Richmond palladium. [volume] (Richmond, IA [i.e. Ind.]) 1839-1854, 1849-02-21
DOMESTIc STORY.
FSem Crshsm's Magazine.
THE YOUNG LAWYERS FIRST
CASE.

In one OF those long, low, ohc-story'
unpainted houses which succeeded the
Lighthouses in Vermont as the second gen
Grafton of human habitatiOEs, lay sick
woman. She knew, and all her friends
knew, that her days were numbered, and
that when she left that room it would be
in her winding sheet for the grave. Yet
her face and her spirit were calm, and the
tones Of her voice. like those OF the dy-
inc swan. were swceter than those OF HE.
She had taken an afTectiCnate leave OF all
her children, in faith and hope. save one
her eldest son-a mothers boy and
mothers pride. by great economy and
unwearied industry this son had been
sent TO college. He was a mild. molten
,ivc. pale faced one; but the bright eye
did no, belle the spiri, that dwelt in cas-
ket 30 frail. He had been sent for. but did
not reach home till the day before his
mothers death. As soon as she knew OF
his coming. she Immediately had him
called to her room. and left alone with her.
Long and fearful was their conversation.
Sweet and tender was this interview be-
tween mother and son who had never
lacked any degree ofconidence On either
side.
You know. my son. that it has Away:
been NV most earnest wish and praye
that you should be a preacher Of the gos
pel. and thus benefactor 10 the souls o
men. In choosing the law. you are aware
you have greatly disappointed this
hope
u know it. dear mother; and | have
done it. not because like the law sc
much. but because dare not undertake q
work so sacred as the ministry. consciou,
as am that am not qualified in mind
or body. or spirit. forihe work. III dare,
do il. for your sake. if Tor no other reason
would do il -
In Gods time. my dear son. in God.
time. trust you will. neither urge it
nor blame YOU. But promise me now
that you will never undertake any cause
which you think is unjust. and that yo,
will never aid in screening wrong from
coming to light and punishment
The son said something about ever.
mans having the right TO have his cas-
presented in the best light he could.
Il know what you mean said she; but
know that if man has violated the law
Of God and man. he has no moral right {.
be shielded from punishment. If he ha.
confessions and explanations to offer
it is we'll. But for you to take his side
and for money. to shield him from the
laws. seems to me no better than if, fo
money. you concealed him from the Off
GERS Of justice. under tine plea that every
man had RICH, to get clear Of the law j
he could. But | am weak and canno
talk, my son; and yet if you will give me
the solemn promise, il seems as if
should die easier. But you must do a
you think best
The young man bent over his dyin!
mother, and with much emotion, gave he
tne solemn promise which she desired
Tender was the last kiss she gave him
warm the thanks which she expressed
and sweet the smile which she wore. an,
which was left on her countenance afse
her spirit had gone up to NEE, the smile
II the Redeemer.
Some months after the death Of n;
mother, the young man leit the shadow
OF the Green Mountains. and toward
more sunny region. in . large and thrift,
vi"aSe' he opened his office; the sign CAV
ms name' and under it, the words. !" Alto,
ney q Law" There he was found earl
and late. his Office clean and neat. and r;
Few books studied over and over .o.;r
but no business. The frs, fee which +
took was for writing . short letter for HI
black wood-sawyer, and for that he cor
scientiously charged only . single 81,
pence! People spoke well Of him. IN
admired the young man, but still no bu.