Jeffersonian Republican. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1840-1853, 1847-11-04

bent carelessly on his fathers face. His fall
ing collar was kno,ted with band of dark silk,
his frock Goa, fitted his elegan, figure with an
easy grace, and his boots were Of tha, degree
OF polish ,ha, indicated sef-respec, rather than
extreme anxiety for The worlds opinion.
Laurens Anderson had been for years way
ward and ungodly son Of his risdly pious faith
er, and the narrow compass of whose study
would have borne witness TO many acts Of dis
cipIinc, both temporal and spiritual. designed
10 guide his unsteady fee, into the narrow and
we'll beaten track of orthodoxy. Bu, as yet all
these efforts had proved unsuccessful. and
Laurens had reached the age and stature of
manhood, almos, purely child of nature.
Thoughtful, sagacious, independent Of treeds.
careless whom he pleased or alspleased-bu'
noble, generous and afectionae-he loved TO
trace out wha, he considered TO be the numer'
ous Inconsistencies between his fathers creed
and life his professions in public and his do
mes,ic shortcomings. 1t was fruitful source
of agony to the Reverend gentleman to be thus
commented on to his face /; bot neither brute
force nor persuasive eloquense had accom-
plshed an iota in checking this leading charac.
,eris,ic of his son, and reprehensibIe as it might
have been in the latter. i. was nevertheless fre-
quen,y effective of good results,
A, the close of the long and eloquen, petition,
. peculiar expression curled the features OF the
Young man, and he sat down with prompl-
,ude ,ha, indicated some new and sudden resolve.
A, length lhe congregation dispersed 10 their
various homes, and soon the tables OF Parson
Anderson began to groan beneath the rich pres
enis poured in from every quarter. The Di-
vine was in his study, Mrs. Anderson busy with
the kitchen maid, her daughter entertaining a
guest in the parlor and i. fell 10 the lot Of Lau
rens TO receive and arrange these gifts. With
ou, any hesitation he threw open the door OF a
large cupboard, tumbled its contents into the
smalIes, possible space, and with sharp knife
quickly severed each article brought, as near the
centre as possible, placing one half in the cup
board and the other a, the disposal Of his moth
er when the proper time should arrive.
No sooner had these presents ceased TO flow
in, than Laurens filled an immense basket to
overfowing, with his reserved halves, and sci
forth on his benevolent errand. Many lone
aud sorfowful heart. many deserted and de.
graded ou,cast, was that day cheered by NOR
sci from his basket, as with UNIV carried patience
he plunged into the dark alleys. hooks and cor
ners, where lived those sons and daughters o
poverty. Blessings. sincere and soul-begolen
blessings, were prolusely showered upon his
head, and his dark lustrous eyes beamed with
inward Joy, as he turned his steps homeward
where the annual dinner was waiting his return
Mrs. Anderson said the parson, as with sol
emn dignity he raised the cover, WHAT'S this?
Half turkey! Is it possible that my prayer
and sermon to-day have been less acceptable
than formerly, and that half the usual gifts is
retained Explain it, Mrs. Anderson, If yo,
can'
1t is equally a mystery 10 me- replied the
disappointed and somewhat angry lady. Be
ing quite busy, depu,ized Laurens to receive
the gifts and thank our friends. He went on
Immediately after sending me word that all had
arrived; you may judge Of my surprise TO fine
every thing in halves =
Euerv thingr echoed the Divine, hastily
rising from his seat and catching off the various
covers and napkins.
quiet and inielligen, smile sat upon the
features of the son and when the Disconnected
fa,her had resumed his arm chair a. the foot o.
the table, Laurens slowly clasped his hands
slightly raised his handsome face, and with
subdued emphasis repeated The words OF The
morning prayer: Incline US to seek them ~
their homss-to feed the hungry-and to equali,
share uith them the lururies ,chich this day at
fords.'
i do no, often pray as you understand II,
continued the reprobaie son, but | sometimes
assist in procuring answers 10 The prayers
hear. YOU sir, believe in he prayers of the