The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1889-01-09
The Clergyman and the Burglar.

| AASeASA1
more thrilling chapter than an Incl
dent which marked the life of Mr.. Lee
who was recently cut down in his
prime while pastor of the Presbyterian
Church in the village of Waterford,
New York. The adventure, says the
Trey Times, occurred the night before
Thanksgiving, few weeks previous
to the commencement of the sudden
illness which resulted sadly and fatal
ly. Mr.. Lee was sitting in his study
about one o'clock in the morning,
preparing discourse to be delivered
to his congregation when assembled
for Thanksgiving worship, when he
heard noise behind him, and became
conscience that somebody was in the
room. Supposing a neighbor had
dropped in on some unforeseen errand,
Mr.. Lee said, "What is the matter? ?n
and turned around in his chair. He
beheld the grim face of burglar, who
was pointing pistol at his breast.
The ruffian had entered the house by a
side window, supposing that all the
occupants were wrapped in slumber,
and burst upon the presence of Mr..
Lee before he was aware that the
study contained an occupant.
"Give me your watch and money!"
said he, "and make no noise, or I will
fire."
Mr.. Lee said "You may as well put
down your weapon, for I shall make
no resistance, and you are at liberty
to take all the valuables possess"
The burglar withdrew his menacing
pistol, and Mr.. Lee said II will con-
duct you to the place where my most
precious treasures are placed" He
opened door and pointed to a. cot,
where his two children lay slumbering
in the sweet sleep of innocence and
peace. "These," said he, "are my
choicestjewels. Willyou take them?"
He proceeded to say that, as a minister
of the gospel, he had few earthly pos
sessions, and that all his means were
devoted to one object: the education
Of the two children who were reposing
in the adjoining room. The burglar
was deeply and visibly affected by
these remarks. Tears filled his eyes,
and he expressed the utmost sorrow at
the act he had been about to commit.
After a few remarks from Mr.. Lee, the
would-be criminal consented to kneel
and join him in prayer; and there, in
that lonely house, amid the silence of
midnight, the offender poured forth his
penitence and remorse, while the repre-
sentative of religion of peace and
goodwill told him to Ego and sin no
more" Such scene has few parallels.
On the conclusion of the prayer, the
burglar attempted to take his depart
ure by the broken. window through
which he had entered. "Why not 60
by the front door ?"sald Mr.. Lee.
The man replied, "There are con-
federates there who would shoot either
you or me-"
He desired Mr.. Lee to take an oath
on the Holy Scriptures never to reveal
the particulars of this single interview.
Mr.. Lee said it was unnecessary, as he
had the kindest feelings toward him,
and should never divulge aught he had
seen or heard. The next day, Mr..
Lee, while walking with his wife, met
the man in the street of Waterford, and
on subsequent occasions saw him from
time to time.
One of the actors in this singular
episode fills an early grave; but by
means that we are not at liberty to dis
close, the event did not die with him,
What must be the feeling of the other
party to- this mysterious meeting,
whenever he reflects upon the lonely
parsonage, and the memorable scene
that it witnessed on the night before
Thanksgiving, 1S62.-Goldea Clean
i2gs.