DEACON N. held to both tables of the law, and when an object of charity
presented itself, he was quite sure to "lend something" to the Lord.
One evening a poorly-dressed sailor called at his door with a story of
sorrow. He said he had been shipwrecked, and lost every thing but the
scanty clothing he wore; was without money, food, or shelter. He was an
entire stranger, and presented an appearance of extreme wretchedness;
but the worthy deacon took him in, gave him a comfortable supper
and bed, fitted him out with coat, pants, and vest, put some of the
needful in his empty wallet, and then setting out with him in search
of employment, secured a place for him on board a merchant-ship, and
bade him good-by, amid a profusion of blessings and praises. It was a
benevolent experiment, and many were the evil prophesyings of neighbors
and friends concerning the issue of the case.
"I shall never forget your kindness," said the sailor, "and some day
you shall hear from me again, and know that it has not been thrown
away."
Years passed. The kind-hearted deacon failed in business, and removed
to a distant town. But if worldly reverses had come, the richer
blessings of the gospel were lavished with divine generosity on his
household. One after another of his children was made the subject of
renewing grace, till all were found walking in the commandments and
ordinances of the Lord.
Two of his sons entered the ministry. In the providence of God one
of them was called to spend a Sabbath in the city of B—. During the
evening discourse his attention was attracted to a well-dressed,
intelligent looking man, whose eyes were fixed on his with marked
interest. After service the stranger said, "May I ask, sir, if your
name is N.?"
On receiving an answer in the affirmative, he exclaimed, with deep
emotion, "God bless you, sir! I know you from your resemblance to your
father. You do not remember me, for you were a little boy when I came
to his house, a cast-away sailor, ragged and hungry, without a cent in
my pocket. He helped me when others looked at me with suspicion and
turned me away unfed. I have never forgotten him, and never shall. Tell
him I think of him often, and pray for him, too."
And as the grateful seaman departed, the generous bank-bill that
remained in the preacher's hand attested the sincerity of his words.