The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1891-01-31
THE CIRCUIT-RIDER.
"reminiscences Of a Methodist Pre-.
siding Elder.
An Interesting Type Of Character That
HAS All But Passed Away-Joys and {
Trials Of the Dissenninator Of
Religion Forty Years Ago.

''The Methodist preacher of to-day,
standing in his costly broadcloth in a
well-dressed congregation, is far diff
ferent parsonage from the Methodist
circuit-riders Of forty years ago." said
Rev. c. G. Trusdell, presiding elder Of
the Chicago district, as he leaned back
in his comfortable armchair and fell
into reminiscent strain of thought, to
Chicago Evening News reporter.
''When look back to the old days."
continued the divine, land recall the
incidents that befell me when, rs a
young man, | was circuit-rider, it
seems as If they were terribly hard
times. Yet when was circuit-rider /
did not much mind it, and I suppose J
endured as many hardships AS the
average circuit-rider. Looking back to
those days they seem strange enough,
and a listener hearing of the trials of O.
circuit-rider would naturally say that
his was hard lot. WE'LL perhaps it
was; but after all they were fulfilling
their duty and their aim was a higher
one than many who have easier times.
ga circuit-rider was distinguished
from stationed preacher by having
two or more appoin 5ments TO fill, where
as the regular preacher was stationed
at some place where there is congrega
ton sufficiently large to require all
his time and energies in looking after
1t. But circuit-rider was Method ist
preacher who, taking the word OF God
under his arm, would mount his trusty
steed and ride from place in his circuit,
preaching to the farmers who gathered
to hear him. He often preached every
day in the week, and perhaps three
times on Sunday. It was no uncommon
thing for Methodist circujt-riders to
have a 200-mile circuit, with perhaps s.
dozen appointments. So you see they
never had a moments leisure, but made
their homes where chance or their horse
brought them.
'sMy first circuit was in Iowa, and
was obliged to travel through Tama,
Marshall and Story counties. had from
six to ten appointments, and you may
rest assured | was kept busy. Every
Sunday in the year | preached three
orning, afternoon and evening
and Outlines during the week. l
would get up early Sunday morning and,
after eating my breakfast and see
ing that my horse WAS properly cared
for, start off for my first appointment,
ten or fifteen miles away. / carried
my Bible with me, and went
merrily along over the country roads,
singing to myself and exchanging
salutations with the few people l
met on the road. When arrived at nay
arst appointment, which was about ten
O'Clock, l would generally hold services,
and then take my dinner at some far
mer's house. And oh, how the people
would turn out on those occasions! I
tell you, they didn't have chance to go
to church every day in the week, nor
every Sunday, and when preacher did
come along, no matter how bad the
weather was, they turned out to a man,
and gave him rousing welcome that
half did away with the discomforts Of
ones long journey.
''After good substantial dinner at
some farmers l would set out again and
ride to my next place. | would preach
there in the afternoon, and then ride to
the next place and preach there that
night. Then I'd stay all night at
some farmers, and the next morning
complete my circuit. The people al
ways used me WE'LL believe they al
ways did use circuit-riders we'll, and
wherever I stopped was always sure of
getting the best the house could afford
1t was those little things that made me
forget the hard and disagreeable part Of
my work. For it was hard and disagree
able, there is no use III denying that l
would like to see some Of the ministers
Of to-day riding over all kinds of roads,
in all kinds Of weather, travelling
through rain, snow and sleet, perhaps
with garments soaked Or frozen; swim
ming creeks and putting up with hard
fare; preaching in a miserable little
school-house, or in the open air, or in
some farmers dwelling.
"a circuiv-rider didn't draw princely
salary, either. The first year I was
circuit-rider | didn't get q cent Of pay
saw only twenty-five cents during the
entire time. But then didn't mind
that. There we're hundreds more cir
self, very few got $500 year. Ready
money was scarce article in those days,
but the lack of it never stopped circuit
rider from fulfilling his duties. Oh,
could go ahead and talk all night about
my experience as a circuit-rider, but
there is no use in it. Why, remember
one day during rainy spell tried to
urge my horse TO swim across creek
that was swollen by recent rains, but
the horse couldn't make it, and l mar
rowly escaped with my life. But the
farmers boys where was going
dragged me out, loaned me dry clothes,
and went on my way rejoicing. That
was but one of many incidents that
served to make up my life as circuit
rider"
A Startling Admission.
"What becomes of all the stale can
dy?" was asked a well-known confec-
toner. sit is made up into fresh can