The Abbeville banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1847-1869, 1856-03-13

wife put in her profoundly earnest almost
frantic plea. She felt this indeed, to be the
hour of destiny.
"Do you think can keep it?" said, at
length, the miserable man, once so promis-
ing, now so fallen. "Is it possible for me
to be saved 2"
Z" 1t is" said l, with confidence and hope
"you can keep it. l know you can. In
the name of humanity and religion, try it,
dear John, and God will help YOU" At last
he consented. We kneIt down OH the earth
there was no chair, no table in the house
Il took out the pledge, which l always
carry in my pocket, placed it on the stool
where Mary had been sitting, and handed
him my pencil. lie wrote his name, thank
God! Notwithstanding his condition, it
was beautifully written, as afterwards OBJ
served, for he was an excellent scholar.-
We did not rise till had relieved my over
burdencd heart in prayer, and 1 prayed
will, all my struggling soul, and his de-
spairing wife joined me in the solemn invo-
cation, that the Father of mcrcies would
receive the returning prodigal to his arms,
and that he might never go astray again.
1t WAS now quite time for me to go and re-
sumo my journey; but could not leave
the town before I called upon the class
leader, left him some money for the family,
and cnjoincd upon him to look after them,
and throw around John the seed Of all good
influences, to prevent his suffering relapse.
Whatever further charges he should incur
on their account, promised to pay us SO, IL
Is informed of them.
Another decade rolled by, during which
no tilngs came to 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 uiicor;u-
nate brother. On reaching the town, my
disappointment was extreme to learn that
he had removed to distant country. I
anticipated misfortune; but as the place
designated WAS not far from my intended
route, resolved to go anI sec him. When
| entered the town of -, where John
was said to live, I made enquiry for his
dwelling, and was told it was the second
house OH the left hand side Of the road
Being now so near, fastened onward ca
gery, and presently nice frame building,
painted white, appeared. I could not help
putting up n prayer, that my dear friend
might be SO happy as to occupy any house
half rs respectable as this. Expectation
now became painfully intense. What in
marcy was sent to see a scene like
that, or worse, which ten years before left
such awful traces on the memory, never 10
he ohlitcratcd ! could not tell. At a
sudden turn in the road, I thought dis
ccrned another white house in the distance
among the trees; yes: it is so, with green
blinds; and as / went nearer, gravelcd
walks were seen, a handsome paling, and
ornamental trees and shrubbery. Surely
there is some mistake in tile direction this
can't he Johns homel 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.
"Does Mr.. McL-d live here 2" asked
with trembling.
He does, sir"
SIS he or his wife at homel"
"Mo'her is within, sir; but father is in
the field. Please to walk in, sir"
My eye glanced through The open parlor
door. A fine carpet covered the floor
There were handsome chairs and other fur
niture; but saw no more, for Mrs. Med
by this time was informed of a gentIeman's
arrival, and lost no time in making her ap.
pearance. "Good God" was all I remem.
Der to have heard from her, as she rushed
forward on seeing me, and clasped me by
the neck. She almost tainted and shed a
flood Of tears, aud my own condition was
not much more composed. Recovering a
little, she informed me that her husband
was at home, but out upon the farm. Too
impatient to wait, hurried away to see
l.im. He met me as he was coming home
As soon as he knew who it was, he ran for
ward and grasped me in his arms, saying
rs he strained me to his bosom-
"Thank God! thank Col! you are my
saviour under heaven. This is all your
work." looking around. 90, am rejoiced
TO see you are here to see it"
When we had returned to the house, the
ten years history of struggle, repentance
and reformation was recounted. Prosperity
was tile consequence. The dwelling was
his. tile farm and all. His wife was happy.
The beautiful young girl, almost a young
lady now, vas the dirty child that was
crawling on the grouod on my first visit.
There were three more children now To