Lancaster daily intelligencer. [volume] (Lancaster, Pa.) 1864-1928, 1885-06-01
a LEo END or EpHRArA.


by Rev. Dr. >. II. Dubbs In 'srhe Guardian" |
JJohn Peter Miller, who had been I'm early life |
a Reformed minister, was tor many years Prior
of the Protestant convent at B1,hrata, Ian
custer county. Though In manv respects ft
natical, his sincere picty has never been ques.
toned. Tho following legend was actually re,
lated to the author on visit TO Ephrnta, but
has since appeared in print. IL Is stated In tho
COionidl Records that the property of Michael
widman was conilscated by the government
and sold In March, l7sJ
This Is the story heard one day
In the ancient cloistcr ut Ephrata
Miller was Prior here you know,
More than hundred years ago
Here at his summons, at dawn's early light.
Gathered the Brethren In garments OF white,
Singing their songs of devotion and praise,
Raising to heaven their mpturous lays,
Ere 10 their labor, through coldand heat,
Forth they wandered with naked feet.
Treasure of treasures, Peace of Mind!
Where can the weary spirit find,
After temptation, heavenly rest?
Where can the mourning soul be bicstH
| Even within the converts walls,
| often cloud of sorrow falls;
And the saint that Is pure the driven snow
Can never escape from his ruthless foe
| hut must feel the blows of the monster grim
| That is sent by satan 10 buffet him.
| Near the convent tavern stood,
| Kept by Il Tory, u man of blood,
| Michael Widman, whose dreaded name
| Was known and hated for deeds of shame.
| often he stood at the convent gato
| Tnunting the Brothers with words OF hate
| Once he smote the Prior meek
Cipel blows ON his aged check,
Adding the final deed of shame
The cruel insult need not name
Which the soldiers did when they bent the knee
| ON the fearful journey to Calvary.
Washington was at Valley Forge,
Watching the army of old King George,
| But he sent one day a soldierband
/, | To seize the Tory that cursed the land
And Widman was borne away to die
| The shameful death of a British spy.
Some Of the brothers were glad to know
The coming fate of their wicked foe;
But the Prior said 81 cannot stay ~
And over the hills he took his way.
| His limbs were weary, his feet were sore,
| when he stood al last at the chieftuin's door,
And prayed aloud 40, general, save
| The man who has sinncd from "A traitors grave
| "Pray," SAID the chicflain, "tcll me why
i You ask for the life of II British spyT
. | Does your love to your country's foes extend 7
:, And why have you chosen this wicked friend
/. "Friend ?" cried the Prior at Is not so
The man. believe, IL my only foe;
n But seek to do what the Scriptures tell,
;, And those that hate me love full well
= Save him save him! humbly pray,
T, Asyou hope TO stand on the Judgment Day =
:, The chiottain muscd: "such love Is rare,
And cannot deny your earnest prayer.
d / viii spare the life of the British spy;
q, | lie must leave the country but shall not die.
r. You have taught Il lesson that all should knO
a. That Christian prIIys for his vilcst foe
IN Thus a way was found-and the way WIS bcs
That led the Brothers to peace and rest;
For the cruel Tories were seen no more,
at | Gathered around the tavOrn door;
,o | And their wicked leader away was sent
To the foe, in lifelong Punishment.
But the Brothers sang with the rising sun.
And patiently toicd till the day was done
, Till the Lord at last gave their souls release,
nc And took them home TO the realms of peace.
4