"THE MAN
WHO TELLS THE TRUTH,"
MANY years ago there was a little boy, eleven years of age, who had lost both father and mother by death. He had no near relative or friend to take an interest in his welfare. He was a thoughtful, delicate child, and one day, as he walked along the road, a lady in her carriage overtook him, and asked him to ride. She was much pleased with his intelligence, and asked what he intended to do when he became a man. "I'd like to become a scholar, and make a living by writing," he replied.
So it came about that this kind lady sent him to school, where he was so studious, and so correct in his conduct, that he soon won the esteem and
love of both his teachers and fellow-students. In a few years he had acquired learning enough to teach in a village academy. But not feeling satisfied with his attainments, he improved his leisure moments in study. After a time he went to Philadelphia, where he formed an acquaintance with Dr. Franklin. This resulted in an intimate friendship, which ever remained unbroken. He took a deep interest in the Indians, and earned such a reputation among them for integrity of character, that he was known as "the man who tells the truth."
One day he found a portion of the first translation of the Scriptures from the original Hebrew into the Greek language. He sought for the remainder, and when he had secured it, became anxious to master the entire work. He again applied himself to the study of Greek, and became one of the best scholars in that language in America.
He resolved to translate the Septuagint into English, which was a work of no small magnitude, as nearly forty years were required for its completion.
He held the position of Secretary of the Continental Congress fifteen years, but refused to take pay for his services. Such was the accuracy of his official documents, that when any question arose upon which there was a diversity of opinion, he would be referred to as, "Here comes Truth—here comes
Charles Thompson."
His home was a quaint stone house, in the country, a short distance from Byrn_ Mawn, on the Pennsylvania Railroad. Here his later years were spent in literary labor, chiefly of a religious character. His success in life was owing to his regard for right, his faithful discharge of duty, and his indomitable perseverance, rather than to any fortunate combination of circumstances.
MARY MARTIN
