Kenosha tribune and telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1855-1855, 1855-06-28
The Praying Collier.

IN Abcrgavenny. There was poor man, a
regular attendant on his ministry, who was
generally known by the name of Caleb; he
was collier, and lived among the hills be-
tween Abergavennv and HEREFORD, had a
wife and several small children, and walked
seven or eight miles every Sabbath to hear
the Doctor. He was very pious man; his
knowledge and understanding were remark
| able. considering his situation and circum-
stances.
Bad weather seldom hindered Caleb's at
tendance at the house of God, but there was
a severe frost one winter which lasted many
weeks, and blocked up his way SO that he
could not possibly pass without danger,
neither could he work for the support of his
family. The Doctor and others were con-
ccrned lest they should perish for want; how
ever, no sooner was the frost broken than
Caleb appeared again. DR.. S. spied him.
and as soon as the service was ended, went
to him and said,
%, Caleb, how glad am 10 see you: how
have you done during the severity of the
weather?
Caleb checrful'y answered, Never bet
ter in my life. | not only had necessaries
but lived upon dainties the whole of the
time, and have some still remaining
Caleb then told the Doctor, that one night
soon after the commencement of the frost,
they had eaten up their stock, but not one
mors Ell left for the morning. nor any human
possibility Of getting any. but he found his
mind quite composed, relying on a provi
dent God. who wanted neither power nor
means to supply his wants. He went to
prayer with bis family, and then to rest,
and slept soundly till morning. Before he
was up he heard a knock at his door; he
went and saw q man standing with horse
loaded, who asked if his name was Caleb
He answered in the affirmative; the man de-
sired him to help him take down the load
Gale b asked asked what it was. He said,
provision. On his enquiring who sent it,
the man said he believed God had sent it;
no other answer could he obtain When
he came to examine the contents, he was
struck with amazement at the quantity and
variety of the articles, bread, flour, oatmeal,
butter, cheese, salt meat and fresh &c. &c,
which served them through the frost, and
some remaining to that present time.
The Doctor wasaffected with the account
and afterwards mentioned it in hopes of
finding out the benevolent donor, butin vain
till about two years afterwards he went to
visit DIR. Talbot, noted Physician in the
city of Hereford. This DR.. I. was man
of good moral character, and generous dis
position, but an infdel in principle. His
wife was generous woman, and member
| of the church. Dir. Stennet usedsto go and
visither now and then. and Dir. Talbo.though
a man of no religion himself, always receiy-
ed Dir. with great politeness. AS they were
convcrsing pleasantly one evening, DR.. S.
thought it bis duty to introduce something
that was entertaining and profitable. He
spoke of the great efficacy OF prayer, and
instaneed the circumstance of poor Caleb.
DR.. Talbot smiledand said, Caleb, shall
never forget him as long as live ...
What did you know ,him?' said DIR. S.
L had very little knowledge Of him, said
Dr., T., but know he must be the same
man you mean ~ 81.
Then DR.. Talbot related the following
circumstances. He said, 'thc summer be-
fore the hard winter, above mentioned, he
was riding on horse. back, as was his usual
custom when he had a leisure hour, and
generally chose to ride among the hills, it
being more pleasant and rural. As he was
riding along he Observed number of peo-
pie assembled in a barn; he rode up to the
door to learn the cause, when he found, to
his surprise, that there was man preach
ing to a vast number Of people. He stop
ped and observed that they were very at
tenive to what the preacher One
poor man in particular attracted his notice
who had little Bible in his hand, turning
to every passage of scripture the minister
quoted. He wondered to see how ready
man of his appearance was in turning to the
places. When the service was over, he |
walked his horse gently along, and the poor
man whom he SO particularly noticed, hap
pened to walk by his side. -.. v.-
The Doctor asked him many questions
concerning the meeting and minister and |
found him very intelligent. He inquired |
also about himself-his employment-his
family-and his name, which he said was
Caleb. After the Doctor had satisfied his |
curiosity, he rode off, thoughtno more about
him till the great frost came the following
winter. He was one night in bed, he could
not tell for certain whether he was asleep |
or awake. blu. thought he heard a voice say,
Send provision to Caleb He was a little
startled at FIRST, but concluding it to be
dream, he endeavored TO compose himself
to sleep. IL was not long before he heard
the same words repeated, but louder and
stronger. Then lie awoke his wife, and |
told her what he had heard, but she thought !
it could be no other than dream, and She |
asleep again. But the Doctors mind was
so impressed that he could not sleep; at last
he heard the voice SO powerful. saying,
Get up and send provision to Caleb, that
he could resist no longer. He got up, and |
called his man. babe him bring his horse,
and he went to his larder, and stuffed pair
of panniers as full as he could of whatever
he could find, and having assisted the man
to lade the horse, he babe him take the pro-
vision to Caleb.
Caleb, sir. saidthe man, who is Caleb9'
j know very little of him. said the Doct-
on but that bis name is Caleb; he is a col
lier and lives among the hills; let the horse
60, and you will be sure to find him.