Litchfield enquirer., 1837-08-10
THE TEST OF BENEvOLENCE.
A SHORT AND TRUE STORY.

SHORT AND TRUE STORY.
 "The hand that wiped away the tear of want,
 The heart that melted at another's woe,
 Were his, and blessings followed him."
 David Wentworth had the kindest of hearts. There were neither mete nor bound to his benevolence, except inability. And happy was the man who had a ti,he of the prayers that were offered up for the welfare of my friend by the unfortunate and wretched whom his hand had relieved.
 speak of prayers-for it was the only reward he sought, and of course the only reward he obtained; I mean here-but l forget.
 David was paying attention to an excel lent young lady Ot his native city. one was wealthy, beautiful and accomplished, and consequently had many suitors. A. mong them were richer, nobler Gin extrac- ton mean,) and handsomer than David, but n'impOrte, there was kind of frank hearted straight-forwardness about my friend, which could not fail to carry him somewhere near the heart of his discerning mistress, even if an emperor had been his rival.
 The young lady in question Int upon a project to put the characters of her lovers to test. She had come across a poor widow with family in distress, in one of her benevolent excursions, and the idea oc- cured to her that it would be a good op- portunity to ascertain inc stuff her lovers hearts were made off. Letters were forth with indited, setting forth the good woman's tale, and forwarded to the different genlle- men in inc widows name, requesting an answer and assistance.
 The first reply was lecture on idleness and begging, and concluded with the infOr- nation that the writer was not accustomed to give to those he did not know. This was from 10000 year! The second ad- vised her to apply to some benevolent so- cietics, whose duty it was to relieve those who were truly in want. This was from ono who had great reputation for benevo- ience-who had taken leading part in several charitable associations, and whose pharisaical liberality had been blazoned in the Gazette. The lady thought that, inter- ested as be was in the success of these in- stilutions, he displayed very commenda- ble reluctance about taking the business into his own hands. A third from good hearted kind of fellow-enclosed her a S5 bill with his compliments. Several took no notice of tho good womaD's petit tion. But there was another aDswer which the lady read with far different feelings.- It was from David from $500 year, and 1 need not say. like himself kind and con- soling. h spoke of the writer's marrow means, and also of the principle he had a. dopted, of never giving unless persuaded of the wor,hiness of the object. if said he, l find myself otherwise unable to afford the assistance you require. trust l may be of service in interesting others in your be- halE'
 Nor was this profession. For it was but a few weeks before the widow found her self comfortably located, and engaged in a thriving little business, commenced by the recommendation, and carried on by the aid of my friend. All this was done in genuine Scripture style. There was no sounding of trumpe.s-and the right hand knew not ths doings of the Jeff. But his ladylove was silent observer of his conduct, and he received many kind glance from that quarter, of which he litlIe suspected the cause. She began to think that the hom- age of spirit like his was thing not to be despised; and sho felt something very much like palpitation of the heart as she questioned herself respecting his intention.
 Such was the train of thoughts which was one evening, as is often the case, 'n-