Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1845-1854, 1847-09-15

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At this period Of the service, bonnet IN
the front pew was slightly elevated, and
pair of black eyer peeped cautiously roand
to note the empha,ically pfmounced a
Those eyes belonged to the Pagson' 'shons
.ored lady, who was noted for ha Wide #
the peculiar and far-reaching shrewdness
with which she contrived te eke the two
ends of her husband s moderate salary.
AS usual on Thanksgiving day, only
simple and ordinary ;dipner had been pre-
pared, the fires extihguished, and the good
lady with her son and danghfaR. had fol iiasE-.tt
ed The deyout preacher to church at an ear I
ly hour. While inhaling spiritual food so
abundantly, she nevertheless reserved
thought for the more worldly luxuries with
which she had reason to know that their
wealthy parishioners were supplied, and
of which experience had taught her to an
ticipate an ample share; it was therefore
very natural thing that pleasant though
somewhat sancti6ed smile should creep
over her round, dimpled face, Us she met
few glances quickly thrown from surroun-
ding eyes-assurances that she was not
doomed to disappointment.
Among this bowed and worshipful con-
gregation, one alone-a young man Of 20,
the only son of the Rev. Jacob Anderson
stood proudly erect, his arms gracefully
folded across his broad chest, his glossy
black hair, slightly curling, brushed care
lessly back from his noble brow, and his
large eyes full of sparkling brilliancy, bent
carelessly upon his fathers face His fall
ling collar was knotted with band of dark
silk, his frock coat fitted his elegant figure
with an easy grace, and his boots were Of
that degree of polish that indicated self-re-
spect rather than extreme anxiety for the
worlds opinion.
Laurens Anderson had been, for years,
deemed wayward and ungodly son by his
rigidly pious father, and the narrow COM
pass of whose study would have bore wit.
ness to many acts of discipline, both tenn
poral and spiritual, designed to guide his
unsteady feet into the narrow and well
beaten track Of popular orthodoxy. But
as yet, all these efforts had proved unsuc-
cessful, and Laurens had reached the age
and stature of manhood, almost purely a
child of nature.
Thoughtful, sagacious, Independent of
creeds, careless whom he pleased or dis
pleased-but noble, generous and affection
ate-he loved to trace out what he consid-
cred to be the numerous inconsistencies be-
tween his fathers creed and life-his pro-
fessions in public and his domestic short
comings. 1t was fruitful source of ngo-
ny to the reverend gentleman to be thus
Iconmented on to his face, but neither brute
force nor persuasive eloquence had accom-
plished an iota in checking this leading
characteristic Of the son, ana sreprehensi-
bic as this might have been in the latter
it was nevertheless frequently effective oI
good results.
At the close of the long and eloquen
petition, peculiar expression curled the
features of the young man, and he sat dowr
with promptltude which indicated 'somt
new and sudden resolve.
At length the congregation dispersed tt
, their vaious homes, and soon the tables o
Parson Anderson began to groan beneath
,, the rich presents poured in from every
quarter. The Divine was in his stud y
Mrs. Anderson busy with her kitchen-maid
, her daughter entertaining guest in th'
parlor, aud it fell to the lot Of Laurens tt
receive and arrange these gifts. Withou
any hesitation he threw open the door o
large cupboard, tumbled its contents in
> to the smallest possible space, and with
sharp knife quickly severed each articl
+ brought, Us near the centre as possible
= placing one-half in the cupboard and tn
It other at the disposal of his mother when tn
10 proper time should arrive.
J. No sooner had these presents ceased t
sr flow in, than Laurens filled an immens
g basket to oyerAowing, with his reserve
halves, and set forth upon his benevolel
p errand. Many lone and sorrowful hear
St many deserted and degraded outcast WI
OF that day cheered by morsel from mis- ba
I'd ket, as with unwearied patience he plung'
81 into the dark alleys, hooks and corner
IS where lived these sons and daughters
ne poverty. Blessings, sincere and soul b
Is gotten blessings, were profusely shower
ne upon his head, and his dark lustrous ey
he beamed with inward joy as he turned
vn steps homeward, whero the annual dim
or was waiting his return.
n "Mrs. Anderson" said the parson,
'ei with a solemn dignity he raised the fl
ng cover, 'swhat is this? Half turke
" Is it possible that my prayer and serm
rd to-day have been less acceptable than f'
ce merly, and that half of the usual gifts is
;e, tanned? Explain it, Mrs. Anderson,
you CAM ,
led sIt is equally mystery to me-" repl
TX the disappointed and somewhat angry lac
OIL ':Beipg quite busy, | deputed Laurens
ng receive the gifts and thank our trlen
he He went out Immediately after sending
ar. word that all had arrived: you may judge
he my surprise to find every thing in hatOe
nd sEverything!" echoed the divine, ha'
re, ly rising from his seat and catching Oft
one various covers and napkins.
Of A quiet and intelligent smile sat VI