Martinsburgh gazette. [volume] (Martinsburgh, Va. [W. Va.]) 1810-1825, 1824-07-01

resistance would be vain, looked at the
pistol that was now pointed at him-de-
liyered hrs money to Mainland, and re-
quested that he would listen to him for
few moments. You say, young man,
that this is your first attempt-take my
advice, and, to prevent your destruction.
let it be your last. Go and use the no
ney now obtained, in an industrious
manner, and you shall have not only my
forgiveness, but my prayers Moncrlef
then raised bis reverend eyes and hands
to heaven, and emplored mercy forthe
robber. They parted, the minister to
his sffec6onate wife and family, and
Mainland to alas, he knew not with
err
aThe world was all before him where to choose
Ills place of rest
Happy ifhe could have looked to pro-
violence as his guide, or prayed for di-
rection; bat he could not pray. Attic
ted with the most distressing feelings
sensible of his crime, and aware OF the
danger to which his life was exposed,
he wandered about for some time, lm-
determined what should be his future
proceeding. The solemn parting words
of the minister still sounded in his
ears, and his kindness melted his heart.
At the time he resolved to return the
ill-gotten booty, but then he knew that
his apprehension, might be the conse-
quence, and his life the forfeiture.
Ii NJ &C
was greatly commiserated, by his affec-
Tomato Pensioners; old and young
spontaneously came forward, and more
than compensated the loss he had sus-
tanned Still he prayed for Mainland,
and often wept as he entreated God to
bring him to sense OF his sin, and to
reclaim him from the paths Of the des-
troyer.
Atlength Mainland heard Of ves-
gel bound to India, and FASTENED on
board. While there, he frequently re-
Elected on the sin he had committed,
and would gladly have restored the mo-
ney be had SO unwillingly taken, but
this became every day more impractical
BILE, and now he turned his attention to
the minister's advice to employ it-hon-
estfy and industriously. He ayaled
himself of the numerous advantages
which commerce opens to the sailor,
and by great assiduity and caution, aided
By the blessing of providence, which
he earnestly sought, as well as the par
don of bis sins, he succeeded beyond
his most sanguine expectations. His
desire and determination to refund the
property what he had stolen never for
sock him, and he embraced the first OPP
portunity of making restitution in per-
son. More than 10 years however,
rolled away without presenting any ia
ciiity of visiting Mr. Moncrief. At last
he obtained a freight to Bordeaux, and
thence to Leight, and having learned
that Mr.. Moncrief was still living with
his wife and family at their residence, he
forwarded two pipes of excellent wine
to him, but without mentioning from
whom they came. When shey arrived
at the good minister's door, he was
thrown into the greatest perplexity, OBJ
serving, that for himself he could not
afford TO drink wine, he had no cellar
in which he could place it, nor did he
possess any friend that was likely to
send him so valuable present. The
whole, therefore, was mistake, and
the wine was obviously intended for
some other person. He consented,
however, to allow them for the present
to be placed in his stable.
After making every inquiry to disco
yer the real owner of the wine, and oh
tanning no information whatever, Mr..
Moncrief concluded that time would de-
velope the mystery. After few days,
a respectable looking gentleman alight-
ed from his carriage, and requested to
see the minister. Being introduced,
he told him he had been brought up in
the country. and had constaatlyrecollec-
ted him with esteem and veneration.
He had taken the liberty of bringing a
few trifles for the acceptance of Hr.
Moncrief. The present consisted of
some choice fruits, silks, SIC. of no
small value.-The stranger was invited
to very plain dinner, of which the fam
lily was about to partake, and at the con-
clusion of the repast, politely requested
glass of wine. Mr.. Moncrief apollo
gised at not having any, his income
not allowing him to drink it. cit is true,'
, said he, ''that there are two pipes of
wine in my stable, directed to me. but
| do not know to whom they belong.'