The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1844-11-25

had he whipped mo- could have borne anything bet
ter than his sad quiverng voice, My Jather holo
bless thy mGmoryl
"My son" he at length snid slowly and distinctly,
"you have broken great law of your God. You
have betrayed the affection of brother, and you
have violated the confidence Of your family" felt
as If wanted to die then "But, my son, thank
God you have confessed this great sin. II shows you
are pentont, and penitent you may be forgiven and
restored, my child" How did my aching, pent-up
feelings then find relief in tearS, bitterly wept at
my fathers feet. "Te mother, toll Eben," sobb-
ed out, "let them not oG--ask them to for
give me."--My father lifted me up sud sat me no
his knees, great boy that was, but dared look
in his face. eyes, they must know this, Ralph,
painful story it must be- "Now father" exclam-
cd, in,errupling him, "to them all, | have been so
afraid to look them even in tho face O., would
hide nothing any longer" There was a long, sad
pause. "Will you go and tell mother" | asked.
yves, Ralph he answered sorowfuy. | went
awny into closet adjoining the counting room, and
sat down upon an old trunk of papers, there, alono
and unobserved, TO await my fathers return from
the house. In an hours time, and it seemed ages,
he came back and unfolded TO mo the result Of his
sad consultation with my mother,in tho requirements
ofwhich humbly and heartily acqniesced. There
remained until supper time, when he took mo by
the hand and led me home, without speaking bu:
:here was plying tenderness in his manner, which
went to my very heart. could NOT appear at sup
per but sought the solitude Of my fathers chamber
How hankrul did feel humilotng ms was the stu
alton, that the great wall of PARTITION which guilt had
made between me and my family, was at least brok-
en- down, and had no longer to bear in secrecy the
In bnn az, c,,l.
me to the sitting room. II the season for even.
ing devoons, and my mother, sister and brothers,
were already seated at their accustomed places
Near my fhther empty chair in which he mo-
toned me TO sit. The doors were closed, and the
stiffness of doalh parvaded the room One hasty
glance stole toward my mothers face, and beheld
paleness on her cheek, and dmness in her eve,
which shall never forget. "I Rave something TO
say began my father, in low sad voice, and he
related all had told him. without either blame or
extenualion In striking and forcbe language did he
represent the danger and guilt of Disgusting any sin
under harmless and innocent names. Sin is oke,"
said he impressively sand prophet of God, in |
stern and strong language, has denounced a wo a.
gainst them who call evil good and put light for dark.
ess,'-every eye was fixed upon him--"and now |
hope Ralph is penitent; he feels he can never be |
happy ngaln until lie is forgiven. Eben, if you for
give your brother for this great wrong, come and tell
him So" That dear brother flew towards mo,
weeping and brokcnhearted as l sat, and, claspng /
my hand in his, exclaimed, "lrom my heart forgive
you, Ralph" while the great tears glistened in his
eyes, lie would have feel on my neck but my faith
er motiOned for him to go away.
"Now must carry this matter before Cod
said my father, solemnly, and the family knelt in
prayer. lie placed his hands upon my head as he
clearly and distinctly laid open my guilt TO the God
of Heaven, then did he humby pray for my forgive
ness. How earnestly did he plead for my SOUL
How he sought that might be cleansed by the blood
Of Christ, and dedicate myself to tho service of my
Heavenly Master! Then how did he plead for us all
that we might live so upon earth TO become re-
united family around the Eternal Throne! That ag-
onizlng, earnest prayer, will follow down to tho
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 Indebtedness to
myself, could tear with grief parents heart and !
which required the blood of Jesus Christ TO wash a.
way? had known the peace Of weI-doing had not !
reaped the dHer.fruit ofTwrong-doing? My father
this, and said, arose ''Iet this matter new
er be alluded to mentioned henceforth.'
Then little Alice came to me, and unpning the !
blue handkerchief at her side, she lovingly elapsed
one arm about my neck, for resumed my scat, and |
with the other tenderIy wiped my face. "Dear Rail
ply, love you dearly, and Fanny does too she says
she loves you better than she loves George if he is
her brother" Precious little comfoner How dear
was your tender and chidko sympathy, in that
hour of humiliation and repentance
Often, in later years, have envied the blessed
gn of sister, Mnisering spirits sisters are,
in the household band, lowering with their quiet and
glad affection round the pathway of their brothers,
strengthening their better principles, and drawing
them into the hallowed paths of domestic enoyments