The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1866-10-12
Abei Smiths IHank-Oterings.

Abel was q poor boy when he volun-
tcered to lom the Union ranks nearly
four years ago. But he showed such a
patriotic spirit and such genuine devotion
to his country, that his neighbors praised
and honored him, They did more: they
equipped him handsomely, and paid off
the debts which he had incurred during
an expensive sickness the year before
Abel spoke of this kindness to an uncle
whom he called upon on his way to camp.
He said he felt very grateful for it, and
meant 10 become rs good a soldier as pos
sible in return for the tavors they had
shown him. That will be the best
thank-otlering can n.,kc tl,c,.," l,r a,l-
dcd with a smile. The boy was as good
as his word. He took pains to perfect
himself in military exercises, and soon be-
came the delight of the drill-master, and
model to his fellow soldiers
When Abel had been a year or more at
the war. he was selected with others to
attempt a daring and almost desperate en-
terpri>e, "Il we succeed and come out
of this alive said Abel to Il comrade,
while packing his knapsack, Il shall feel
as if we owed a good thank-otiering in
some shape" The exploit ,ras successful
though it cost the lives of nearly half the
company Abel returned 10 his quarters
unharmcd, to receive the thanks of his
commander, and the promotion which his
gallantry had richly merited. ''i'll send
la months pay to the Sanitary for this -
said the grateful soldier, as he remember
ed his parting vow.
When Abel Smith again went forth to
battle, he led his company as captain.
Under many a fiery rain Of shot and shell,
through several desperate charges, and at
last from the horrors of a rebel prison, he
escaped sound in life and limb.
81 owe Il biz thank-otfering for all
this" Abel said to himself when the wal
was over and he was mustered out. I'm
clad to get such an allowance of back pay
Just now, it makes me almost rich, ant
will give Inc chance to show my graft
tude handsomely. When | get home
must ask Parson Bently where my bene
faction can be most usefulIy bestowed"
1t did not take the pastor long to an
swer the question which the young Officer
so respectfully propounded ''Captair
Smith," SAID he 'you do indeed owe ;
thank-ofiering' for your wonderful preser
vation, aud can think of onl ly one tittin!
expression OF the gratitude which yol
Justly feel fer such providential care anc
protection.
Name it, sir and if within my pow
er, will surely bestow it..
My young friend, gire yOureJ to God
Not only as your father and preserve
: does he deserve this conservation, but a
: your Redeemer and Saviour Not you
earthly life alone has he blessed and care
for, but he has made provision for you
e souls salvation from the deadly wound
of sin and Satan, and from the prison @
; eternal despair. 1ou can never pay In
debt Of gratitude you owe him, it is true
but give him your heart, and it will be a
e acceptable thank offering"
1 'Nou are right, sir, you are right It
| sponded Abel Smith. Il see my dut
t now as | have never seen it before an
# God helping me, | will not shirk it." An
o he did not.
It Returned soldier, alive where so man
e are dead, found where numbers ha,
+ been lost, have you given to God th
thank offering !-Amserlcan Messenger.
/ A chap inquired at the post office
e Erie, the other day, for letter f
Emery Hogden." He was told the
s was none. Look ere" he replied, a Ii
- A. ,n,,,.,lu a bo,