Carroll free press. [volume] (Carrollton [Ohio]) 1834-1861, 1846-09-25
THE BEAUTY OF FORGIVENESS.
BY MRS. ELIZABETH D. POPE.


Forgiveness is divine; and oh, how uansccn-
dainty beautiful! Yet how many forget TO eXer-
else this most precious trait of the humun heart,
while others give it only partial application in
the many trials and vicissitudes of life; believing
there are some faults among mankind which it
would be crime to forgive.
We rejoice, however, that we have among us
many great and noble souls, who recognize for
giveness as a means of reformation. Mr.. Har-
grave was one of those bright stars in the shining
galaxy of human society, that are ever ready to
cheer and encourage the unfortunate with plea
sant smile and kind word; and yield timely relief
10 poverty and distress. The beggar never Turn
ed from his door with the pangs of hunger gnaw-
ing at his heart strings; nor did he relieve those
only who cameto him for assistance; he searched
for the sorrow stricken that he might pour into
their bosoms the all healing balm of human SYM
pathy; g. many grateful hearts in the good city of
''brotherly loves can attest to his active charities.
1t was bleak December night; the piercing
wind seemed to CONCEAL the very hearts blood,
as Mr.. Hargrave, with aspiritof benevolence wor-
thy of Howard, traverscd the nearly deserted
streets of Phadel phia, that he might relieve any
whom hard hearted ayarlce, penury or intemper-
ancc had thrust out on that bitter cold night. As
he was passing through one of those miserable
alleys with which our large cities abound, one of
those dark and wretchcd lanes into which the
heartless throng who worship at fashions shrine
never think of entering, his footsteps were sud-
denly arrested by sweet childish voice, eXclaim-
ing in touching tones of pathetic pleading that
might have thrilled the hardest heart, "Charity in
The name of mercy; my mother dies of hunger"
o, it was a touching sight, that trail, shiyering
child, with her dark earnest eyes upmrned, as if
pleading for the protection of heaven, at the same
time that she asked charity of her fellow man.
Mr.. Hargrave stopped not to question whether
it was his particular duty toshieldthe unfortunate
child before him, but threaded the dark street in
quest of her wretched home. She pointed out to
him dim light in the upper story of diapida-
ted building, towards which they anXiously has
tened. SO eager was Mr.. Hargrave to do good
that he scarcely noticed the creaking Of the stairs
which shook beneath his feet, but passed on until
a door was opened by the child, and the words
''my mother r''-brought Mr.. Hargravo to stand.
All, thought he, the wealthy may taLk Of poverty,
but they cannot realize what it is. On pallet
of straw in one corner of the room, lay an ema-
ciated woman, beautiful still, Notwithstanding she
had been assailed bypoverty, hunger and distress.
A low stool and sort of box, which were the
only fixtures of which the apartment could boast.
The faint Pickering of the smouldering fire Sec
med but to render the cold more piercing, and
shed pale and sckly light over the abode of
poverty and wretchedness.
The child advanced to the bedside of her mo-
ther, and said-n low musical tones-"mother,
the doctor would not come. He said he could
not live without money, and must attend TO those
who could pay for his services; and o! mother,
he looked so coldly on me, and spoke so harshly,
it almost broke my heart. And then | went out
into the streets and asked charity of the passers-
by, till my heart ached and my bloods seemed
frozen; but here is kind gentleman, who, am
sure will aid u.s."
The tear of pity moistened the eye of Mr. Har-
grave while listening to the voice of little Amy
Pierce. Tears Vere nOtaIIhegare. Heleftthem
nottll physician had been summoned to the bed
side of Mrs. Pierce; such nourishment provided
as she greatly needed, and bright fire sparkled
on the hearth, dffusing light and warmth through
the before cheerless apartment. But a few days
passed, ere Mrs. Pierce had so far recovered her
strength as to be able to relate her history to him
who had so kindly befriended her.
"Mine, said she, sis asad dtalc of disobedience.
Ny father, (Hargrave started on hearing her pro-
nounce the name of one of the most wealthy men
of the ciy,) Judge Marston, in early life surround
ed me with all the luxuries that wealth could pro-
duce.
opans were spared in my education; not one
desire of my heart left ungratfed; TO me lifee
wore la cOuleur dc rose; thought not that power.
ty and misery such as have since endured, could
exist. Amongmyy young associates Henry Pierce
was conspicuous for intelligence, nObleness anC
generosity of spirit, and had learned to feel fol
him an unconquerable regard-our faith wa;
plighted. had notdreamed thatmy fatherwoulC
or could object to our marriage, as his character
was uneXceplonable; but alas! he was poor
Fathers rage knew no bounds when solicited t
sanction our union. Henry was forbidden to en-
Ter his house, and was told to forget him; but
alas that was impossible. Suffice it to say, tha
we met in private, and after long and severe
struggle in heart between love and duty to my pa
rent, and affection to my betrothed, consented t.
apryate marriage; believing my father could no
long cherish feelings of resentment towards hi
only child. All attempts on my part at reconcil
iaton have been met with naughty silence. On
act of disobedience has forever steeed his hear
against me. Had tnot been for the bitter reflec
ton that in gaining husband had lost father
we might have been comparatively happy, for
lime at least Henry struggled hard to surround m
with the luxuries 10 which had been accustom
ed from early childhood; his health, (always del
icate,) gave way to unremitting toll, and in age
ny of spirit which language, however eloquen
would fail to portray, saw him clasped in death
icy arms. | had borne the anger of my fathe
with calmness; had submitted to the evils after
ding the life of poverty and obseurity which | ha
chosen without a murmur; but this last-3greatC'
-grief was too much for my almost burstin
leart. To see him, the chosen of my affections