Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1854-10-04
OCTOBER 4, 1854.
The Cabin Boy.

was full ofpainful anexity, and was very Of
ten famished for the want of food, land en-
dured great hardship. Her own son had ;
| Just left school, and was SO unhappy at the
state TO which his mother was reduced, that
he went about everywhere, seeing what he
could do for her.
sWemust otdie with hunger, said heone
day let me 90 TO sea; perhaps may De
able to earn something for you.
/ His poor mother at last gave way to his
entreaties, butt cost a great deal to let him
60, and almost broke her heart. The young
lboy wepr-to Ihel aeafg Ia2rt, TO SEQ if -
could get put OF board of Merchant vessel. +
He asked great many captains to take him,
but it was all in vain. After going from one
to another, weary and sad, he thought he
must return to his mother, but the thought
of being burden to her, made him desper-
ately miserable. Just then he thought he
saw Captain looking at him. John (that
was the boys name went up to him directly,
and said
Please sir don't you want cabin bov?'
I'm looking out for one, here said the
captain.
ooh, then, dear sir, do take me-
Show me your testimonials
No one knows me here sir; if I were in
my own parish, | could easily get some.'
I can't take a boy into my ship without
any recommendation.
'Oh, sir, will be so obedient : III do
whatever you bid me 7
ooh that's very well to say, my good fel-
low but once for all, say TH not have a
boy without his certificates
Poor John thought moment, and looked
about him with great sadness. Suddenly he
recollected he had got his Bible. He took
it out of his pocket, and showed the captain
what was written on the first page.
will that do for a testimonial 2
The captain read Given to John Rey-
nolds, as a reward for his good conduct in
the Sunday School,
well my boy, I'll take you on that re-
commendation. Follow me quickly to my
ship
John is now on board, on his way to ST.
Petersburgh. After few days, violent
storm arose, and the vessel was in danger o1
shipwreck. In the midst of the general con
fusion and alarm, John took out his Bible
and read the 5lst Psalm aloud to them. He
then knelt down and earnestly prayed to God
to make the storm cease, and to save them
from its fury. neby one the sailors, and
even the captain, fell on their knees, and
prayed with him. 1t pleased God to hea
thair Fi.a5as ). tll4 wind dcaasal and the -shiI
went on her way in safety.
1t was happy for me when ! decided i
take you, my boy said the captain. A
soon as we reach St. Petersburgh, you shal
have day on shore, for your prayers hav
saved the ship
He kept his promise, and the boy employ
ed his holidays going all over that large an
. beautiful city. He stopped in front of tn
t Emperor's palace, and stood still admirin!
E all the magnificent carriages which wer
passing to and fro. While thus employed
; he saw something fall out of one OF them :
: He picked it up; it was beautiful damon
! bracelet. He ran after the carriage, an
! called out to the coachman to stop, but
j. was useless. The carriage was soon qui
v out Of sight. John went back directly
y the captain, and showed him what he ha
9 found.
! You're lucky fellow, John these a
= very valuable diamonds
q tBut they are not mine,' answered job
If Where did you fnd them!
S, 'Thev fell out close to me picked the
% up, and ran after the carriage, but the coac
r, man drove on, and neither saw nor heard me
II well, John, you did all you could
" give them back to their owner; now th'
Is are yours, YOU can sell them in London, al
ic oct a great deal of money for them
to But John was much too honest to be caug
a. by the bait.
ct No, no, captain, the diamonds are 4
We mine. If we had storm in returning
IN IN England, could not pray to the Lord wi
he such dishonest intentions in my heart; a
to what would become of us thenT
y, All, had not thought Of that said
W, captain, who only wanted to try him; con
"a well try and find the owner
a He was soon discovered, and John rec
nJ ,o9 we'd $50 as a reward for his honesty.
u immense sum for him! At the captains
an vice he laid it out in furs, which he aft
ms wards sold in England for double the pr
he they cost him. With this little fortune, a
nd a light Joyous heart, he began his jour-
IL home. He saw the cattage where he |
lCIG HIS pOOI luOGACl OuL IuO Poel Wo0
Ihe grown over with grass, the windows W
,ile shut up, the house was empty. Poor j
rst was almost broken-hearted. Doubtless
uld thought, my poor mother died of want
misery But be just recognized one Of
neighbors, who ran up to him, and told
:, his mother was still living, and was we'll,
nv in the almshouse. With what delight
met, and how happy and grateful John
~; when he brought her back to her own cot
up again! It is bis greatest delight to take
al of her, and support her with his own la
ure Now, dear children, it was the Bible
lity made John an honest, faithful and intelli
tied youth-that gave him the knowledg
ion, Christ-that led him to the Savior, by W
not II Spirit his heart was changed, and he bee
= .ne the JOY of his mothers heart, and bles
the to the world.
by -
ness Adebating societysentwest, wishes to |
cent which love is the STRONGEST wife's
vain mother's.' We answer a mothers 's-for
ness grieves forever, while wife hangs or
find only month or two. When Mrs. Dasf
II & lol l. II