The Columbia Democrat. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1837-1850, 1837-08-12

| ~ vi tne ldTmeT' 10 restore the husband
and the father, to recall the days ere the
wife was widow, and the children orphans
from want, was not in his power to pay
what he owed, principal and interest, he
was abundantly able; and this he should
have done to the uttermost farthing-and
would have done, if spark either of homes
ty or humanity had remained unextinguish-
ed in his heart. He did not do it; he has
not done it to this day. He approaches
the sacred altar, he partakes of the commit
mon cup, he processes faith in the name of
Him who has commanded to edo unto o.
theirs as you would have others to do unto
you" and yet he withholds the substance
of the widow and the fatherless!
Near the close of cole winters dav, a
young female came to his house. She was
clad in poor but clean apparel, she seemed
to have been bred to better fortune; but to
have passed her latter years in servitude.
Meekness and humility, gentleness and re-
slgnation, were marked in her countenance
and demeanor. She approached the master
OF the house with trembling diffidence;
tear stood in her eye; she begged to ask
tavor-she hoped she should not give of
tence-she declared herself to be the eldest
daughter of -, naming the farmer
from whom l. had taken his all, and
who in consequence had descended broken
hearted to the grave.
At the mention Of that name, and the
sight of the orphan daughter, the con-
science of l. was not untouched but
he suppressed the feeling by strong effort.
He had injured the family too deeply for
reparation-and felt no disposition to forgive
where he had injured. He addressed the
young woman in a stern voice, and asked
what might be her business with him.
The orphan replied, that her mother, her
brothers and sisters, were in want of the
necessaries of life; that she understood he
was now wealthy and could easily repay
what was justly their due-that, however,
she did not come to demand it, but would
consider as favor any, the smallest por-
ton, which he might see fit to bestow.
Young woman said he, Il am surpri-
sed that you should come here with. such
plea. III ever was indebted to your
father, the law has discharged me from that
Obligation
True, but justice said the girl
'Who talks to me of justice!' inter-
rupted l.; if you or any of your fa-
mily have any legal claim; let it be bro't;
but
"A legal claim we don't PRETEND said
the trembling girl but thoughts sense of
justice, urged by the plea of humanity, might
have some weight.
Indeed ? said L, 'that is fine talk;
but do you think I'm fool?'
4 think of nothing feelingly answered
the girl, but the condition of my poor
mother, my little brothers and sisters
once enjoying the comforts of Iife-now
reduced to beggary. Oh think for mo-
ment Of their wants, and let it have some
influence on your heart. On my knees
beg you will pity their condition-it is
for them alone l plcad-I ask nothing for
myself
plead till you are grey-kneel till you
grow to the floor, replied l., and cold.
ly turned away.
Night had now come; it was dark, and
cold and stormy.
win you be kind enough to allow me
shelter for the night p said the girl, now
almost exhausted by her feeling-'I have
no money, am stranger, and know not
where to CO.
Young woman said l., sternly,
do not wish to be troubled with YOU
is it your custom, said the girl, 'to
turn the weak, the pennyless into the street,
when the dreary night, the cold e. the storm
are so dreadful 2
'Girl,' replied the rich bankrupt you
came upon FOOLS errand, and may thank
yourself for such reception as you meet