The northern galaxy. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1844-1848, 1844-10-23

ioiSNeu duu restored, my chIld." How did
my aching, pent-up feelings then find relief in
tears, as bitterly wept at my fathers feet.
"Tell mother, tell Eben," sobbed out, ''let
them not cast me off-ask them to forgive
me. My father lifted me up and sat me on
his knees, great boy that was, but dared
not look In his face. ''Yes, they must know
this, Ralph, painful story as it must be-"
"Now father" | exclaimed, interrupting him,
"tell them all, have been so afraid to look
them even in the face. o, would hide
nothing any longer" There was a long,
sad pause. Twill you 60 and tell mo her ~
asked. Eyes, Ralph" he answered sor-
rowfully. went away into a little closet
ADJOINING the counting room, and sat down
upon an old trunk Of papers, there, alone and
unobserved, to await my fathers return from
the house. In an hours time, and it seemed
ages, he came back and unfolded to me the
result of his sad consultation with my moth
er, IN the requirements of which, humbly and
heartily acquiesced. There | remained until
supper time, when he took me by the hand
and led me home, without speaking, but
there was plying tenderness in his manner,
which went to my very heart. could not
appear at supper but sought the solitude of
my fathers chamber. How thankful did
feel, humiliating as was the situation, that
the great wall of partition, which guilt had
made between me and my family, was at
least broken down, and | had no longer to
bear in secrecy the dreadful burden.-In an
hours time my father called me to the sit
ting room. 1t was the season for evening
devotiOns, and my mother, sister and brothers,
were already seated at their accustomed pla-
ces. Near my father was an empty chair, in
which he motioned me to sit. Thedoors were
closed, and the stiffness of death pervaded the
room. One hasty glance | stole toward my
mothers face, and beheld a paleness on her
cheek, and dimness in her eye, which shall
never forget. Il have something to say" be-
gan my father, in a low, sad voice, and he re-
lated ALL had told him, without either blame
or extenuation. In striking and forcible lam
guage did he represent the danger and guilt
of Disgusting any sin under harmless and in
nocent names. Sin is no JOKE" said he
impressively, "and prophet of God, in
stern and strong language, has denounced a
wo against them who call evil good, and put
light for darkness, every eye was fixed upon
him-''and now hope Ralph is penitent;
he feels he can never be happy again until he
is forgiven. Eben, if you forgive your BROTH
er for this great wrong come and tell him So"
That dear brother flew towards me, weeping
and broken-hearted as sat, and, clasping my
hand in his, exclaimed, ''from my heart l
forgive you, Ralph" while the great tears
glistened in his eyes. He would have fell on
my neck but my father motioned for him to
go away.
''Now we must carry this matter before
God" said my father, solemnly, and the fam
lily knelt in prayer. He placed his hands up
on my head as he clearly and distinctly laid
| open my guilt to the God of Heaven; then
humbly did he pray for my forgiveness. How
earnestly did he plead for my soul! How he
sought that | might be cleansed by the blood
of Christ, and dedicate myself TO the service
ofmy Heavenly Master! Then how did he
plead for us all, that we might live so upon
earth as to become reunited family around
the Eternal Throne! That agonzing, earn
est prayer, will follow me down to the latest
life. Did | not then realize, that sin must be
no light thing, albeit committed in darkness
and alone, which could bring such terror and
wretchedness to myself, could tear with grief
parents heart, and which required the
blood of jesus Christ to wash awayl had
known the peace Of well-doins, had not
reaped the bitter fruit of wrong -doingl My
father saw this, and said, as we arose "Let
this matter never be alluded to or mentioned
henceforth.''
Then little Alice came to me, and unpin-
ming the blue handkerchief at her side, she
lovingly clasped one arm about my neck, for
resumed my seat, and with the other ten
derby wiped my face. "Dear Ralphy, love
you dearly, and Fanny does too; she says
she loves you better than she loves George,
if lie is her brother" Precious little comfor-
teri How dear was your tender and chld-like
sympathy, in that hour of humiliation and
repentance!
Often, in later years, have ] envied the
blessed gift OF sister. Ministering spirits
sweet sisters are, in the household band, how
ering with their quiet and glad affection round
the pathway of their brothers, strengthening
their betters principles, and drawing them
into the hallowed paths of domestic enjoy
ments.