The Camden chronicle. (Camden, Tenn.) 1890-current, 1897-01-08


10 them. Driven from their habita-
ton by persecution, they sought the
solitude of the hills and wales that they
might conduct their worship accord
ing to their accustomed usage. But
they we're not always free from moles.
tation, even when fleeing to the wilds.
Profane and cruel bands Of troopers
tracked them from fastness to fastness,
and it was only by the most strict and
untirIng vigilance that they could have
any security to worship in peace.
The Rev. Dougal Mackenzie was
standing in the midst OF the people,
with enc hand upon the sacred Scrip
tuIeg and the other raised to Heaven.
he had just concluded his discourse,
having taken as his text the words.
"For Joshua drew not his hand back,
wherewith he stretched out the spear,
until he had utterly destroyed all the
inhabitants of Al.
Looking over his congregation as il
he were speaking to each in person,
he added: "And such, oh, Heavenly
Father, we pray Thee, may be the
slaughter OF the enemies of Thy ser.
wants"
A deep and fervid "Amen" was the
response that came from the lips oil
his hearers.
Though Dougal Mackenzie had beer
O pastor for more than thirty years,
he looked more like o soldier than one
whose duty 1t was to proclaim the Cos
pei of Peace, Tall, erect, and straight
as an arrow, eyes bright and gray
head almost white, and frame com
pact and we'll knit, he was q person
that would attract attention from tn
most casual observer of men. His hf
had been one of vicissitude and hard
ship; but through all his troubles, h.
Elways bore brave heart, lookinl
forward to the day when he might
perchance, seal his devotion to hi
faith las his father had done) by dyin
in defense of his religion and hi
rights.
He WAS man OF austere deport
ment, but then he was sincere an
ardent in his piety and very tenaciou
respecting the tenets of his faith. HI
hard, dry theology caused him {
times to utter fierce menaces agGini
those whom he considered were give
over to Belial, aud if anathemas coul
have availed many a long haired ca
alier would have gone straight TO pei
dition under his witherng denunci
tions.
In the front ranks of the people 81
the pastors daughter, Margaret, whC
with earnest gaze and meek look, ha
been awaiting the close of the sermon
As he raised his hands to pronounce
blessing there came the gallop
: horse hoofs and the next instant
, man was see1 riding at terrible pa
, up the valley. A few moments lat
he sprsng from his steed and stood
the midst of the people.
"What tidings bringest tho
, Robert Lindsay?" inquired the paste
. ''There is no time to lose, r
friends" cried Lindsay. '"Fhe 81
diers are at hand, and, if escape
4 possible, yol must be off. have ri
: den hard, and only by the aid of t
Almighty have ! escaped to warn you
At the words of the young man, t
elders gathered about the pastor
Z consult for their course OF actio
t while Lindsay approached Margal
1 Mackenzie, and, taking her hand
! his own, whispered to her that hal
never should befall her while his Al
" could WELD a sword.
Y Abont half mile from where t
Q congregation were assembled the
a stood q few shepherds cots, and
these the people hastily retreated,
svery man had brought arms vi