Waterbury Democrat., 1903-02-03
His First Sermon
 in Morning Dew

NJ OUNG ministers, like yOun z
 schoolmasters, often make their first public efforts with fear and trembling. When the youthful ''theologue' receives his first s.call, ? and sets off to preach his trial ser mon among strangers in a distant town, he is sometimes very anxious and lonely youth. The annals of the clerical profession contain amusing accounts of the various trying cir cumstances under which such ser mons have been delivered.
 In the west, in mining-camp days, itinerant clergymen sometimes ad- dressed crowds in queer places and in unconventional garments. It is safe to say, however, that no clergy man, young or old, ever began his pulpit career in such strange attire as did classmate of mine at Bloom ingvale seminary, who had accepted a call to go to Morning Dew, Mont. For he preached his first sermon there in coat of tar and feathers
 It came about in this way. And may add here that Marvin-that was my classmates name-afterward be- SdAA1 oAAS VI OhC lhOoO ROPilal SlnN most respected ministers in the west. Moreover, he was made doctor of divinity and a bishop, honors to which few men attain there, under the itinerant system, unless pos sessed of sterling character. The events of my story occurred 27 years ago, when Marvin was not quite .22 years of age.
 At that time he lacked full term of his ordination, in the usual course, but the bishop and professors got over the difficulty, as is sometimes the case, on the ground of expedien- cy Marvin, himself the son of an itinerant minister, had been earnestly asked to go to Morning Dew by a venerable itinerant, who had been la boring hard to improve the miners there and at Sink-or-Swim, another embryo ''city" on the other side of the butte. three or four miles dis tsnt.
 Like sire like son. tbe veteran preacne, wrote. ..f Knew sour fa- ther we'll. He was ap earnest, fear less soul, and hear that you are like him. If so, the Lord needs you here, and needs you greatly.''s
 Marvin read this appeal, consulted with his instructors, and wrote to say that, God willing, he would preach in Morning Dew on the fol- lowing Sunday, five days later.
 He set off on the following day, and reached Sink-or-Swfm late. on Saturday afternoon. The old minis ter, Mr. Hendricks, received him with enthusiasm, and after supper sat down to tell him the kind of an audi ence to which he would have to preach on the next day.
 "Byp the way" he added, syou will have to preach in saloon. They have no meeting-house yet"
 The evening was bright, and before retiring Marvin went out for walk through Sink-or-Swim, to think over his sermon and to rearrange some points in it, in order to meet sugges- tions made by his venerable friend and mentor.
 There was nearly full moon, and he proceeded along the road lead ing to Morning Dew- Presently he met a man on horseback, riding at a mad gallop; and he had gone on for no more than half mile when the same man passed him, riding back toward Morning Dew, accompanied by eight or ten others, apparently recruited at Sink-or-Swim. They were in furious haste; and as Marvin strolled on he began to hcar distant shouts, and soon after saw the gleam of a fire in the direction of the scene of his prospective pastorafe.
 Curiosity led him to hasten that way, and as he drew near he found that the whole scity" was astir. The fire, however, proved but bonfire in the street, made of the debris of some rude dwelling which the mob had demolished. Over the embers the energetic citizens were heating a ket- tie, containing a dark liquid which diffused the odor of tar.
 The intent of the crowd was soon disclosed. Haul him out here,' shouted a bur1y fellow. who appeared to be the master of ceremonies: and immediately a trembling, imDlorinp wretch, who had lost most of his clothes, was dragged forth into the street
 "Who's got feather pillow ?;' cried n hoarse voice. Fetch it out and rip 1t open!"
 These picturesque exclamations made the purpose of the proceedings so apparent that Marvin. in his char acter of moral guardian to the place. felt called upon to say something. He spoke from impulse. Tbere was lit tie time for reflection. The first ladleful of hot tar was already being applied to the luckless victim.
 For common decency's sake, don't dc that!" exclaimed the young cler- gyman, pushing resolutely forward. Don't treat a fellow-man in that disgusting way! It is inhuman!''
 Whats that?'' shouted the leader of the mob 'tWho are you?''
 No matter who I am.' cried Mar vim. T protest against such abuse of T fellow being! l protest against St in the name of humanity!'
 A roar of hoarse laughter and oaths interrupted him. "A tender food \ tenderfoot!' was the cry. ''Ilxa ffia aa ip1rndnciinn to Morn~