The daily Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1841-1845, 1843-07-17
AFFECTING SCENE.

Some years since, gentleman, well known for
his liberalty and zeal, was passing through an Oh
scure alley 10 London, ON the Sabbath morning dis
tributng religious tracts as he went along. woman
with whom he left Of the little publications, in
formed him that she had lodger in apartment in
the house who appeared 10 be very i'll, and who she
thought would feel pleased and grateful, if the gen
tIeman would pay him visit. lie instantly com
piled with the request, and was introduced 10 room
almost destitute vi furniture, where upon misera-
BILE bed he perceived the ruins OF fine young man,
in the last stage Of emaciation and decay The gen
ueman with bis accustomed Kindness aud ndeitty en-
tered into conversation with him, and was pleased TO
discover lhst the unhappy sufferer was fully prepared
10 receive his instructions. He confessed he had
been brought up in responsibility, that he had re-
ceiyed religious education, that he had fallen VIC
tim To the multform seductons Of vice, that he had
been abandoned. He then proceeded in broken Ian
gusgs and with exhausted strength to describe how,
IN his misery, like the prodiga in the parable, he
had come to himself how all the impressions Of early
life had been revived by an influence from above,
how earnestly aud pentently he had cast himself be-
fore the throne Of grace, how hope had animated
him while dwelling upon the love and mediation Of
the Redcemer and how at last he was enabled TO in
duIge in some expectations Of final forgiveness and
acceptance beyond the grave.
When the gentleman kindly inquired If he could do
anything for him. the young man, wiki considerable
hesitation, but yet with absorbing earnesness sand,
I" hope have obtained the forgiveness Of God,
would that could receive that of my father!" The
offered his services, and inquired the parents address
and II was with some establishment that he heard the
name OF an individual whom he knew to be occupy
ing station of responsibility aud reputation. As
the situation OF the young admitted Of no delay
he Immediately repaired 10 the residence Of the IA
Their, whom he found at home, and to whom he was
introduced Some embarrassment followed. At
length the gentleman said, " believe, sir, you have
a SON." The old man became violently affected,
burst into flood ofears and sufficiently exemplifed
how much the conduct Of his child had agonized his
heart The gentleman, after some delay, proceeded,
with as much caution he could exercise 10 narraie
the circumstances which had transpired in the morn
ing, and concluded by offering his services 10 conduct
the parent to interview with his erring but peni
tent child A silent assent having been given, they
proceeded to the house where the Dung man was
lodging. They soon arrived at the place. The gem
tleman first entered the apartment The young man,
when he saw him, family smiled with pleasure; and
then, looking further he perceived the grey hairs and
well known countenance of his father. With all his
remaining strength he uttered the most pathetic en-
treaties for forgiveness; the whole affection OF his
father aroused and according to the description
in the parable before quoted, he rsn took his
his arms and gave him the most endcaring assurances
that he was pardoned. The young had put his
arms round the neck of his father who suddenly felt
the fiIial embrace relaxed be looked through his
tears and found that he held the corpse of his child
The effort and the emotion had proved too much for
his strength and his spirit fed to the presence of its
God!