The Arkansaw traveler., 1884-08-30
A FAITH DOCTOR.

Old All Mcclure, the blaciness of whose skin is below criticism, having been removed from his high position as first parsoa of Swamp Lake church, and subsequently suffering defezt for justice of the peace, declared himself to be a faith doctor. Nearly every plantation has its faith doctor. They are the med ical advisers of last resort. Rheumatism and dew "pizen that have defeased the skill of the young swamp doctor, on whose license to kill the ink is hardly dry, are taken to the faith doctor, and, sometimes-probably because aliistesnal remedies arc disoontinued-she patient improves.
 Old All, on account of his superior wis dom and the close intimacy which had ever existed between him and a myste- rious higher power, received great en- couragement, and, after several cures had been effected, his reputation grew un- til his name was household word. For some time Judge Boxley, of New Yosk, has been a victim of rheumatism. The great doctors of the east and the great medicines of the vest failed to benefit him. He visited Hot Springs, and falling to ind relief, he had started ee his home ward journey, sorrowful and in despair, when, on the train, some one told him that below Little Rock, in the great cot ton district there lived an old man who could cure him. He has effected many marvellous cures" said the gentleman. About two months ago, l visited his cabin. l was unable to walk, and the pain suffered, feared, would drive me insane. ] had heard much of the old negro, and l expected to find him full of bigoted ignorance, but on the contrary he was modest, and instead of declaring that he could cure me, he merely said that he would try. He did try, and was restored to perfect health. am going to stop at Little Rock, and if you desire to make the experiment., will go down with you into the country"
 The judge was much impressed by what he had heard, and although he had but little confidence in the old negro's methods, yet he would, as a last resort. visit him.
 When the judge and his conductor, Capt. Flame1, arrived at the cabin, they found the old man setting near the door, way, reading his bible.
 Glad ter sec yer, gennermen. Oh, yessefs de man whut wuz down heah some time ergo. doan' blebe dat eber seed dis lame gennerman afore. Hab seats"
 The captain introduced the judge, and while they were talking an old negro climbed the fence, ran toward the faith doctor, threw up his hat and exclaimed
 Whoop, hallelujah. Free days ergo had de rheumatiz so bad couldn' walk, but now, bless de faith, I'se CT well man. Lemme hug yer"
 "Co way in peace," said the doctor. "I doan want none O yer praises an none O yer fection. Yer is welcome ter de cure. Who is da, comin'?"
 Two negroes, carrying an old man on a bed approached. The bed was put down and the old man, grooming and whining, implored the doctor to hasten in his good work.
 "Doan be in too big CT hurry," said old All. |" De spirut whut worls desc heah cures musn't be fooled wid." Taking from his bosom a small vial, filled with thick, blood-red liquid, the physician approached the sufferer and began to apply the medicine, paying n attention 10 the fellows groans, but mumbling an inooherent prayer. After awhile the old man arose, and, clasping his hands above his head, shouted with . loud voice, burxt into tears of gratitude and sank to the ground. The doctor kindly lifted him and told him to 20 and thank the higher power.
 The old judge was much impressed. He told the doctor that for years he had been sufferer and implored the exercise of that mysterious power which had re- leased the old man from pain.
 T doan lnow that it wour be right, the doctor replied.
 
 Why" asked the judge in surprise.
 Wall, yer sec, de wine aid is only tended fur de DO. As I takes it, yerse'fs q rich pusson. De spirit doan wuck well fur de rich,
 Al am no; rich. have only a few thousand dollars"
 Wall, eben dat much makes de spirit look wid 'spicion On CT man. i'se erfeerd ter try it, sah."
 "I don't see why you could object,"