San Marcos free press. [volume] (San Marcos, Tex.) 1877-1892, 1883-06-07
DLYP0LITENE.S.
A Very young Preachers Experience ca the
Mississippi River.
Arkansaw Traveller.

very young Preachers experience On W
Mississippi River.
. Arkansaw Traveller.
Nearly every man who ever tray
elled on the Mississippi river in tn
old days can relate an interesting ex
perience," said the Rev. M. Jackson
minister whose reputation as an i'm
FASHIONED public orator has gone be
yond the boundaries of Arkansas
There was something about Mis-
sissippi river experience that tended
to aid in vivid reproduction. The
grand floating drawing-rooms, the
wealth displayed at every turn, and
the studied politeness and convention.
al ceremony of asupposed good breed.
ing which you everywhere meet, all
come up at once in reportrayal of a
character which, thus surrounded, you
have contemplated. But all of this
politeness and exhibition of good
breeding, l must say, was but the
white foam on muddy water. 1t was
the courtesy that could grasp the
hand of new acquaintance or shoot
an old friend.
In the spring of 1850 [ boarded a
grand steamer at New Orleans bound
for up the river. was very young
preacher at that time, and was under
orders to repair to small community
and assist in conducting revival.
There was something of a war being
waged between two churches, and it
stood our church in hand to concen-
trate forces or lose ascendancy in our
neighborhood. These were the days of
political and religious vigor, and
avowed opposition in religious contests
was regarded as being no more out of
place Or in ill-keeping with the faith
than the fierce struggles engaged in
by the Wings and Democrats. / was
told at headquarters that another
young preacher would be semitic assist
me, and that if I needed more help
to make my dem ands known at once.
When l boarded the boat | looked
around for my companion in arms,
whose name l even had not learned.
The closest search failed to discover
my assistant, and concluding that he
had either preceded or would come
after me, I dismissed the matter and
settled down to the quiet employment
the occasion.
"There were quite a number of
gam blers-polished gentlemen on
board, and although I was opposed to
gamblers, l could not refrain from
looking on and contemplating with
what serenity of countenance the
players alternately parted with thou
sands of dollars.
wont you take hand! asked one
If the players one evening, addressing
1 young pleasant-looking gentleman
who stood near.
81 never play, he remarked.
"'Won't do you any harm.
al know it won't, for 1 don't in
end to play
1.-THE gentleman is rage joker
eplied tall man, who handled cards
With an ease and lost with good
,ill that almost challenged respect.
"'Yes,' replied the young gentle.
IAN, "a rare joker because it is rare
nat joke.
"'Ah, and a punster,' said the tall {
IAN, relinquishing $1,000 with q
mile.
"sIt makes little difference to you {
hat 1 am, l came here to quietly look l
n, not intending to engage in the .
anne or the conversation, and, espe- l
ally not to be the butt of any jokes
lat might arise from ill-luck or sue I
.ss at the table. Regardless of the I
usiness you follow, 1 hope that you
re well enough acquainted with the I
tanners of gentlemen to treat an I'M
locker on with civility, if I
ot with courtesy
"'You speak WE'LL exclaimed the a
IL man. Il hope that [ am gen. S
eman of good birth and educatoin,
i'd have not insulted you. If l y
ave 1 sincerely beg your pardon. Z
rant it willingly, and all will be well; :
as gentleman which
ou undoubtedly profess to be, you '
course.'
"'But for your last remark, l would Q
ave heartily forgiven you of any IN
ntion to insult me. AS it is do not
. II. -. ..o,E,;,,r, 1lot a r.,,.Io