A philanthropist, when a candidate for the ministry, was traveling on
one occasion from Strasbourg. It was in the winter time. The ground was
deeply covered with snow, and the roads were almost impassable. He had
reached the middle of his journey and was among the mountains; and by
that time was so exhausted that he could stand erect no longer. He was
rapidly freezing to death, and sleep began to overpower him. He
commended himself to God, and yielded to what he felt to be the sleep of
death. He knew not how long he slept, but suddenly became conscious of
some one rousing him. Before him stood a wagon-driver in his blue
blouse, and the wagon not far away. His rescuer gave him a little wine
and food, and the spirit of life returned. He then helped him upon the
wagon, and brought him to the next village. Oberlin, the philanthropist,
was profuse in his thanks, and offered money, which his benefactor
refused. "It is only a duty to help one another," said the wagoner; "and
it is the next thing to an insult to offer a reward for such a service."
"Then," said Oberlin, "at least tell me your name, that I may have you
in thankful remembrance before God." "I see," said the wagoner, "that
you are a minister of the Gospel. Please tell me the name of the Good
Samaritan." "That," said Oberlin, "I cannot do; for it was not put on
record." "Then," replied the wagoner, "until you can tell me his name,
permit me to withhold mine."
1509
_A Sensible Answer._--A story is told about Wendell Phillips--a story
that must have made even the serious-minded Abolitionist laugh heartily:
He was in a hotel in Charleston, had breakfast in his room, and was
served by a slave. Mr. Phillips spoke to him as an Abolitionist, but the
waiter seemed to be more concerned about the breakfast than about
himself. Finally Mr. Phillips told him to go away, saying that he could
not bear to be waited upon by a slave.
The other remonstrated: "Scuse me, massa, but I's obliged to stay yere,
'cause I's 'sponsible fo' de silverware."
1510