Anti-slavery bugle. [volume] (New-Lisbon, Ohio) 1845-1861, 1854-02-25
THE STOLEN HIDES.

William Savcry, an eminent preacher among the
Quakors, was tanner by trade, and known by all
as zone who walked humby with his God" One
night quantity Of hides was stolen from his tan
merry, and he had reason to believe that the thief
was a quarrelsomo drunken neighbor, whom shall
call John Smith, The next week the following
advertisement appeared in the county newspaper.
"Whoever stole quantity of hides on the fifth
of the present month, is hereby informed that the
owner has sincere wish to be his friend Ii pow
erty tempted him to this false step, the owner will
keep the whole transaction secret and will gladly
put him in the way of obtaining money by means
more likely to bring him peace ofmind."
This singular advertisement attracted considera-
BILE attention but the culprt 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. A few nights afterward, the tan
ners family were about retiring to rcst they heard
u tmd knock and when the door was opened,
there stood John Smith, with load Of hides on
his shoulder. Without looking up, he said. 81
have brought these back. Mr. Sayery whore shall
put them?" "Wait till can get a lantern, and
will 60 to the barn with thee, he replied; "then
perhaps thou wilt come in, and tell Inc how this
happened. We will see what can can be done for
the"
As soon rs they were gone out, his wife prepar-
ed some hot coffee, and placed pies and meat on
the table. When they returned from tho barn,
she said, ncghbor Smith, thought some hot sup
toward her, and did not speak. After leaning
against the fireplace in silence few moments, he
said in choaked voice, ut is the first lime ever
stole any thing and have felt very bad about it.
am sure didn't once think that should ever
come to what | am But | took to drinking, and
then to quorrcling. Since / began to 20 down
hill, every body gives me kick. You are the
hrst man that has ever offered me a helping hand.
MY vito is sickly, and my shildren arc starving
You have sent them many meal God bless you;
and yet stole the hides. But tell you the truth
when say it is the first time was ever thief"
Let 1t be the last, my FRIEND" replied VIM
Savery. The secret remains between ourselves
Thou art still young and it is in thy power to make
up for lost time. Promise me that thou wilt not
drink any intoxicating liquor for year, and will
employ thee tomorrow, on good wages. The lit
tie boy can pick up stones. But cat bit now, and
aud drink some hot coffee. Perhaps it will keer
thee from craving anything stronger tonight,
Doubtless thou wilt find it hard to abstain at FIRST
but keep up brave heart for the sake of thy wife
and children, and it will soon become easy When
thou hast need Of coffee, tell Mary, and she will
always give it thee
The poor fellow tried to eat and drink, but the
food seemed to choke him. After yainy trying tc
compose his feelings, he bowed his head on the
table, and wept like child. After n while he atC
and drank and his host parted with him for the
night, with the friendly words, "Try to do we'll
John and thou will always find n friend in me.
lie entered into his employ the next day. and re
manned with him many years, sober, honest, ant
faithful man. The secret of the theft was KEPT
between them but after Johns death, William
Savery sometimes told the story, to prove tha
evil might be overcome with good.-Child's Paper