West Virginia argus. [volume] (Kingwood, W. Va.) 1877-1946, 1880-02-07
The scotch Minister aud III. Fiddle.

In all ages and all localities have existed
clergymen having many traits of fine feel
ing, mastery attainments in their pulpit
ministration, and yet addicted TO frequent
touches of eCcentricity of character. Pos
sessiug all the qualifications of a popular
Hinistcr was the Rev. Mr.. W. who
filled one of the Secession pulpits in q .
yet music seemed TO be the ruling passion
in his life. When in IA more than ordinary
strain of eloqucnce, he would begin a long
sentence on the lowest note OF the gamut.
aud would in scmi-quaver style run to the
top OF the scale, where, pausing moment,
he would descend the scale i'm the lowest
and most marked mood as if descending n
stair step by >tep, he would dunt down word
by word till he reached the starting point
With his fine flexible voice, and finely
tuned musical ear, the effect was rather
pleasant, and very noticeable by IA stranger
Mr.. Was beloved by his conRrcra-
ton, but his passion for hddling gave
offence TO some of the strait-laccd old
burgherlineal descendants of the purit.ns.
Ills proficiency ON the violin was cqualled
if not cNcelled by Mrs. W-'s perform
ancc on the pianofore. 1t was treat of
no ordinary kind to hear husband and wife
wailing out some of the old Highland
ronachs similar in pathos TO the
Wounded Hussar." No other word of
reproach was raised against the dear, good
man by the ulcO quid. hut ave the cuckoo
cry 'lle s far DER fond o. the feeble "
me frequency OF tnese crOaKlngs were be
ginning to attract the notice Of the elders,
so, to put TO silence the voice of these distin-
gmshcd friends, meeting Of sessions was
convened privately, at which il was agreed
n deputaton should wait on Mr. W,
and give gentle remonstrancc and hint TO
be- less demOnstrative In his musical DO
clivities. Friday evening ensuing was ap-
pointed for the performance of this deli
cate task, but deputation could not be
formed to face the trying ordeal. After
dcnials and proposals, it was ultimately
arranged that the whole session should 20.
Ere Friday came some kind friends az
pIised Mr.. W of the whole scheme
and, as IA warned man is half armed
Mr.. W was prepared for the emer-
gcncy. Precisely at eight o'clock friendly
tinklc sounded at the door bell. Ready
waiting to receive his guests, though they
knew not spy (suppOsed to be the bcadlc)
had forestalled the dcpu,ation, Mr.. W
seemed surprised TO see SO many dear
friends and expressed the pleasure it gave
him TO have all his session at once as visi-
tors. Mr.. L. took speech in hand and
said, 1--WE were almost afraid to call
hearing music when we came forward, we
thought you had company. Laughingly
Mr.. W-sad, eyes, we have company
a goOdly company of good company. The
wife has recently got present of some new
music from grandpa, and we were just run
Mug together. We'lljust let you hear "a
few pieces we think it very fine. " with
oat waiting for assent to his proposal, the
reverend gentleman brought his cremona.
Mrs. W sat down TO the piano. and
for fully an hour the company Of elders, or
remOnsrants, were with coronachs, High
land walls, operate music, reels, and
strathspey kept cntranced. When a pause
was made. the pleased listeners looked
from one 10 the other ~ much as 10 say
''Now's your chance TO speak" As if
divining The thoughts OF his dumb stricken
session, Mr.. W again produced his
fiddle and setting the string on a peculiar
key, gave them fine imitation Of the
/ Highland bagpipes, and followed with a
charming selection Of operate overtures,
marches, patriotic music such as "Scots
wha haze. Reyerting i'm q moment from
grave TO gay, he gave the then popular
/ street air in the mouth Of every gamin,
"Pop goes the weasel, and, as a finale, he
gave them, IN a style that made the most
Of them beat time with their heels, their
hearts being in unison with the hddlcr's,
"Dc'il among the "a lors. They came
away a. they went in, and, when the story
got abroad, the minister was praised, and
the croakers laughed at Truly il may be
said, hc gave the elders q cordial welcome
in, and iddled them Out well pleased with
the entertainment, but heartily dcspising
themselves for their want Of courage % dis
charge the duty, the cause Of their visit.
Pity tis that more Of the clcrics don't re-
sort to the fiddle as pastime.