Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1875-04-17
Fer tie Heathens.

On tie train the other day a very solemn
looking man, dressed in black, and carrying
ha,box. came alcng aud dropped iaio bali my
seat.
"Itisa fine day" remarked, desiring to
be friendly.
at is line day, but, young man, how Is u
with your soul ?" he replied, rolling up bis
eyes and looking still more solemn.
| asked him what he meant, snd be answer
cd
Where would you go if you died ? How
does your record stand in Heaven y?
told him that was jogging along pe9ee-
fully like. paying my debts. saving lIi'is
money, and dropping something into the con-
,r.buiion box as it passed.
That won't do-ah." he said, as he folded
his hands aud closed bis eyes. You're
sinner. all. baleful sinner. There Is no man
sion laid up for you 10 the land beyond the
skies-ah. Do you ever pray-shT
"oncc in great while" | told him.
"The devil is in your heart-ah, he went
on. You pray not. neither do you sing
Like flower you shall be cut down, aud the
stem shall wi,her aud decay, and be seen no
more among the field
What would you advise me 10 DO
asked, feeling little weak
"I am but worm myself. he answered
meekly. +" like unto puny insect.
a cockroach, for instance put IN as ho
paused.
"Only poor struggling worrum,' he went
on. never minding me. "yet am trying TO
do my appointed work. Away over the ses
in Africa. millions are living in isnUrance and
vice, knowing nothing OF Heaven, hav-
inc no good in theis hearts; living
like the beasts Of the field. In my poor hum
ble way, am trying to save few beolsbted
hea,hons-trying to redeem few souls"
"In what particular way?" | inquired.
Partly by my prayers, aud partly by my
collecting money and buying Bibles to ship to
them, that they may have the word Of life"
There was pause for moment and then
he laid his hand on my shoulder and contin-
ucd
"Youps man, the LORD loycth a cheerful
giyer Out OF your abundance contribute
something for the cause of the beniShtod
Even though you are not a Christian, your
good act will be put to your credit IN the
land where all is joy nud bliss.
asked him if he could change $50 bill
aad cise me back Sl9.o5, and lie lurDed away
and seemed weary.
We rode on in silence for about mile, aud
then he took string from his pocket, laid It
on his knee 10 a way to make two separate
loops in it. and then he said
"Young man, thou art sinner, and thou
wilt not freely contribute to the cause Of the
Jenighted.'
(Which the same is true" ] murmurcd.
On the part Of the heather and my cause,
| desire 10 bet thee five TO three that thou
cans, not put Thy finger in the loop that will
not CATCH" he said smiling sweetly.
"It's the old string game-seen !. forty
times" answered.
"Solely on account Of the benishted heath
en- do wish TO bet you five to three that thou
canst not locate the joker" lie wen. on pro-
ducing three tbimbles and pea.
played Il in the army br four years" ]
replied. turning away with fnonrnful heart
"Then you are willing that the beathen
shall struggle on like the beasts Of the field
and the birds Of the air ?" lie asked, putting
up his thimble.
"Yes, truly" answered.
"'1'is sad that one go young should be Sc
sinful" be murmured, and went to the otheI
end Of the car and succeeded 10 fleeing al
old man out Of S3i and watch on the check
gamc-for the cause Of the heathcn in Africa