Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1852-07-16
nenevolence and cra,,tudc.-A rrue story.

would not die at all. -
Benerolence and Grntitudc-A True Story.
It was raw bleak night the rain was failing fast,
while the wind blew in violent gusts. A Portsmouth
night. coach stopped at the prncipa! inn of the
town to change horses. The cold and weared trav.
e!lers alighted for few moments 10 enjoy the comfort
Of blazing fire, well as TO take refreshments.
will you give poor fellow nights shelter in
your hay-lo % asked weather beaten sailor, ad.
dressing ofhe ostles who fastening the har
ness.
"No. NOT 10 such you," answered tie man;
you had better make The best of your way off you'll
get more than You look for il you prow about here
any longer.
Perhaps, young man," replied the tar, "yon may
day be sent adrift upon the world without pen.
to keep your head above water and to honesiy,I
know better than to take what is not my own, If had
not shoe to my foot" - ..s--.
81 wouldn't trust you further than could see you,"
said the ostler and you don't be off I'll make You"
| Poor lack was turning away, hungry and footsore
when he was tapped on the shoulder by lad who
acted as stable boy. " If you were to 60 down the
road 10 the first little shop you come to-" he said
"wldow Smith would, dare say, let you sleep in her
wool house; she is good Old creature, and is al
ways ready 10 help any one in Distress
Thank you, thank you," said the sailor These
few words caused revulson OF feeling In the breast
OF the fororn stranger they told him that there still
weIe hearts in which kindness flowed.
John Willis, on coming ashore had been robbed Of
his little ala thing of no uncommon occurrence
and he was compelled 10 beg his way To- Lon
don. He deeply felt the rebus he frequently met with
| The prevalence OF imposition frequently renders it
hard for those who really in need 10 get help,
for their iruthfuness is very frequently questioned
Jack followed the direction given him; but he found
the shop closed. He felt that il an unreasonable
hour; still the favorable that he had received
OF its owner encouraged him to tap gently the door.
His summons was answered by the worthy dame. who,
having listened compassonaely 10 his tale OF suffering
ho IL lzl.. L.. mi
entertained his benevolent hostess with recital of
some OF the shpwrecksh he had witnessed, and the
row escapes he had himself had. And she piousy
drecied his mind to The good Providence which had
preserved him to the present hour, and The saviour
who had died 10 redeem him. The repast over, the
widow placed some clean dry straw in one corner of
shed attached 10 her dwelling, and with thankful
heart the weared traveller stretched himself upon it,
and slept as soundIy as if on bed of down.
Before continuing his Journey in the morning, Jack
looked in to thank the good woman for the shelter
she had given him; he found, however meal
awaiting him. Having partaken OF il and accepted
few cents to help him on his way, he departed with a
hearty benedicton from his hostess.
Ten years passed. and the little incident here reco..
ded had long escaped the memory OF all of
the parties concerned Ten years had wrought many
changes in the town and most of its inhabitants but
they had glided gently the head Of widow Smith.
The only alterations percepble in her was that her
hair had become silvery, and her form was now
and though her means were very limited, she was
looked upon as the friend and neighbor of all who
sick or in want.
| One morning large official looking letter was put
into Mrs. Smiths hand by The postman. It's purport
was 10 beg her attendance in London the follow.
ing day, when the writer said she would receive crafty
ing ginielligence, which it wished 10 communicated
her personally. Much consultation and gossping en-
sued. One of her neghbors thought il hoax, to play
the old lady trick; another said it would be highly
imprudent for a of her years to take such
journey, especially to trust herself alone in such
wicked place as London; while third was quite sure
that the writer had some evil design 1t did appear Il
formidable undertaking TO one who had never srayed
fen miles from her native place. The widows
dulity had often been imposed upon, yet she would
believe any thing bat that any one would Intentional
ly deceive or wrong her. She had great confidence.
too, in the protecting providence of God, whom she
served in humbe dependence on his grace in Christ,
and therefore felt no fear in complying with the
quest in The letter. Therefore, notwithstanding the
rdcue Of some, and the remonstrances of Others the
good dame started by the first coach which passed
through on the morrow, and reached London in time
TO meet the appointment.
The address given her at an inn, and on arr
wing there she was Immediately ushered into pyi-
vate apartment, where two respectable looking men
were awaiting TO receive her. The widows surprise
increased when one OF them accosted her with
the familiar phrase, d" How do you do you ao methers
Don't you remember me. my worthey p added he, in
answer 10 her half frightened inqniring glance. 81
am Jack Willis. the sailor you housed and fed ten
years ago, when he had neither money nor friends
am now captain of merchantmen; and this gentle
man." turning 10 his comranion, will, in my Bame,
do the needfu TO settle annuity of fifty pounds up-
on you as proof of my gratitude for yonr kindaess
and especially for your good advice which hope by
Gods mercy. led TO think o Christ and 10 tset il,
him for salvation"
The widow, unable to give utterance to the emo
tons of her swelling heart, burst into tears
Widow Smith fetarDed to her cottage home, thank
fu 10 God for bis blessing her humble efforts TO
benefit human creature in body and soul, and for
his bountful for her, and delighted that she had
now increased means OF usefaness and never after did
she listen TO tale of suffering without thinking Of
poor Jack Willis.-Iondon Tract Margarine
The FARnER's cYcLopEDIA.-The Req. ps Blake
has lust published a work bearing the above name
The subjects treated Of are alphabetically srranred
and convenient of reference. The book treats of
most of the subjects connected with the business Of
the farmer, and contains great deal Of useful matter
10 the OF leisure, having passion for agricnA.
ural science its breyiiy would perhaps be an obiees