The Arkansaw traveler., 1884-11-29
CHAPTER HI.

| W09 A0AkCNAS WCtC b1A C0bGA1C4s The Methodist circuit rider was com pelled to leave the community. Petroid became more and more violent in his preaching. Frequently after services, he would consult for hours with his executive committee. An old man named Paysen lived near the church. He had heard the first sermon but had not attended any of the subsequent meetings. This annoyed Petroid, and his frequent consultations with the execu- tive committee were concerning the old man.
 One night, after the congregation had been dismissed, Petroid requested the committee to remain. When the house had been locked, the preacher, who had been deeply breeding, arose and said:
 Brother Parker, you are chairman of the executive committee"
 "Yes, sir"
 You believe with all yosr soul in our holy creed?'
 "The Lord knows in my heart that do."
 "You are willing to obey the voice of the Lord p
 "Yes, sir"
 This old man PAysen, living alone in his stubborn iniquity, has become ob- noxious in the sight of the Lord"
 "l don't doubt it."
 "The Lord is persuasive and then forcible. In the sight of the Lord, he of the bad example is worse than a thief and robber. Old man Paysen must die. The Lord directs it. He must die this night The executive committee must see that he dies"
 Good Godp exclaimed old man Parker. dropping on his knees, "that would be murder"
 "You are unworthy to be the chair man of the committee. remove you and suspend you from the sacrament for three weeks"
 1 "For heavens sake don't expose my soul to the grasp of Satan p implored the old man.
 "I will pray for you" said the preacher Brother Bill Nickleford, the Lord directs through me that you shall execute holy design"
 Nickleford bowed.
 "Under the step of the pulpit you will find long knife. Get it and follow me. The other members of the committee will remain here until we return. Come" Nickleford, taxing up the long knife, followed. "Conceal it under your coat When give the command, act" Silently they proceeded to the house oi old man Paysen. A rap at the door was answered by the old man who cordially invited his visitors to enter. Entering the sitting-room, Mir. Paysen requested his visitors to be seated but they remained standing. Strange that so old a man as your self should sit up so late," said Petroid
 ~l never go to bed carly" replied Paysen. Although I work hard, l generally read until late"
 @What is the character of your read. ingI"
 History, mainly, though lately I have taken up Darwin" "ls that the reason you have not at. tended my church ?" "Oh, no. have not attended, if you will allow me to be frank, because reason rather than wild harangue-"
 "Do your duty, broth9i" l Nickleford. who was standing near the old man, stabbed him. He fell and ex- pired without groan.
 "Give me the knife, " said the preacher. Il He cut of the old mans head, with the < assistance of Nickle6crd, who brought an axe from the yard. Taking the eosy head by the hair, he retuzHed ss the church.
 "My Godi My Godr exclaimed old nan Parker. "We viii be huag."
 "We will not be hanged" p,Acidly re- joiaed Petroid. ~The laws of this wicked land might condemn us, but the law sf divine grace will stretch cut its hands and save us. This act of justice will serve to Mzssrate the truth of our
 
 but the falling wills of the jail will pro claim ear glorious release. I will put this head on pole and plant it near the church It will serve as a warning to all unbelieverx" When old man Parker found himself alsne, full sense of the great crime took possession of him. He wrung his hands in agony. Morning found him at the | >c