The New Orleans crescent. [volume] (New Orleans, La.) 1866-1869, 1868-08-02
cause he attempts to serve into contempt BY his
incspacty or folly.
I" GRIT AND GRACE"

"GRIT AND GRACE"
at must be that there is something in this
mans blood which makes him as eager for sacred
songs and for religious services as the setter is
for game. His declaration, quoted in our former
article, that grit and grace run through his fam
lily as the ngris and the Jordan run through the
Holy Land was no mere idle boast. To those
three clerical brothers Of his we hope yet to see
fourth added. John Allen as a preacher of the
Gospel TO the outdoor poor of New York, and to
the vsgsbonds of the streets and docks, would be
the Boanerges of the metropolis.
BESEvoLESog.
"Alen is tender-hearted towards poor children.
he gathers them into his Internal place by dozens
and scores during inclement weather, and es-
pecally in the winter and often not only feeds but
clothes them; he also sends them to Sabbath
school, Sometimes he goes into the streets on the
Sabbath and gathers up the vagrant children in
squads, and marches them of to the Mission Sab
bath School in Dover street, or to some other
similar institution elsewhere. And ne looks to
their behavior, too, after he gets them into Sab
bath school. and takes fathery interest in their
welfare.
=" This man takes especial pleasure in helping
the most helpless classes. Licensed vendors come
in for goodly share of his friendly attentions.
SUMMING UP.
According to our view of the matter, the
pre-eminent wickedness of John Allen comes
from his willful peryerson of his original ex-
cellence OF character, the prostitution of extra.
violation of divine laws. the truth and binding
force of which he clearly perceives and stead
Easily believes
There is a plentiful supply of men in New
York, who are far more vile, besstly and repulsve
than this Wickedest Man. in point Of fact, he is
not repulsive; he does not impress one who kno VS.
him as vile fellow but as a bold, chiyalrio
en- ssary Of Pandemonium, who has good points
enough to enable him to serve his satanic chief
tain with force and efficiency which no mere
bestial satrsp of hell could ever achieve.
1--WE are glad thathe has the grace to be grieved
by our showing him up as we have found him.
according TO agreement; glad that he winces at
the thought of his childrea's some day reading
our sketch of him. For, as we said 10 the be.
ginning, we like the man. despite his wiekedness,
and would do much to rescue him from the fate
to which he seems TO be rushing.
JOHN ALIENS PROMISE.
"At O'Clock P. M. on Friday the 10th day of
July, after the foregoing had been put in type,
we had an interview with John Allen, in the
private room of Mr.. Acton, and 10 Mr. Acton's
presence, atpohce headquarters, No. 800 Mulberry
street. Allen protested against being called the
Wickedest Man in New York. Said he:
j am notthe wickedest man in this city. There
are lots OF worse men than am-men who never
help the poor nor poor children nor do anything
for anybody; and Mr.. Acton here knows that
spend hundreds Of dollars in that way
1--WE then stated why we considered him the
'Wiekedest Man in New York. quoting the para.
graph above, in which we embody our views on
q
subject TO him-and on our offering to state any.
thing, coming from him, which be wished to
have said, he replied: .-...-
ga Well, just say that have some good points.
aud that -! am not the Wickedest Man in New
York by long way
"Mr Acton then tackled him about his keep
ing such den, and sent the truth home to his
heart that, by staying there, he would blight the
life of his idolized boy.
"'AId now, john continued Mr.. Acton, |
ne haf uil nit hat
place, and give your children fair chance
Allen hesitated and demonstrated for long
time time, but finally said:
"'Well, promise to do it."
GO When will you quit?" we asked.
go The first of next May he replied.
"'Ssy September said Mr.. Acton.
al can't do it-impossible. You could not get
out OF here in week. My other property is
rented, and can't manage it before May
"'Yes you can, John,' persisted Mr.. Acton
say September.
"'Well, if I can sell out my business will he
at last said.
"No, John; be man and do the clean thing
Quit the business, turn your house into a home for
poor girls, and regenerate the whole region. You
can do it If you'll only try"
/" Allen was powerfully affected, and at last
said:
''' Well, gentlemen, / give you my word that
III quit the business by the first of next May sure
and as much sooner as can! and he rushed from
lie room.
"'He'll do it, said Mr.. Acton. as Allan disan.
peared. John never goes back on his pledged
word. The fact is you have hit him in the very
core of his heart. Your sketch painted his very
soul, and the picture is constantly before him. He
has been in state of unrest ever since. He never
knew before how wicked be is, nor what his life
IS leading TO. That boy of his is the strong point.
He woishps that child, and wants him to grow up
good and great man. and How be begins to see
how cruel 1t Is to keep the child in such place.
Besides, John himself has good points, lots of 'em
He really wants TO be q man. He was nm here
with me an hour and a half last Sunday morning
talking about these matters. What there is bad
in him can be cured, and you'll fetch him, sure.
Let the people keep praying for him. God rules
in this world. and He will bring these matters out
all straight"