Greenbrier independent. [volume] (Lewisburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1859-1980, 1897-06-03

mote from the meeting, but yvbon
forgotten, or for previous good con
uuct alloWed to remain, would startIo
all present by his testimony. On
one occasion, a very animated ser.
mon was scarcely brought to close
when Poll was pleased to saw, very
graciously, "That's a pretty good
discourse ~ 7'''
a striking incident in Polps ey.
perlence about this time brought ont
the fact that early influences often
determine the character of those
winch will continue to act with more
or less force. Poor Poll was over
come by sudden temptation. and
lt occurred in moment of great
hllarity. The older members Of tbr
household having gone abroad to
spend the day, the two Youngest
daughters were housekeepers. The
uay was lovely, and the girls con-
trary to orders, ventured TO take Poll
from his accustomed place I'm tho
sunny corner of the sitting for keen.
ing.room, as it was called then pIac.
ing hlm in his outdoor nook, i'm the
sWeetoriar bush under the windows.
IL being Poll's first spring airing, he
was wild with delight, jumping about
In great glee, until the nail, probably
weakened by the winter storms gave
way, and the cage fell to the ground
with great force. The children, low
ing the bird very dearly, and con-
sclous OF their disObedience, quickly
ran to the rescue, calling to Poll to
tell them If he was killed. On rails
ing the cage tho frightened bird
shook himself vehemently, and,
jumping on his perch, exclaimed, in
MS gruffest tones, "Poll thought he
was going to the devil !" Years had
gone by since Poll had used word
OF the kind, and tho children, whose
tears were turned to merry Taught err,
always affirmed that they had evil
dence Of his penitence in the fact
that he was never known to repeat
the offence.
Polly's religion did not save him
from his inveterate habit of tale
bearing. As the daughters grew up
oWomanhood there could be no court
ing done in that chimney corner, for
Poll would tell. When the second
daughter was about to be married,
considerable anxiety was expressed
In reference to keeping the approach
ing marriage from agossiping neigh
Dor until the bans were published
on the following Sabbath. Poll
heard all the talk between the young
couple during the twilight hour.
Before the Sabbath came this neigh
Dor called to see the family. AS
soon as she entered the sitting-room
Poll began to make great cOmmo-
tlon IN his cage, swinging and dane
ing at fearful rate, until he at
tracted her notice, when in a singing
tone he repeated over and oyer again,
Rose and George going to be mar.
ried, to be married, to be married"
But Poll, as he advanced in years,
grew more thoughtful. After the re-
moVal OF the family to the
home on Transit Street he was
more than ever before associated
with its religious life. All Father
Dods' daughters were singers-what
blessing to the household! The
eldest daughter frequently led the
singing at these social meetings. A
Methodist sister sometimes shared
this honor with her. An English
minister, who was often guest at
the house, took the first opportunity,
at the close of one of the meetings,
to say to this daughter, "Sally, Sally,
don't let this Methodist BODY beat
you" Poll was an unobserved
listener.
AT the next weekly meeting, as
the hymn was read, and the good
sister was about to commence to
sing in her spirited way, Poll electri-
fed the whole worshipping company
by repeating in its loudest,. clearest
tone the admonition he had so re-
Gently heard, "Sally, Sally, don't
let that Methodist body beat you 20
We omit the scene at the close of the
meeting. Poor Poll was in disgrace.
Poll was opposed to long meetings,
and more than once called on differ.
ent brethren to close the meeting
On particular occasion he seemed
to soon tire OF the regular exercise,
and called out, Brother Bushbee,
close the meeting by prayer" The
brother thus abruptly called upon
was sitting with closed eyes waiting
for an opportunity to exhort
Sadly embarrassed and wondering
at the sudden termination of the
meeting, he arose and offered an ap
propiate closing prayer.
Poll was removed from the room
by member of the family, much tC
the chagrin Of the young people, who
believed he should he allowed fui
liberty to exercise his gifts. Pol
must have had some idea of thi
principle, for at another time he CAV,
life and spirit to dull meeting b,
saying, in quick, energetic tones:
Brethren, there is liberty"
His power of speech was clear ant
strong, and as he advanced in year
sententious. 1t was not a strang
thing Tor age, as youth, to receiv
words OF caution or reprOof. On
bright summer afternoon Mrs. bod
was engaged in making cOpper-plat
curtains for the windows; several O
the good sisters of the First Churc
were assisting i'm the work. -
There was pleasant converse, wit
long and earnest discussions as to tn
best method of draping the curtains
There was good deal of measurin
and puzzling in trying to decid
whether they should allow for fri
at the top or no frill. to be made ope
in the centre and looped on eithe
side of the window, or only on on
side; how much fringe, which wa
Mrs. Dods's own netting, should b
used, etc.
Poll was grave and quiet, watcl