Litchfield enquirer., 1842-06-30

From tRe Swnday- Scheol Jswrnal
| DELTvERANCE m THE LAST EXTREMITY.
A pious and wealthy gentleman, residen
in one of the midland counties of England
had two sons, who, as they grew up, to tn
CREST grief OF their religious parents, desires
to cast "f the Observances and restraints 4
which pious education had accustomed
them. In various ways they interrupted the
plous harmony of the family by their habit.
and associates; but one particular source
OF contention was, the constant desire d
the young men to be INDUCED with the use
OF the family carriage on the Lords day.
This the father steadily refused declaring
that, though his sons might break his heart
by their Sabbath. breaking, and other mis-
conduct, he would not be accessory to their
guilt, by permitting his horses and servants
to be employed in their service on that sa-
cred day. The young men were exceeding.
ly expasperated at the refusal, and decfl-
red their intention of Immediately leaving
home, abandoning their prospects for life,
ana going to sea as common sailors. Re.
nsonstrance was in vain and they accord.
ingly went. The parents having gained
some irtimation Of their track, wrote to the
minister above alluded to, stating that they
believed the young men were then in the
town where he resided, and entreated him
to find them out, and, if possible, persuade
them to abandon their foolish and undutiful
purpose; urging especially that the tender
mother was so severely affected by their
conduct, that it was to be feared herlife, or
her reason, would sink under the stroke.
With some difficulty the minister found
them out, and earnestly pleaded with them,
by every motive of duty and interest, espe-
cially dwelling ON the tender claims of
their affectionate parents. At the mention
Of his mothers agonized feelings and pre-
carious state Of health, the younger son
was melted, and consented to return; but
the other declared his stubborn, irrevoca-
BILE purpose to quit his parents protection
and his native land. "Well, them" said
the minister, " if you are determined to go,
at all events leaYe this mean lodging come
to my house, and let me procure you an APP
pointment, and fit out as gentleman"
MOI" replied the hardened youth, II am
determined to 60 in the capacity of COM
mon sailor. Notwithstanding its destitution
of every accommodation, because know it
will be Notifying and painful to the feel
ings ofmy parents to know that their eldest
son is gone out in such capacity, and in
such circumstances" "Then, young man."
replied the minister, " if such Is youT deter
mination, go: but remember, that the eye
Of God is upon you and Be sure your sin
Will find you OUT"
Several years elapsed, and the tender pa
rents made continual inquiries, but in vain
never could they gain any trace of their
long lost prodigal At length, they conclu!
ded he must have come to an early death,
and that it would be their.lot to 60 down. to
the grave sorrowing for their son.
Very early one morning the family of the
minister was reused by sailor, who desi-
red Immediately TO speak to Mr.. Griffin on
business Of the greatest importance. Mr..
Immediately to accompany him to q ship
stationed in the port; where a young man
under sentence Of death earnestly enfreated
TO see him. He readily complied; and on
being introduced to the condemned man,
| found him under great distress of mind on
accounted sin. After directing his views
tothe guilty sinners only Refuge, the min
lister inquired what induced the unhappy
man to send for him in particular? Had
he ever. when on shore, heard him preachl
No, never" How then did he know any
thing ofhirn? 'sSir," said the poor fellow,
"do yon not recollect, so many years ago,
receiving letter from Mr.. ----5of ---,
requesting you to interest yourself on be-
half of his two ungodly sons !' al do, per-
fectly well !; and now recollect that you
are the one of those young Men who per-
sisted in going the way of his own perverse-
ness" Yes, sif, II am; and, as you said,
THE eye Of God has been upon me, and
my sin has found me out"
The young man related the circumstances
through which he had passed. Before he
entered the navy ne so far relented from
his bitter determination Of wouDding the
feelings Of his parents to the uttermost, that
he entered under an assumed name: this
accounted for the parents never having
been able to trace him. He had been thro'
many dangers and hardships, but had con-
Quoted himself we'll, and obtained promo.
ton. The offence for which he was about te
suffer was one of INSTRUMENTATION or DISC
4 bedience, which having been Of frequen
occurrence, and productive of serious mis-
chief, it had been resolved to make an ex
ample of the very first who repeated it.
and this unhappy young man had expose,
himself to the dreadful penalty. He ex
lpressed the deepest penitence for all his pas
misconduct, and MOST earnest desire ono
more to see his aged father, to implore hi
forgiveness. 4 M
After further conversation and prayer
the minister left him, but not without re
solution to make every effort on his behalf
if ii were possible, to obtain reverse o.
mitigation Of his sentence. Hesfirst state.
the case to the officers of the ship |; they lis
tened with deep interest and sympathy 4
4 the melancholy tale, but declared their full
/ persuasion that all applications for mercy
would be in vain, as It was considered alb
solutely necessary TO make an example o
severity against that particular offence
Distressed, but not in despair, the good maj
addressed line iothe parents of fhe unhap
py convict, aud then set off fer london 4
make strenuous efforts on his behalf Will
considerable difficulty, he obtained an in
terview with the. person in his Majesty