The Belmont chronicle, and farmers, mechanics and manufacturers advocate. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1848-1855, 1854-03-24

VIM. Ssvery, an eminent preacher among
the Quskers, was tanner by trade, and
known by all as 'one who walked hunlbly
with his God.' One night quantity Of hides
were stolen from his tunnery, and he had rea.
son to believe that the thief was drunken,
quarrelsome neighbor whom shall call John
Smith. The next week the following ad-
vertisement appeared in the county newspa-
per:
"Whoever stole quantity Of hidea on the
ifth of the present month, is hereby inform
ed that the owner has u sincere wish TO be
his friend. Ifpoverty tempted him to this
false step, the O~ ierrwilt keep, the whole
transaction secret, and will gladly put him
in the way Of obtaining money by means
more likely to bring him peace Of mind"
This singular, advertisement attracted con-
siderable attention; but the culprit alone
knew who had the kind offer. When he read
it, his heart melted within him, and he was
filled with sorrow for what he had done.
4 few nights afterwards, as the tanners
family were about retiring to rest, they heard
a tjmid knock, and when the door was OPEN
ed there stood John Smith, with load Of
hides on his shoulder. Without looking up,
he said, 81 have brought these back, Mr. Sa-
very, where shslll put them!" "Wat till
can get a lantern, and will 60 with thee to
the BARN" he replied; "then perhaps thou
wilt come in and tell me how this happened
Wegwil see what can be done for thee"
AZ soon as they were gone out his wife
prepared some hot coffee, and placed pies and
meat on the table. When they returned from
the barn, she said, "Neighbor Smith, | thought
some hot supper would be good for thee"
He turned his back towards her, and did not
speak. After leaning against the fireplace
ked voice. 1T is the first time | ever stole
anything. and feel very bad about it, am
sure didn't once think that I should ever
come to what am. But took to drinking
and then to quarreling. Since | begun to 60
down hill, everybody gives me kick. You
are the first man that has ever offered me a
helping hand. My wifsis sickly, and my
children are starving. You have sent them
many meal God bless you;---and yet.
stole the hides. But J tell ypu the truth,
when say it is the first time was ever q
thief" ,,.sl.,.
LET IL be the last, my friend" replied
William Sayety. ".Tie secret remains be-
tween ourselves. Thou art still young, aud
it is in thy power to make up for lost time.
Promise me that thou wilt not drink any in
toxicating liquor for year, and ] will en-
pioy thee tomorrow, On good wages. The
little boy can pick up stones. But eat aibit
/! now, and drink some hot coffee. Perhaps II
will keep thee from craving anything s'ron'
ger TO night. Thou wilt doubtless find il
hard to abstain at frsti but keep up a brave
heart for the sake Of thy wife and children,
and 1t will soon become easy. When thou
hast need Of coffee. tell Mary, and she will
always give il thee"
The poor fellow tried to eat and drink, but
the food seemed TO choke him. After vainly
endeavoring to compose his feelings, he bow.
ed his head ON the table, and wspt like child
| After a while he at, and drank and his host
parted with him for the night. with the friend
ly words, TRY to do well, John. and thou
will always find a friend in me-" He enter'
ed into his employ the next day, aud remain.
ed with HIM many years, honest and faithful
man. The secret of the theft was Kept be-
tween them, but sitter Johns death; VIM
Savsry sometimes told the story, to prove
that evil might be overcome with good.