The Massachusetts spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1821-1823, 1821-07-25
TIE Sea Captain.

The stage was crowded with passen-
gers as, it passed from New-York to
Boston. 1t was late in the evening,
when one of the passengers, sea cap
tain, endeavoured to excite the atten-
ton of the drowsy company, by giving
a relation of his own situation. He had
been to sea in a fine ship; in dreadful
storm his ship had been wrecked, every
cent of his property destroyed, and
every soul on board had been lost, ex-
cept the captain, who had saved his
life by being on plank, at the mercy
of the waves, for several days togeth-
er. The company was much interested
in the narrative; they pitied the poor
unfortunate captain, who was returning
home to his family, entirely destitute
but they wondered that man relating
such tale and telling of an escape al
most miraculous, should confirm almost
every sentence with an oath. Nothing,
however, was said to him.--In the
morning, when the stage stopped, Mr..
B. one of the passengers, invited the cap
tain to walk on before, with him, and
they would step into the stage when
it should come up.-The proposal was
agreed to. They walked on alone
Says Mr.. B. did | understand you last
night-the stage made much noise !;
did you say that you had lost your shipn
Yes.o THAT all your crew were
drowned except yourself?' "Yes."-
That you saved your life on plank p
yes" Let me ask you one more ques-
ton When on that plank, did you not
vow to your God, thatif he would spare
your life, you could deUote that life to
has service p "None of your business"
said the captain, angrily. The stage
by this time came up, and they entered.
Towards evening, as the stage was en-
tering Providence, the captain inform
ed the company, that he should not sup
with them, as he was so unfortunate as
not to have any money. Mr.. B. takes
from his pocket, and offered him
handsome bill. "No," says the captain,
s am poor, yet | am no beggar.''-
But replied Mr.. B. do not give it
to you as to beggar, but as to an I'M
fortunate brother. You must learn that
profess to be Christian, and | am
taught by my religion to do good unto
all men. The Gospel prescribes no
limits to benevolence-it teaches to do
good TO all The company appIauded,
and pressed the captain to take the
money. He silently put it into his pock-
ct, without even thanking the donor,
though his countenance betrayed unea-
siness. The company supped together;
and the captain bid each adieu, after
having asked Mr.. B. when he left town.
He was informed on the morrow, at
sunrise. They parted, as it was sup
posed, forever. The captain went
home with heavy heart, while Mr.. B.
retired to rest, satisfied that he had hon.
cured his Father, who seeth in secret.
He was surprised the next morning, at
daylight, to hear some one rap at the
door. He opened it, and beheld the
captain standing before him in tears
The captain took his hand, pressed it,
and said, " Sir have not slept a wink
since ! saw you | abused you yester-
day am now come to ask your par
don. did, while on that plank, VOW
to God that | would live differently from
what | ever have done and by Gods
help, from this time forward, | am de-
termined to do So" The captain could
not proceed they pressed each others
hands, and parted, probably, to meet
no more in this world.
Evangelical Iatelligencer.