The Hillsborough recorder. [volume] (Hillsborough, N.C.) 1820-1879, 1861-02-27
THE QUARTERBACK SIN.

Rev. Daniel Lindley, after an absence Of
forty years--more than half Of the time pass
ed as missionary in Africa--returned to
this country and went to Athens, Ohio--the
home Of his childhood-the theatre Of his
youthful days. He trod again the old Cam,
pus, walked through the college halls, stood
upon the cliiI--the rocky rosrum Of The col
lege boys. He examined the old paths, and
inquired for the companions Of bis youth
Changes had passed upon every scene. He
was asked to preach at night, and TO give
some account of his life in Africa. At the
close of the services, very respectable and
aged gentleman approached and desired him
70 take walk.
They passed on, and. when they had reach
ed somewhat retired place, the gentleman
turned and said:
"Brather Lindley, IL man has ever done
wrong-has committed sin--don' you think
he should confess itfn
aWhy, yes" said Mr.. Lindley. off there
by he NAV glorify God: If it will make a.
mends to the party wronged, or do good to
the party who sinned."
"Well, that is just what think. am in
that predicament. have long desired and
prayed for an opportunity TO make confess.
ION and amen9-ent to you. When We we're
boys together, nifty years ago. we were play
ing together. You dropped quarter of
dollar. and picked il up aud put it into my
pocket. | claimed il as my own, and kept
it. II was, perhaps, little mean. dirty trick,
and it has worried and troubled me ever
since."
"0h, il was small matter. and have no
recollection Of it," said Mr.. Lindley.
"Ah, you may call it small matter, but
it has been a mighty burden for me to bear.
have carried it now for fifty years !; | would
not carry il for fifty more for all the gold IN
California. And suppose had TO carry it
for fifty thousand years, or for all eternity !
No. sir. il is no small matter; il has been
growing bigger and heavier, and want to
get rid Of il. have no doubt you have for
gotten it. but could never forget ii. have
not for the last iitty years heard your name
mentioned, or any Of the family, but that
quarter has come in connection. Why lie
very buttons on your coat-everything that
is round represents quarter. The moan
and stars are magni6ed and illuminated
quarters. You need not call it little sin !;
If i was, il has grown mighty to plague me,
and deservedly too"
With this the gentleman took from bis
pocket book fve-franc piece, worn bright
and smooth, and said:
81 wish you to take this; it belongs to
you; it is rightfully yours and will be no
burden to you. And if this is not enough,
will give you more
Mr.. Lindley accepted it, and the gentle
man raised himself erect and drew a long
breath, as a man would who has thrown of
heavy load. He was at last relieved.
The sense Of guilt is enduring and tor
mentiug. and can only die or be relieved by
repentance. confession, amendment, or atone.
ment. Il needs not that il be the theft,
fraud, or wrong amounting to a thousand,
ten, twenty, fiIy. or hundred thousand
dollars, in order that the soul be oppressed
by its burden; Twenty-Five cents-a quar-
ter Of dollar sin-may become larger than
the globe, weighing more than many worlds.
with punishment like the sin Of Cain--ul.
eadHrabLe.