The weekly register. [volume] (Point Pleasant, Va. [W. Va.]) 1862-1909, 1864-03-24
POOR CALEB.

DR.. Joseph Slennet resided in Wales
several years, and preached to a congre-
cation in Abelgavenny. There was
poor man, a regular attendant on his
ministry, who was generslly known by
the name of Caleb; he was collier and
lived among the hills, between Abergav.
emmy and Hereford; had wife and sew.
eral small children, aud walked seven
or eight miles every Lords day to hear
abe Doctor. He was very pious man;
his knowledge and understanding were
remarkable, considering his situation
and, nd,circumslances.
Bad weather seldom kept Caleb from
coming to the meetings. but there was
severe frost one winter, which blocked
. up his way that he could not possibly
pass without danger to himself, neither
could he work for the support ofhis fam.
lily. The Doctor and others we're con.
cerned lest they should perish for want;
however, no sooner was the frost bro
ken than Caleb appeared again. DR.. S.
spied him, and as soon as the service
was ended went to him and said, "0h,
Caleb, how glad am to see you! How
have you Jared since the severity OF the
weather." Caleb cheerfuly answered,
"Never better in my life. I not only
had neCessafies, 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 all their
stock, and not one morsel left for morn
ins, nor any human possibility oI getting
any; but he found his mind quite com
posed, relying on aprovident God, who
wanted neither power or means 10 sup
ply his wants. lie went 10 prayer with
his family, and then 10 rest, and slept
soundIy till morning; before he was up
heard knock at the door, he went and
saw man standing with horse loaded,
who asked ifhis name was Caleb; he an.
swering in the affirmative, the man dc.
sired him TO help him take down the
load. Caleb asked what it was. He
said, provisions, On his inluiring who
sent; the man said he believed God had
sent it; no other answer could he obtain.
When he came 10 examine the con.
tents he was struck with amazement at
the quantity and variety the articles;
bread, -four, oatmeal, butter, cheese, salt
meat and fresh, &C.; which served them
through the frost, aud some remaining
that present lime. The doctor was
much affected with The account, and af
lerwards mentioned il in hopes of find.
ing out the benevolent donor; but in vain
till about two years afIerward he went
to visit DR., Talbot noted physician in
the city OF Hereford.
This Dr.. I. was man Of good moral
character and generous disposition, but
on iufdel in principle; his wife wOs a
generous woman and O member of the
church. Dr. Steunet used to 60 and
visit her now and then; and Dr. Talbot.
though man of no religion himself, al.
ways received Dr. s. with great polite
ness. As they were Conversing pleas
Ontly ono evening, DR.. S. thought it his
duty TO introduce something that was
interesting and profitable; he spoke ofthe
efficacy Of prayer, and iustanced the
circumstance OF poor Caleb. Dr., T.
smiled and said, "Calcb, shall never
forget him as long as live" "What.
do you know him?" said Dr., s. II had
but very little knowledge Of himl" said
Dr.. T. "bul know he must be the man
YOU mean" Thon Dr. T. related the
following circumstance;
The summer before tho hard winter
mentioned, he was riding on horseback