Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1867-07-18
A Kind Hearted Tanner.


The following incident is so beautiful and
touching that it should be read in every house
holdn the country. 1t develops thetrue active
principle of kindness. How many an erring
mortal, making his first step in crime, might
be redeemed by the exercise of this sublime
trait in the character Of the kind-hcarted Qua
ker:
Willism Ssvcry, an eminent minister among
the Quakers, was a Tanner by trade. One
night quantity of hides were stolen from his
Tannery, and he had reason to believe that tho
thief was quarrelsome, drunken neighbor,
called John Smith Next week the following
advertisement appeared in the county news
paper;
"Whocver stole quantity Of hides on tho
fifth of this month, is hereby informed that the
owner has a sincere wish to be his friend. IL
poverty tempted him to this false step, the
owner will Keep the whole transaction secret
and will gladly put him in the way Of obtain
ing money by means more likely to bring him
peace Of mindW
This singular advertisement attracted cor
siderable attention. but the culprit alone knew
who madethe kind offer When he read II his
heart melted within him and he was filed with
sorrow for what he had done. few nights
afterwards as the Tanners family were retiring
to rest, they heard timid knock, and when
the door was opened there stood John Smith,
with losd Of hides on his shoulders With
out lcoting up be said: II have tf'ughttLe'e
back, Mr.. Savcry: where shall put them =
"wait till get lantern, and will 20 with
thee" he replied, "then perhaps tiou viz
come in and tell me how this happened We
will see what csn be done for thee"
As soon as they were gone out. his wifi pre-
pared hot coffee, and placed pies and meat on
the table. When they returned from the barn
she said: "Neighbor Smith, thought some
hot supper would be good FOR thee"
lie turned his back towards her, and did not
speak. After leaning against the fireplace in
silence few moments, he said in choked
voice: "It is the first time ever stole any
thing, end have felt very bad about it. lam
sure didn't once think that should ever como
10 what am. But ] took to drinking, and
then to quarreling Since began to go down
everybody gives me kick You are the first
man that has offered me helping hand. My
wife is sickly and my children starving. You
have sent them many meal. God bless you2
but yet stole the hides. But tell the truth
when say it is the first time was ever q
thief
"Lct II be the last, my friend replied VIII
liam Sayery. "Tbc secret lies between onr-
selves" Thou art still young, and it is in thy
power to make up for lost time. Promise mo
that thou wilt notdrink snyintoxicsting liquor
for year, and will employ thee tomorrow
on good wages The little boy can pick up
stones. But eat bit now, and drink some no,
coffee perhaps it will keep thee from craving
anything stronger tonight. Doubtless thou
wilt find it hard TO abstain at first; but keep
up brave heart for the sake Of thy wife and
children, and il will soon become easy. when
thou hast need Of coffee, tel Mary, aud she sin
give it thee.
The poor fellow tired 10 ea. end drink, but
the food seemed 10 choke him. After vainly
trying to compose his feelings. he bowed bis
head on the table, and wept like child. AZ
ter while he ate and drank, and the hos,
parted with him for the night with the friendly
words. "Try TO do well, John, spdthou wilt
always find friend in me-" John entered in
10 his employ the next day, and remained with
him many years sober, honest and steady
man. The secret Of the theft was kept be-
tween them but after Johns death William
Ssyery sometimes told the story to prove that
evil might be overcome with good.