The Stark County Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Ohio) 1833-1912, 1879-07-24
THE DEAooN,s DREAM.

Many years ago, In Rood Olu Iabnlon'
ed town in New England, there was one
meeting house, to- which on every Sab
bath the people resorted, and where the
voice Of praise, prayer and instruction
was heard for many years, under the
ministrations of faithful, pious. and
devoted pastor. A large portion oi
happiness was enjoyed, not only among
the people, but between the shepherd
and his flock. Union, confidence and
charity were there, and under the in
fuence of religious principle, many hsd
come forth on the active stage of life,
whom in infancy the good old man had
baptized. and now stood among his
people, and as members in the church.
He visited all, he comforted mourners,
he cheered the desponding, he rejoiced
with the joyfnl, he was instant "in sea.
son, out Of season." in every good word
and work. Thus passed on the months
and years, till the good man was growing
old.
1t is written that "a new king arose in
Egypt, who knew not Joseph" So a
new people rose here, who knew not the
good old pastor. With new improve
ments they come and made new move
ments. They were generally wealthy,
mostly fashionable, some religiously par
Vicular and others protesting great piety,
mixing it with sentiment, ceremony and
reservation. while all appeared unani,
mously anxious for the welfare of the
church and parish. The spiritual welfare
ofcourse, ,yerbally;but in heart and action
the fashionable was not forgotten, nor
temporal. The most neglected Of all, by
the new folks was the old pastors life
long labors, his sterling worth, his tender
feelings, and his benevolent heart.
Now began conversations of various
kinds, but usually in low tones, ending
with, "That's only the talk; say nothing
about it." Then comes--"Why, this
won'td We emust have younger man,
of fine appearance who can display elo-
quence, increase the congregation, raise
the value of the pews, and interest US all,
80 that we can go to church and be pro.
ited." Next Comes--"0ur minister is a
clever man enough, but not for these
times, for he cannot write or speak up
to the present standard. The young
folks consider him almost out of date,
and we must get him off somehow, and
put that eloquent Mr.-,in our pulpit.
How our private property would then
increase in value. Next Wednesday
you must come, and the opposition, to
the parish meeting. We must have the
old fellow out"
The parish meeting comes. The op.
position are the majority. They put
their Moderator, Mr.. Dorr, in the chair.
Discussion begins and goes on that day.
The peaceful church ia in discord. They
adjourn to Wednesday following. Dis,
cord thenjncresses. The fire is flaming.
They adjourn again. The flames of feel
ing arise, and amidst the heat, q speaker
calls on good man, saying loudly-Mr.
B you are about the oldest man in
our town; everybody loves and respects
you in you all parties have confidence
no man has done more for us. You
love the town, and in the church you
are the oldest officer. Yet through these
unhappy meetings and scenes, you have
set without saying a word and apparently
asleep. Do, pray, say something to help
ns out of these difficulties"
The old Deacon slowly lifted his silver
ed head, and rising said "Mr. Modera-
tor, all this is wrong, needless, uncaled
for, and wicked. l Lave no speech to
make. l have dreamed, and if the meet
ing wishes to hear my dream, I will tell
it," "Give us the dream" comes from
all around. "Shall 1 tell the dream, Mr..
Moderator" Certainly; we all want to
hear it,"
"Well, Mr.. Moderator, 1 dreampt that
1 died. Through Saviour's love l was
admitted to heaven. | was also allowed
to see regions of punishment, and pass
ing along there, l saw his Satanic Ma
jesty seated in state with his servants
around him. He hailed me, to know
where was from. l said, from this
world. What part p said the United
States of America. What State p Con-
neticut, l said. 1 told the name of our
town. Abr said he, this is interesting.
What news do you bring2' l replied,
nothing good. Yes said he, bat there
must be something; let me have it|
They are trying, said, to put off our
good old minister. Then he opened his
eyes wide, and called out, "Jack, make
ready boots and bag must be off about
that business my presence is wanted
there. That minister 1 don't like, and
he must march," Then turning to me he
said, lis there strong opposition to the
old fellowP' l said yes. "A maiorityP'
replied yes. All right said he, Now
one question more, and the most in.
portant.' Well, Mr.. Moderator, he then
asked ifthe opposition had good leader
and desired to know his name. So
told him that his name is Dorr. Then
he called out very loud Jack, put
away my boots and bag, If my servant
Dorr is on the spot, It's all sufficient"
Roars of laughter from all sides, and
the chair too, followed the meeting was
dissolved at once; and every body went
home wiser and better; the pastor was
made happy, aud happiness again enter.
ed the parish, and remained during the