The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1844-08-19

ture good conduct, to deserve my confidence and re-
spec, md this circumstance shall never transpire to
nJnre yoG.' The poor fellow deeply affected
In voice almost narticulale with emotion he aclS-
nowledsed his guilt, and said that having frequently
seen me receive the money without counting il, on
being inrusted with it himself, the idea had flashed
across his mind that he might easily abstract some
without incurring suspicion at all events witho
there being sufficient evidence justify it, that being
in DISTRESS the temptation had proved stronger than
his power ofresisance, and he had yielded Il can
not now he continued prove how deeply your for
bearunce has touched me; time alone can show tbot
il has no: boon misplaced lie left me to resume
his duties.
"Days, weeks, ard months passed away, during
which scrunized his conduct with the greatest INK
iety, whilst at the same time | carefully guarded
against any appearance Of suspicious watch ness &
with delight observed that so far my experiment
had succeeded The greatest regularity and attsn-
ton-ihe utmost devotion TO my interest marked his
business habits, and this without any display; for his
quiet and humble department was from that time re-
markabc. AT length fin ding his conduct invariably
marked by the utmost openness and plain-dealng,
my confidence in him was so far restored that on a
vacancy occurring in situation Of greater trust and
filled, placed him in it; and never had the slight
est reason to repent Of the part had acted towards
him. Not only had the pleasure OF rejecting that
had, in all probability, saved fellow creature from
continued course of vice, and consequent misery
and afforded him the opportunity Of becoming a re-
spectacle and rseful member of society," but | had
gained for myself an interchangeable servan:-a faith
rul and constant friend. For years he served me
with the greatest fidelity and devotion. His charac-
ter for rigid, nay, scrupulous honesty, was so
well known, that 'as honest as smith, became
provorb amongst his acquointances. One morning
missed him from his accustomed place, and upon in
quiry, learnt that he detained ut home by inds.
position. Several days elapsed, and still he was alb
sent; and upon calling Of his house to inquire after
him, found the family in great distress on his &C
count His complaint Ind proved typhus fever Of
malignant kind. From almost the commencement
of his attack, he had, his wife for he had been
sometime married) Informed me, lain in a state Of to-
tai Inconsistencies, from which he had reused only
10 the rawlings Of derum, and that the physician gave
little hope of his recovery For some days he con
timed in the same state; at length a message was
brought me, saying that Mr. Smith wished to sec me-
the messenger adding, that Mrs Smith hoped would
come as soon possible for she feared her husband
was dying Immediately obeyed the summon.
con entering the chamber, | found the whole of
his family assembled TO take farewell Of him they so
tendery loved. AS he perceived me, he
motioned for me to approach TO him, and taking
my hand in both of his he turned towards me his dy
ing countenance, full Of gratitude and affection and
said, My dear master, my best earthly friend have
sent for you that may give YOU the thanks and bless
ing of d, ing man for all your goodness to To
your generosity and mercy owe it, that have lived
useful and respected, that die amentcd and happy
To You owe it, that leave to my children name
unsullied by crime, that in after years the blush of
shame shall never tinge their cheeks at the memory
of their father. 20 God y he continued, Thou who
hast said, 'bessed are the merciru' bless him. Ac-
cordng TO the measure he has meted TO Others do
you mete unto him. Then turning to his family, he !
said, 'SIy beloved wife and children, trust you,
without fear, to the Of that Heavenly Parent who
has sad' "Leave thy fahertheess children to me and
will preserve them alive, and let thy widows trust
in me-" And you, my dear master, will, know
be to them you have been to me-guide, protec-
tor, and friend That" continued the kind old man.
looking round upon with glistenng eyes, "though
mixed with sorrow, of the happiest moments
of my life. AS stood by the bedside OF the dying
man, and looked around upon his children growing
up viriuous, intelligent, and upright respecting and
honorng, as much as they loved their father when
his wife, though overcome with grief for the
loss Of tender and beloved husband, yet sorrowing
not without hope but even in that moment of
ngony deriving comfort from the belief that she
should meet him again in that world where
'Adieus and farewels sound unlsnown;'
when listened to his (ervent expressions of gratitude
and saw him calmly awaiting the inevitable stroke,
trusting in the mercy Of God, and at peace with his
fellow men; and when thought VIVA. the of
this might have been-crime, misery, disgracerul
and dshonored life, perhaps shameful and violent
death-had yielded to the first impulse of ndigna-
lion, felt happiness which no words can express.
We told that there is more joy amongst the an
gels of God sinner that rcpentoth, than
ninety and nine just persons that need no repent
lnce With such joy imagine theirs, did
rejoice poor Smith as closed his eyes, and
,eard the attendant minister in fervent excaim
Blessed the dead that die in the Lord, yea, saith
he spirit, for they rest from their labors, aud their