Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1843-12-28


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8lng and almos. i0sudible voice. but viii
H Z. LOOK Of tie welmes. gratitude. aud "
The benevolent stranger immedia,el,
sought the dwelling 81 the sick widow
he entered little room ia which b,
could see nothing but few implement
of female labor, miserable table. an 81.
bureau, and little bed which stood Il
one Corner. on which The invalid lay
She appeared weak. aud almost exhaust
led, and oE The bed at her feet, sal linl:
tboy crying as If bis heart would break.
/ Deeply moved stihis sight, the stranger
drew near the bedsiee 81 the invalid, an1
isigaing % Be physician. inqnired init
the Nature Of Der disease. The symptom
were explained in few words. when the
widow with deep sigh, added. s'0h. SIT
my sickness has deeper cause. and one
(which is beyond the art Of the physician
10 cure. lam motl.er.-a wretched mo-
lther. I see my children sinking daily
deeper and deeper in misery and want,
which ! have no-means Of relieving. -
IiMy sickness is OF the heart. and death
alone can end my sorrows, but even death
lis dreadful 10 me, for il aWakens The
thought Of the misery into which my
children would be plunged if --.'
Here emotion choked her uiterance. and
the tears. flowed unrestrsined down her
cheeks. But the pretended physician
spoke so consolingly.io her. and manifest
Jed so warm sympathy for herconditiou,
that the heart OF the poor woman throb-
bed with pleasure that was unwonted.
do not despair. said the benevolent
stranger, think only Of recovery and Of
preserving a life that is so precious to
your children. Can write prescription
herei"
/ The poor widow took Little prayer
book from tie hand Of The child who sat
with her ON the bed. aud tearing out a
blank leaf,
II have no other paper" said she. but
perhaps this will do
The stranger took pencil from his
pocket, and wrote few lines upon the
paper.
This prescription. said be. you will
find of great service 10 you. II il is neY
cessary, 1 will write you second. |
have great hopes OF your recovery"
] He laid the paper on the table and went
away.
Scarcely was he gone, when the elder
son returned.
Cheer up. dear mother" said he going
Ia, Der bedside. and sffectionately kissing
her. "See, what kind. benevolent
stranger has given Us. Il will make Us
rich for several DAYS. II has enabled US
10 have physician, and be WILDE here
in a moment. Compose yourself, now,
"Come nSaTek, my son, answered tue
mother, looking with pride and affection
on her child. "Come nearer that | may
bless you, God never forsakest The innocent
and the good. o may he.still waichover
you in all your paths A physician has
Just been here. He was q stranger, but
he spake 10 me with Kindness and
compassion that were balm TO my heart.
When he went away be lett that prescrip.
ton on the table see i .gou can read il.
Henry glanced at the Paper and started
back-he took it up. and as he4 read
through, again and again, cry Of won
der aud asionishment escaped him.
What is it, my son r exclaimed the
poor widow. trembling with an apprehen-
sion Of she knew nolY3hat.
"Ah, read, dear mother God has heard
DIS
The mother look the paper from the
hand Of her son, but no sooner had she
fixed her eyes upon il. than "My God !"
she exclaimed, II is Washington !" and
fell back. .ain,ing Upon her pillow.
The writing was an obligation from
Washington, Cor il was indeed he,l BY
which theywidow was 10 receive the sum
of one hundred dollars from bis own pri-
vate property, 10 be doubled 10 case Of
necessity.
Meanwhile the expected physician made
his appearance. and soon awoke the mo-
iher from her fainting fit. The joyful sur
prise, together with good nurse with
WHICH the physician provided her, and q
pleniy of wholesome food. soon restored
her toperfect health.
The influence Of Washington. who vi
sjted them more than once, provided for
Eshe widow friends, who furnished bet with
constant and profitable employ ment, and
her sons. when they had arrived at The
proper age. they placed in respectable
situations. where they we're able not only
10 support themselves. but 10 render the
remainder Of their mothers life comiorta-
Bile and happy.
Let those who read this story. remem-
Der. when they think Of the great and
good Washington. that be was NOT above
entering the dwelling Of poverty, and
carrying 10y and gladness 70 the hearts Q
| its iruates. This is no fictitious tale, bu
is only one Of thousand incidents which
might be related Of him, and which STAMP
him one Of lhe, best Of men. /
E.E Y Christian Messenger.
Wow Female loveliness cannot b