Democratic Sentinel, Volume 18, Number 12, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 6 April 1894 — His Rebuke. [ARTICLE]

His Rebuke.

Mr. Abner Jenfiings was never known to say a harsh thing to or about any one. His form of speech was invariably mild, and exaggerated statements were Hewed by him as almost as reprehensible as lies. Once, in the spring of the year, when the Blueville roads were in a fearful condition of mud and mire, the team of a “traveling merchant” was stalled a short distance from Mr. Jennings’ house. The old man at once brought out his oxen and went to the peddler’s assistance. The team could not be released even with the aid of the yoke of oxen, and the peddler, who was a man of high temper and little self-control, proceeded to vent his rage in language which first amazed and then disgusted the equable Mr. Jennings. He bore it as long as he thought was necessary and proper, and then unhitched his oxen and went calmly home. “I went to try and help him,” he explained to his wife as he walked into the kitchen on his return, “but he talked so poorly that I came off and left him.” One day he caught some boys robbing his black cherry-tree, and surveyed them for some moments in speechless disapprobation. “Boys,” he said at last, giving the culprits the sternest glance of which he was capable, “boys, I think you’ve been doin’ very poorly!” After administering that stinging rebuke, he turned to his heels and walked slowly away to the barn, and never referred to the matteragdin