Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1837-06-02
From the Universalist Union.
A

An old man was leaning upon his stall,
gazing at the setting sun, as it gradually
sunk behind the western hills, tinging the
barren rocks and lofty pines, with its soft ra-
dance, and rejecting with its last expiring
rays, the beautiful colors OF the rainbow, up
on a cluster Of feecy clouds that lay along
the edge of the horizon, picturing to the i'm
agination ofthe beholder, the happy home OF
departed spirits. His feeble form was trem-
bling with age; the frost of eighty winters
had silvered the dark locks that had shaded
his youthful brow, and the deep furrows in
bis pale cheek gave evidence that his lie
had been one OF weary toll and heartfelt sor-
sow. His eye, though dim, bespoke i%ntelIi.
gence, and the calm and heavenly expression
OF his countenance told that he felt the spirit
OF resignation 10 his Fathers will. He was
alone 10 a world that hardly knew him. He
had been the honored sire of u numerous and
promising family, aud fondly hoped that they
would be the solace of his declining years.
But alasi all died in the morning oflife, save
oae-the youngest-a promising lad of six
teen. The wife Of his youth, the once hap
py mother Of his children, sunk beneath the
weight of accumulated sorrow, and soon fol-
lowed her offspring to the grave, aud was
numbered with the dead.
The old man took up his abode in a de-
serted dwelling, flor he had none of his
own, and by means of a small pension
which he had earned in the service of his
country, he endeavored TO live without be-
ing an expense TO society at large, 10 which
he felt that he could no longer be of any SER
vice.
The son took an affectionate leave of his
aged father--and sought. in foreign chimes,
to obtain that wealth which would enable
him to provide a home for his only parent.
Five years had passed way since they par
ted, and the old man had heard no tidings of
his darling boy. Disease preyed upon his
frame. and conscious that his days were
nearly ended, he had left his humble dwell
ling, TO gaze, as he thought, for the last time
upon the setting sun. He stood apparently
lost in thought, and forgetIul that his feeble
frame was exposed to the chill dews of eve
ming, when his attention became suddenly
arrested by the appearance Of a graceful
youth advancing towards him. His dark
eyes glanced with the genius of intellect,
and the healthy flush upon his fair cheek
faded for a moment as he gazed at the pallid
brow of the veteran before him-and dis
covered that he had met with his onn ia.
Their; but the old man seemed not to know
him.
"A pleasant evening" said the youth, ad-
dressing the aged man, and bowling with rev.
erence "can you inform me who lives 10
yon lone cotlageP
mo one but myself" was the answer; ali
is a crazy old thing. but il answers my pur-
pose very well, and | shall not want even
that long"
will you have the kindness to give me
your name" said the youth.
The old man smiled, and replied, "the chill |
dren call me poor Robert but my name is
james Hathaway"
"Have you no friends living, which occa-
sions your living %alone?"
81 had one child, a son, left; but do not
know that he is now living; he went to sea
about five years ago, and | have not heard
from him since. 1.-The lives, perhaps he has
forgot his old father ere this, but it would be
a comfort to me, in my last moments to see
him once more, eren if he were a prodi-
gal"
The youth could no longer conceal him
self. " Your son is not a prodigal," said he,
and clasplng his arms around the old mans
neck, embraced him with an affectionate kiss.
The father wept like a child, and exclaimed,
20! Lord, now lettest thy servant depart in
peace!"
Not yet" sardthe youth "a better home
than this shall shelter thee before thou lea vest
this lower world. | have been fortunate in
worldly gain, and tomorrow shall see thee
IN a comfortable house of my own, and Il
nurse to provide for thy wants."
The morrow came, and the son fulfilled
his promise; a neat and convenient house
was provided for himself and father, and "A
young woman 10 take charge of it and wait
upon the old man.
who is this lovely girl that you have
employed ?" said the father.
1T is my own dear wife," was the an
swer.
Blessings on herr exclaimed the old
man, and heaven bless thee, my son, with
those who shall prove as faithful as thou
hast" TurprsA
Putney, VT.