The thought of self-destruction
haunted him day and night. He lingered around the wharves, gazing
into the deep waters, and was restrained from the deed only by the
memory of the last loving voice he had heard. One gloomy evening,
when even this memory had faded, and he awaited the approaching
darkness to make his design secure, a hand was laid on his arm. A
man in the simple garb of the Friends stood beside him, and a face
which reflected the kindness of the Divine Father looked upon
him. `My child,' said he, `I am drawn to thee by the great trouble
of thy mind. Shall I tell thee what it is thee meditates?' The
young man shook his head. `I will be silent, then, but I will save
thee. I know the human heart, and its trials and weaknesses, and
it may be put into my mouth to give thee strength.' He took the
young man's hand, as if he had been a little child, and led him to
his home. He heard the sad story, from beginning to end; and the
young man wept upon his breast, to hear no word of reproach, but
only the largest and tenderest pity bestowed upon him.
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