The Columbia Democrat. (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1837-1850, September 01, 1838, Image 1

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    ..I liavo sworn upon the Altar of God, eternal hostility to every form bf Tyranny oicr the ailnd of JIan.'fl1oinas Joffooon.
PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY If. WEBB.
Volume SI.
BJLOOMSBUIfcG, CJOMJM23IA COTOTlT, PA. SArH?UKAY SEPTEMBER 1, 1838.
-. OFFICE OP THE DEMOCRAT,
Next door to Rodison's Stage Office;
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From tho American Presbyterian.
THE SACREMENT NEAR THE HER
MITAGE. A-greable lo tho notice previously given,
the Senior Editor of this paper together
with the Rev. Mr. Smith administered the
Sacrcment of the Lord's Supper, last Sab
baili, in the Church near the Hermitage.
The church is known'on our Presbyteri
an records by the name of Ephcsus, and
was elected many years since on .the do
main appertaining to.llie Hermitage, princi
pally. its venerable proprietor, the Ex
Fresid.eliliuf the United Slates. It is beau
tifully, located, and though, not spacious, nor
even finished, yet it is a delightful Sumhier
Temple for tho calm and -pure worship of
tho Triune .God. Spoil at least it seemed
to us, diiringtbe service? oj'tho.latc-.soleni-nity,
and especially so when it-becamo tho
abode of tho communion of .rc&emcd spir
its, around the table of their present Lord
and saviour. Whilo such seasons are gen
erally tho most joyous and elevating, which
believers can enjoy on earth the one, to
which wo have alluded, afforded more than
ordinary interesting accessions to the church,
was numbered one, peculiarly interesting
wo mean the Ex-President himself. To
the christian, every "spiritual accession to
tho army of the living God is ground of joy,
because every soul is of inftnito value and
in its redemption tho cpiritual empire, and
consequently the declarative glory of the
Great Captain of his salvation are augmen
ted. Still, on account of the great amount
of commanding influence, which distin
guished individuals are capable of exercis
ing in the cause of religion when truly con
verted to God their conversion to all chris
tians, cannot be. otherwise than a matter of
far more than ordinary interest and rejoic
ing. This prespective of all other consid-,
erations is calculated to yield uncommon
gratification to all who feel .interested in the
kingdom of Christ below, when they learn,
that General Jackson has solemenly couse
crated Jiimself to the promotion of ila inter
ests during the remainder of his days, It
jnay well be imagined that the scene was
thrilling, when this vctetan in years, and in
the service of his country, professed allegi
ance to the Sovereign of all world, and pro
mised an eternal fidelity to him, who
, flemands the homage of all created intelli
gences. How could it bo otherwise? A
form of no common appearance for inspir
ing veneration, was standing before tho As
sembly. It was the form of onef who had
Jong been known as amongst the most ills
tinguised of his country's Generals who
ul often periled his life, in defence, and
fvho under God had achieved one of the
most memorable victories recorded m tho
annals of modern warfare Nor is this all.
The same venerable form had filled, as a
statesman tho highest seat in tho govern
ment of this country, and had been clothed
.ith the highest civic honors which that
ountry, in all its unequaled freedom and
Bndcpcii
ndoncc could bestow
lie had passed through a life of most
yentful scenes he had returned to his own
ermitage to the tomb of his beloved con
sort, to the fiyv remaining friends, of his
former days to some of the surviving chil
dren of these frismds, and in their view was
about pledging himself to become a soldier
in a new army and to engage in the perfor
mance of duties of higher importance than
ever commanded the attention of earthly
thrones or eoufederated stales.. And to add
if possible to the iniprcssiveness of the
scene, the partner of his adopted son dear
to him indeed as a daughter together with a
beloved niece were also about to seal with
him thero convatiant, for the first lime to be
the followers of the Prince of Peace. The
whole of tho preparatory service was deep
ly interesting, but when tho time arrived for
him and his relatives, and friends to arise
and take their seals at the table of their as
cended Redeemer, a scene of weeping grat
itude and joy, seemed to pervade the whole
congregation, a' v .
To see this aged veteran, whdec head ba'd
stood erect in battle and through sceans of
fearful bearing, bending that head in humble,
and adoring reverence at tho table of his
Divine Master, while tears of penitence and
joy trickled down his care-worn checks was
indeed a spectacle of the most intense mor
al interest. No one, indeed could question
the sincerity of his profession of faith, in
the Son of God. The wholo world ac
quainted with him whether friends or foes,
must acknowledge that his lips have spoken
in all his varied difilcultios the meaning of
h;s. heart, and that his actions have always
corresponded with his sentiments.
May God bless and uphold him in his
last days, and make them his most comfor
table and happy days.. And when the time
for his departure shall arrive may ho come
to his grave, not only full of years, but full
uf-pftacyny,andJioly..triumph.) . j&a
In all real conversions to God; let us cv-
remember, that "it is not by might or pow
er, but by the spirit saitli the Lord." To
his grace then be all the glory:
P. S.. The health of tho General has
been generally comfortable during this sea
son. It was tho Sabbath, and around,
A sacred stillness, like a shroud,
Had settled o'er that holy ground
Where oft, in prayer, the mighty bowed)
whilo near at hand, 'mid waving bowere,
The Hcrmitago in beauty smiled
Where .tho old warrior, 'neath the flowers,
Oft Eportcd with prattling child. '
Thero, when the din of battlo died,
And manhood's prima wa? lost in age:
When weary of earth' pomp and pride
Tho' high on farao's immortal page,
With hands unstained, and bo3om pure
The gallant soldier sought a re t
Whcro baubles bright could not allure; .
Where holy peace might fill his breast.
It was the Sabbath; and a host
Had gathered neath that lovely spire,
Whoso prota typo on Asia's coast
Had Been tho Gospel's kindling fire,
In Ephcsus ho humbly btood,
Whoso walls arose at hU command;
nd joined the phalanx of the good,
And raked to Heaven Ids foeblo hand.
Oh! 'twas a sight so truly grand,
That tluy who witnesa wept aloud;
Yes, he tho mightiest of tho land,
Dcforc his God in meekness bowed,
The hero, who so often hurled
Destruction on his country's foe,
Now owned tho Sovereign of tho world,
And laid his earthly honors low.
I looked, and lo 1 before mo rolled
The long red lino of warrior men; .'
Tho flash of brightened steel and gold
Shot thro' tho treos and up the glon, ,
And waved tho stars o'er Orleans' spires,
And there, in buif and blue arrayed,
Stood unscarcd youth and vcteru sirea
To live- or dio as glory bade.
And then commenced tho hour of blood,
And war's wild thunder shook the shore,
Whilo Mississippi's giant flood
Received a thousand rills of goro,
Then heard I 'mid tho conquering free,
Ono voice above all others ring, -"Advancing
my bravo boys, gallantly,
Aud fearless o'er tho breast work Bpring."
Onward tho wavo of carnago rolled,
The British Lion trailed hi blood,
Aud Troeadero's host bo bold
Sunk 'neath tho rushing gory flood.
Then sweet the bugle signal swelled, '
And ceased the fight where'er it spread,
While loud tho dying soldier yelled,
And routed focmen scattering fled.
And who was ho who led them forth
To glory 'mid that gloomy hourl
Who reaped tho rich reward of worth,
And mounted high tho steep of power!
Behold tho bending veteran there,
Beside the altar of his God; '
'Twas lib who mado his sabro bare,
Anio'cr that field a conqueror trod.
Hi3 sun is set. jo triore the sound '
Of trump or drum shall mark his course;
In vain his .war horse paw3 the ground,
In vain war's claiion echoes hoarse ' ,
rrced from a mass of cankering care,
Amid his loved ones ho reposes; 1
And while tho Christian's cross he bcare,
Life's' latest st'a'go seems strewn with roses.
Washington, Aug. 1838. J. E. D.
From tho New Yorker-
TJIE FATAL WAGER
FOUNDED ON FACT TRANSLATED FROM THE
GERMAN. .
" A cold, dreary bight, hcrr students,"
said the host of the Double Eagle, as, he
threw a faggot of wood upon the fire, a
round which were seated a knot of students
silently smoking their meerschaums, while
upoa a table near at hand stood a,- number.
of empty bottles and drinking. cups,
bearing evidence of their recent good-cheer.
Tho night was far advanced it was Stl
Mark's eve and they had been discussing
the numerous superstitions, current among
the peasantry respecting this hallowed time.
There wa3 a pause in tho conversation, and
each sat seemingly absorbed in his own
thoughts, which to judge from the grave as
pect of their countenance, were serious c-
iioucn.i .&o ueepiy- were iirevrwrnect' in
meditation, that none heeded the observe
Hon of the. landlord. It was towards tho
close of autumn, and tho wind whistled
shrilly, as it swept past the crazy old inn,
giving token of tho ajiproach of stern-visaged
Winter.
" Well, Herman," said one of the stu
dents, laying aside his pipe, and moving a
little from the fire, which now burned
brightly '(since you liavo laughed at all
legends and superstitions which havo been
related to-night, and profess not to believe
in the existence of, spirits, good or had, yet
there is one concerning, which I would ask
your opinion. It is said that on tho eve of
St Mark's ono may see the shades of
those who are to die in a short time pass
into the church, by watching there at mid
night," .
"Mero stories to amuse children," replied
Herman.
" Did not Burgomeistcr Wagram declare
that he saw, on the eve of St. Mark's as he
was returning homo hto at night from
.Grosheim, a shadowy figure, the exact
counterpart of himself, glide into tho porch
of the church as ho left it and did he not
dio a few months afterward;"
" Very true, Heir Rosambeit j but you
must recollect that old Wagram was esteem
ed the most temperate in hluglcbach. And
it is well known that, on the occasion. allu
ded to, he was returning from a merry-making,
and it is hut just to presume that his
perceptive faculties could not have been
very porfect. It is probable he saw but his
own shadow, reflected by the moon, which
I remember shouo brightly that night; and
hi? disordered intellect and superstitious
folly led him to imagine it a spirit. As to
his death, which occurred so shortly after,
it is my firm belief that it had no more con
nection with St Marko's eve, than than"
puzzled for a simile "than lire has with
water." ,
. '.'Granting all you have said, still I think
it somewhat strange, Though I do not pro
fess to bo superstitious, yet thero is some
thing bcatiful in tho belief that there are
spirits- those of our friends "and kindred
who watch over us in our sleeping hours,
and hover around during tho busy scenes of
day guarding us from evil who, when the
sandoflifo has nearly run, assume a visa'
hie shape, and becon us from this weary It would seem that in his fear nnd ogita
world to realms of liappincss and Miss." uc-n, his hand became en'angled uj-the folia
"All very fine no doubt," said Herman
smiling. "I dare say, Rosambert, though
yon do not profess lo be superstitious, yet
aro you not fearful, as you bass the old
church to-night or. your way homo, Of see
ing your shade hovering about the church?"
"It is well that your way lies' not thith
er," said RoSamberit, rather nettled; "for
with all your smiling, I doubt whether you
dare trust yourself in its vicinity at the hour
of midnight. Indeed, I will wager a dozen
of mine host's choicest Burgundy that you
dare not."
"Done, Rosambertydonc? Gentlemen,"
said Herman, addressing his brother stu
dents, "hcar'you this wager. j3gad, we'll
make a night of it! Now Rosdmbert, I
yill do more on the faith of thy Burgundy
I will enter the old miser's vault, con
cerning which there are so many mysteri
ous talcs, and should I meet with a spirit
"I'll speak to it, though it blast me." The
tomb is in a dilapidated state, and the en
trance is.easy. The wager shall bo deci
ded thia'very night."
"Excellent !' excellent !" exclaimed Ro
sambert ; '"and that We may know you havo
been thero take this poniard, and stick it
into a coffin." " i '.
Placing his dagger in his bosom, he
turned gaily to his friend, and said- with a
smile, " Now I am ready bo sure you
have the Burgundy uncorked on my re
turn." 1 . . -
lie left the inn, and as he wended his
way through the village, now buried in re
pose, the solemn silence which reigned a-
round dissipated his gaiety, and his thoughts
took a more serious turn. lie felt as if he
had acted wrong in unseemiug levity on so
serious a subject, .and uea the many-terror-.
: !.. '. r. . r ; .t ,.r
inspiring laies respecting inc. oiu raiser, to
wlioso tomb he was now journeying, came
rushing upon his mind causing him al
most to repeut his foolish hardihood; but to
return without attaining his object, would
occasion the ridicule of his fiicnds, and he
dreaded being stigmatized as a vain boaster
and a coward. He therefore pushed quick
ly on, and in a short time reached the old
church, which at the extremity of the village..-
He clambered over tlto low paling
which surrounded tho venerable building,
and stood in the "back ground of life," as
Richtcr denominates the gravc-yard. All
was silent, save the wind, which sloughed
mournfully through the linden trees, scatter
ing the seared leaves fur and wide. The
night was dark, the sky overspread with
murky clouds, which sped rapidly- along
like giant-spirits of tho air, revealing here
and there a twinkling star. A feeling of awe
came over him as he stealthly glided along
the tomb-stones; and as ho neared the mi
ser's burial place, tho midnight tolled loud
ly from tho turret clock, bteaking through
the solemn silence like the knell of death.
He started at the sound, and almost quaked
with fear. But as the last strode died away,
he summoned his faltering resolution, and
drawing forth the'.dagger, ruslied down the
steps of the vault, and with a convulsive
shudder, struck it into a- damp and mouldy
cofritij' which' returned -n- sound, as if the
skeleton within ithadf.dlcn assunder,, and
the bones rattled against tho coflin sides.
Terrified and agitated, Herman attempted to
rush from tho vault, but he was held fast by
some invisible agency, aud uttering a faint
cry, fell senseless tq,iho grouud-
- ,
"What can posTsraly detain Herman?"
said Rosambert to his follow students. "It
is now an hour since he - started, and ho
should havo returned ero this. I hope no
evil has befallcil him." t
Another hour elapsed still he came not.'
At last it wn3 proposed that they should
secic turn. A lantern was procured, anil
after proceeding at a rapid pace they arrived
at tho church-yard,- and descending -the
gloomy vault, they discovered tho body of
ill-fated Herman lying upon his faeo across
tho threshold, the extremity of his gown
fastened io the coffin by the poniard.
of his go wn, artd the dagger pinned it to
the coflin, and imagining he had fallen into
the power of demorts Or spirits, he sank
lifeless to the ground, lie was raised, and
theexprcssion of terror upon his counte
nance was truly lioiriblc. His eyes seem
ed starling from their sockets his lip?
wer firmly compressed and his hair stood
bristling upon his head. -: He was convoyed
to the inn with all possible despatch, whero
efforts were made to reausicfate him but in
vain. The fright had been too much for
him ho was dead.? , ,
PERSEVERANCE.
There is nothing more necessary to otera
tho boisterous ocean of this world, thau
Perseverance. It will enable'us to accom
plish that which at first aeem3 insurmounta
ble. How often do wc sac tho -most ob
scure individual, rising gradually to distinc
tion by dint of perseverance. - Look at that
man, who but a few years ago, was a poor
ragged boy. ' Where is he now? .He has
reached tho pinnacle of famcaml occupies
the highest station in the gift of a free peo
ple. We might cite many instances to illus
trate the great effects of perseverance. '" We
will, however; content ourselves, with the
reiteration Of oiie, which we hope' will be
instructive and pleasing to our readers. ' ''
' A manvho was in good circumstance?,
once commenced, what is considered tho
most visionary of all schemes, that of dig
ging for gold. He had labored Incessantly
for upwards of twenty years', without the
least success. His wealth, his limb, tho la
bor of-his best years, had been spent in tho
enterprise. His friends admonished him- to
Jesist, byprtrayjmj the utter impossibility
ofiOver accomplishing his object -the con
sequent poverty of himself and- family.
But he was 'inexorable' ;At length his cred
it failed and the meicha'nts wore unwilling
any longer to 'furnish the articles he most
needed to prosecute his labors. ' On "being
informed of that, he took his shirt fnn his
back, and offered it as a compennation.
The merchant, thunder-struck ' with sucTi
unequalled perseverance give him the oiU
He resumed his labors, and before it ' was
consumed struck a rich vein of gold, which
msdo him master of inexhaustible wealth. '
Perseverance should form a conspicuous
pait in whatever we engage in. In .a politi
cal warfare it is indispensable especially
where the principles of republicanism- are
in danger. TnnJon Emporium.
We publish the subjoined anecdote of
Gen. Jackson, which was related to us by a
person who' was an oye-witness of tho trans
action. Ono of the baggage 'waggons be
longing to the division which Jackson com
manded, in passing through a marsh neat
Kingston, " stalled." ' On this occasion, a
corporal of the regulars, in a very anthora
tiv'o and pcromptory manner, ordered the
.mon of a volunteer company to diseilgago
it from the mud. This order was so haugh
tily given that the volunteers refused to
comply. Jackson; who heard the alloca
tion, approached in his hunting jshirt and
travelling boojs, and biting taken 'for one of
the privates, was also ordered to assist ; he
immediately obeyed tho command, but his
strength being inadequate to this task, ho'ad
dressing tho corporal, said, ' Sir, of what
grade nro you I " "I am corporal- ,
sir," was tho reply. " Who' aro you?"'
" I am General Jackson, sir, now you lay5
hold of ono wheel and I wilttlie. other, and!
we'll see how soon the wa,ggo will move.''
Ho was fain to comply, and tho volunteers'
immediately'tendertng tHeir assistance, tho
waggon was relieved.1 Republican Iter
aid ' ' i
' LAWVBRS. 1
And out of foreign controversies, ;
lly aiding both sides, fill their purseo' ; 1(
Ho lawyers, lost they-bcar defendant,
And phintiiVdog, should roako an cud on't,
Do fetayo tho tail with writs pf error,
Keverso of judgment, and demurrer,
To li t them breathe awhile and then
C ry, Uoop, and srt them on osain.
Butler,