Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1867-05-25
The Kind-hearfed Tanner.

and touching, mat II should be reau 10
every household in The country. Ii DE.
velops tie true. active principle OF kind.
ness. How many an erring mortal, max
ing his first step in crime. might be re-
deemed BY the exercise of this sublime
trait in The character Of the kind-hesrled
Quaker:
William Savery. an eminent minister
among the Quakers. waa tanner by
trade. One night quantity OF hides
were stolen from his tannery, and he had
reason TO believe that the thief was quar-
lrelsome, drunken neighbor, called John
Smith. Next week the following adver-
risement appeared in the country news
paper:
Whoever stole quantity of hides on
The fifth of this month, is hereby inform.
ed that the owner has sincere wish 10
be his friend If poverty tempted this
false step. the owner will keep the whole
transaction secret, and will gladly put
him in ihe way Of obtaining money by
means more likely TO bring him peace OF
mind ~
This singular advertisement attracted
considerable attention !; but the culprl
alone knew who had made the kind offer.
When he read it his heart melted within
him. and he was filed with sorrow for
what he had done. A few nights after
wards. as The tanners family were about
retiring to rest, they heard a timid knock,
and when the door was opened there
Ilood John Smith, with load Of hides on
is shoulders. Wilhou, looking up, he
said 81 have brough, these back. Mr.
Ssvery where shall pu, them 2
Wal, ,ill can ge, lantern, and |
sill 90 TO The barn with thee" he repll.
I'd. "lhen perhaps thou wilt come in, and
Ia' me how this happened. We will see
what can be doue for thee"
As soon as they were gone out, bis
wife prepared some hot coffee. and placed
)ies and meat on the table. When they
.eturned from the barn. she said: "Neigh
Dor Smith, thought some hot supper
would be good for thee"
He turned his back towards her, and
lid not peak. After leaning against the
ire rlsce in silence few moments, he
aid in choked voice "li is the first
ime ! ever stole anything. and | have
eIt very bad sbou, it. am sure | dIdn I
pnce think that should come TO what |
,m. But took 10 drinking, and then to
guarding. Since began 10 go down
bill everyb body gives me kick. You
are the first man that ever offered me a
helping hand. My wieAA sickly and my
children starving. You have sent them
many meal, God bless you ! but yet |
stole the hides. But tell you The truth
when | say i, is The first time | was ever
IA thief"
"let j, be the last my friend" replied
William Savery. 1.-The secret lies be-
tween ourselves. Thou art sill young.
and il is in thy power 10 make up for los
time Promise me tina. thou wilt not
drink any intoxicating liquor for year.
and | will employ thee tomorrow on
good wages. The little boy can pick up
stones. Blu, eat bit now. and drink
some ho, coffee perhaps i, will prevent
thee from craving anything stronger to-
night. Doubtless thou wilt find ii hard |
TO abstain at first; but keep up brave
hear, for The sake of thy wife and chill.
dren, and it will soon become easy. |
w hen thon hast need OF coffee, tell Ma
ry. and she will give it thee"
The poor fellow tried 10 cal and drink,
but the food seemed 10 choke him. After
vainly trying TO compose his feelings. he
bowed his head on the table, and wep,
like child. After a while he ste and
drank. and his host parted with him for
the night with the friendly words, "Try
to do well. John, and thou vii, always
find friend in me-" John entered into
his employ the next day, and remained
with him many years, sober. honest and
steady man. The secret OF the theft was
kept between them but after John's
death. William Savery sometimes told
The story to prove tina, evil might be over
come with good.