The Arkansas advocate., 1832-11-21


 duties to our neighbors.-.Nat. Bonner.
 From the Chester cou,ty Democrat.
 An affair oi very interesting na- lure. lately occurred near our borough, which has occasioned great excite ment.
 in old man with his family mad, long since emigrated from distance, aud settled in this neighborhood. His ap- pearanee was such as to recommend nm to regard. He had evidently seen better days, and tue kind benevolent expression of his countehances mixed with an air of reverence and paternal feeling, gained him the good will of ev- cry unbiased mind. His department and conversation were such as to con firtn these favorable sentiments. Dig nified in his denleanor, and enRobled by the simplicity and virtues Of his char aeter, wherever he went lie was esteem ed no less for the extended charity of his disposition, than the soundness of his judgment, and the generous ardor of his patrlotism.
 ii is we'll known that some months since, q pestilepee broke out in the in-. terior part of the state of New York. 1t was reported that a man had died there under extraordinary circumstan- ces, by the effect as is alleged, of some secret miaslna. \ person in New York, residing in the infected district, and having the same rame with the straH- ger who had come among LIS, was said to be near relation of the old man. It was whispered that the stranger had lately been on, 10 visit this kirsman.- although the oid man had now been with Us long time, and not the slight est trace could be discovered of un- healihiness in himself or family, yet a prejudice was excited against him. Iu vain he urged that a radical difference existed between him and his kinsmau III New York, and that no intercourse had lately been had between them. So great was the panic created by the dread of confagion that the people for bid them their houses. As means to expel him altogether from the neighbor- hood they threatened their severest an- ger agaiHt whoever should receive him.
 We grleye 10 say that this intolerant and higoted peoseri ription had it's effect; and that, ere long, this venerable old man with his large family, wbo were dependent on him, were driver shelter less from every roof-the} wandered lonely, friendless, and outcast, with none to pit, them, and none to offer them d shelter from the burning heat or the night air.
 flow long human nature could have sustained itseA under these pYlvations We know not. BuI already the strength of the family was fast failing, and the cheek of lhe venerable patriarch was sunken and pale. when relief came from a quarter the least expected.
 An humble mechanic, (wth. pleasure we mention his occupation, 1t was that ot q shoemaker) by chance was passing that way, and seeing the deplorable condition of the family, as they lay by the road side, he invited them to his house. He was apprised of the danger he incurred if he received them, nay he knew he was enjoined not only to show them no favor, butsto be active in per. scouting them; but his justice and cha rity triumphed over selfish consdera- tions. Bound to them by no kindred blood and associated by no kindred VOW, he yet opened his door 10 them, and kindly bid them enter.
 Dearly indeed, did he purchase the pleasure of doing good. His friends torsook nln; his sdeserted him; {; his creditors put their demands in suit Every means were essayed to compel him 10 drive the stranger from his root, but ne repented not. He was kind hearted, conscientious man, and he pre- terred the dictates of an approving mind. to all the plaudits of inc world.
 But now how shall we tell what re mains of the story? Willingly would We blot il out, but as faithful journal lsts we must record it, though every word strikes us to the heart.
 The popnlace seeing they could moi prevail on the worthy shoemaker to turn the family from his doors now used their endeayors to prevail on the fami- ls to become traitors 10 their benefac. tor. We will not mention the brjbes theyoflered ,nort acknowledgement they employed. But words cannot ex- press the ahhorrence and bathing of the old man and the principal par: of his family. when the proposals were