Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1896-03-26
"OlD HICKORY"
Gen. jackson and His Profession of Chris
tianIty-Forgaye His Enemies.

Gen. jackson and His Profession OF Chris
tianity-Forgavc His Enemies.
The figure of Andrew Jackson Is one
of the most dramatic in American his
tory. 1t is oddly significant OF the
revolt of strong, imperious nature
against the subduing influences of
civilization, that rub down the eccen-
tricities of individuals, and make them
all outwardly alike.
1t Is probable that the more scholarly
aud geatIy bred wings Of Jackson's day,
disguised by the oaths, the uncouth cos
tune and abrupt manners of the old
soldier, moderated his stern integrity,
and the courage with which he held
to an opinion, however narrow, which
he believed to be right.
jackson, on the other hand, unquea-
tionably took delight in shocking them
by unconventional outbreaks. It Is
said that he once went to cabinet meet
ing wearing high boots covered with
mud. Observing the chances of disgust
which fell upon them, he exclaimed:
IL beg your pardon, gentlemen! My
feet are wet. have been in the stable
yard"
He at once ordered foot-bath and
towels, and quietly bathed his feet then
and there.
The men present at this scene were
not likely to give him credit for the
shrewdness and honesty of purpose
with which, having reclothed his feet,
he turned to affairs of state.
Had Jackson taken n larger view of
his obligations to society and to his
personal influence as the head of
great nation, he probably would have
seen the folly Of weakening by his i'll
breeding his efforts to help his coun-
try.
An account of his profession OF Chris
tianity has been given by Mr.. T. j.
Wharton, who vouches for its anthem
ITCHY.
The general had built a little church
near his home at The Hermitage, to
enable his wife to join with her neigh
bors in public religious worship.
Her gentle spirit and consistent
Christian life held this strong mans
love as with hooks of steel. Because Of
her exemplifcation of Christianity and
its influence upon the mind and heart,
he sent some time after her death for
DR.. Edgar, and stated that he wished TO
partalte of. the sacrament, soon to be
administered, and thus publicly testify
his faith in the message and teachings
of Christ.
DIR. Edgar examined him in the usual
formula touching repentance for his
sins, and faith in the doctrines of the
church, and received prompt and sat
isfactory answers.
There is one thing more, general"
the doctor said, with embarrassment.
go on. Probe me to the CORE" said
the old man.
You have had stormy public life,
and have had many enemies who doubt
less have assailed you unjustly. Do
you forgive them?" ...
After moment, Jackson replied: 81
forgive all my enemies freely, from my
heart. But the men who foully lied
about my poor. dead wife will never
forgive!"
1.-THE Saviour made no exception"
gently said the man Of God. "All your
enemies?"
There was n long silence, during
which the old soldier seemed greatly
distressed. Suddenly he looked up, a
tender smile upon his face.
II can do it. 1 will pray to God to
forgive them," he said, reverently.
This incident should have meaning
for every sincere Inind.-Youth's Com
,,aninn