Rensselaer Republican, Volume 16, Number 19, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 17 January 1884 — Demand on Mr. Whittier. [ARTICLE]

Demand on Mr. Whittier.

Itianot qnly in ridding the ambitious efforts of aspirants that demands m*de,upon Mr. Wliittief; innumerable request of other natures clowd in upoq him, such, for example, a* that of therclergyman who wished lm signature to a poem that he had himself composed, possibly less from vanity than to help a good cause by the publicity of an established name: “How‘ 'would that accord with thy preaching?” asked Mr.. Whittier. That, his co-oper-ation should constantly lmjsonght in charities, and that beggars should clamor at his heels for all sums from a pittance to a competency, is a matter of course; and owing to his belief in the duty of p citizen, he has been as eagerly, beset by elaimauts for public office. We recall in this connection a striking-example of his kindness and large minded liberal ity. An ardent and unflinching peace Democrat; after the Near, learned that the President would nominate him for on important position--if he wished it; he decided not to let his game lxi used, but in speaking of the subject to Mr. Summer, the litter said, “A miracle ocenred in this affair. I received a telegram from Mr. Whittier—” “That was a miracle,” said the gentleman, thinking only of the wonder of the poet’s doing so practical and business like a thing as to use the telegraph. “The miraculous-thing about it,” said Mr. Summer, “is that Whittier urgos that if your name is sent in you should be confirmed.” “I had rather have the telegram than the position,” was the reply. Mr. Whittier had probably felt in the matter that the devotion of the person concerned to the ideal principles of democracy was something beyond tho province of partisanship, and in the pure service of freedom. People come to him. also, in their grief and trouble, and to more than one tortured soul has he given peace. TEe story is told of a friend of his early days, in the time when religion held men by crueler bonds than now, who was pursued by the idea of the sin against the Holy Ghost, and felt himself doomed to damnation. “And so thee really thinks thee will go to hell ?” said Mr. Whittier, after listening to the tale of torment. “Oh, lam sure of it,” cried the sufferer. “Does thee hate tby fellow-men?” asked Mr. Whittier. “No, no,” said his unhappy friend. “Don’t thee hate God, then?” came the next question, --- ~ “I love Him,” was the answer, “whatever happens to me.” “Don’t thee hate God, who would send thee to hell, and let others, who thee knows have led worse lives, go to heaven?” * “No. lam glad of every one that is saved, even if I am to be a castaway.” “Now what does thee think the devil will do with the? How can he use the —one who loves the God that condemns him to torments, one who loves his fellow men, and would keep them out of the clutches of Satan—how can the devil employ thee or endure thee?” For the first time in months the wretched man laughed with his old heartiness, and from that moment began to shake off his morbid terrors.— Harriet Prescott Spofford in Harper’s ‘Magae tne. ■