Daily evening star. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1852-1854, 1854-07-08

~ .nc ooiS'a ih'VOAeion, That the n
ther of mercies would receive the return.
ing prodigal to his arms, and that he
might never 60 aStray again. 1t was
now quite time for me to 60, and resume
my journey but could not leave the
town before called upon the class lea
der, left him some money for the family,
and cpjoined upon him tolook after them.
and throw around John the shield OF all
good influences to prevent his suffering q
relapse. Whatever further charges he
should incur on their account, I prom
ised 70 pay as soon as informed of them.
Another decade rolled by, during which
no tidings came 10 me at the East from
this interesting couple. At length was
called again to visit those Western regions,
and to pass near the residence of this un.
fortunate brother. On reaching the town,
my disappointment was extreme to learn
that he had removed to q distant country.
[ anticipated misfortune but rs the
place designated was not Ear from my in
tended route. l resolved to 60 and see
him. When Ientered the town Of,
where John was said to live, l made
inquiry for his dwelling, and was told it
was the second house on the left hand
side Of the road. Being now SO near, I
hastcned onward eagerly, and presently
nice frame building panied white, ap-
pears. / could not help putting up q
prayer, that my dear friend might be 50
happy as to occupy any house half as
respectable as this. Expectation now
became painfully intense. What in
mercy was sent to see A scene like
that or worse. which ten years before
left such awful traces on the memory,
never to be obliter.ted Icould not tell.
AT sudden turn in the road, thought
discerned another white house in the
distance among the trees. Yes, it is so,
with green blinds; and as I went nearer,
graveled walks were seen, q handsome
pailins, and ornamental trees and shrub
berry. Surely there is some mistake in
the direction; this can't be Johns home!
yet it is the second on the left.
Fastening my beast to hook, went
to the door and knocked. A girl, Just ON
the verge Of womanhood, opened It,
docs MIR. McL--d live here ?"I
asked, with trembling.
/" He does, sir 2"
:" is ne or bis Vile at home Z"
Mother is within, sir but father is in
the field. Please to walk in, SIR"
My eye glanced through the open par
lor door. A fine carpet covered the floor.
There were handsome chairs and other
furniture but saw no more, for Mrs.
McL-d by this time was informed
of a gentlemans s arrival, and lost no time
in making her appearance. "Good God"
was all remember to have heard from
her, as she rushed forward on seeing me,
and clasped me by the neck. Shealmost
tainted, and shed a flood of tears, and nv
own condition was not much more COM
posed. Recovering little, she informed
me that her husband was at home but
out upon the farm. Too impatient to
wait, | hurried away 10 see him. he
met me as be was coming home. As soon
as he knew who it was, he ran forward
and grasped me in his arms, saying as he
strained me to his bosom
"Thank God thank God ~ you are
my saviour under heaven. This is ell
your work." looking around. "Oh,
am rejoiced to see that you are here to
see it."
When we had returned to the house,
the ten years history of struggle, repent
ance and reformation was recounted.-
Prosperity was the consequence. The
dwelling was his, the farm and all. His
wife was happy. The beautiful young
girl, almost young lady now, was the
dirty child that was crawling on the
ground on my first visit. There were
pt, IL To L.
whole, he said:
"After had perscvered year in ab-
sLinence according to that blessed pledge,
taken on that awful day, on the stool in
the log hut, which rises to me sometimes
with spectral horror-after keeping it sa-
credly year, committed myself to the
church, of which my wife, who has been
an angel helping me, was o member.
Prosperity attended my worldly business;
but this was not complete satisfaction.
1 wanted 10 be more, and commenced
study for the ministry. My dear friend
and brother, l am now a minister of the
everlasting gospel. How much, what an
inexpressible debt do | owe to youD'
We knelt down together on the rich
carpet, instead of the cold earth, and
pray as fervently as / prayed before in
the log cabin; but in what a different
strain! Instead Of the almost despair
ing supplication, and entreaty Of forlorn
hearts, crushed to the earth with sorrow
Thanksgiving, praises and gratitude
now rose spontaneously from our tongues
and hearts-O, the heart Of Caesar never
swelled with such triumphant Joy at any
of his conquestS, as mine does for any
agency in the salvation Of this one man,
and the happiness Of his family.