the bench, and proceeded with
the service in strong, deep, rich voice, IN
grea, contrast with the thin, haRsard appear
auce Of the youth. Caples said" he bad
not been preaching long until be had my
month half open in wonder at The rnarvelous
and original ihought Of the stripping
From there be went on TO Conference. II
% happened that a shrewl, good-natured
Presbyterian Elder had asked the preacher 10
charge to send him the shabbies. preacher il
the Conference. lie sent Marvin.
When stationed in jefferson city, after Mar
vim had become famous, this Presbyterian ii
der was very fond frelatiug the circumstance
He gave this description Of bis appearance
ale was tall, raw boned. angular, awkward
thin, haggard-faced young man Of twenty, will
a slow. shambling gait, dull eye, large, 10
slightly mouth, long uose, high cheek-bones
matty, dark hair hanging over his forehead
and ears. through which he would occasionally
pass bis long bony fingers. His dress consist.
ed Of a calico hunting shirt. with large fade
flowers. and string arourd the waist With I
band, copperas bteeches. patched Up an'