Jeffersonian Republican. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1840-1853, 1849-03-01
From Grahan,'s Magazine.
The Young Lawyers First Case.
BY JOHN TODD.


In one of those long, low, one story unpainied
houses which succeeded the Lighthouses in Yer
mont as The second generation of human habita-
tons. lay sick woman. She knew, ard 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 calm, and The tones other voice. like
those OF the dying swan, were sweeier than those
of life She had taken an affectionate leave Of all
her children, in faith and hope, save one-her
eldest son-a mothers bov and a mothers pride
By great economy and unwearied industry this
son had been sent to college. He was mild in
offensive pale-faced one but the bright eye die
not belle the spirit that dwelt in casket so fral.
He had been sent for, but did not reach home I'LL
the day before his mothers death. As soon as
she knew of his coming, she Immediately had him
called 10 her room, and left alone with her. Long
and fearful was their conversation. Sweet and
tender this last interview between a mother
and son who had never lacked any degree of con-
hdence either side.
You know, my son, that it has always been
my most earnest wish AMI prayer that you should
be preacher of the gospel, and thus benefac-
Tor to the souls OF men. In choosing the law, you
are aware you have greatly disappointed these
hopes"
Il know it, dear mother; and have done it,
not because like the law so much. but because
dare not undertake work so sa cred as the min
siry, conscious as | am that | not qualified in
mnd or body, or SPIRIT for the work. If / dared
DO it, for your SAKE if for no other reason, would
do il"
"In Gods time, nv dear son, in Gods time, |
trust you will | neither urge it, nor blame YOU
But promise me now, that you will never under
take any cause that is unjust, and that you will
never aid in screening wrong from coming to light
and punishment"
The son said something about every mans hav-
ing right TO have his case presented in the best
light he could.
"lknow what you mean," said she: shut know
'lai if a man has violated The laws ofGod and man,
ne has no moral right TO be shielded from punish
4 meni If he has confessions and explanations 10
uier, il is we'll But for you to take his side and
4 iOr money to shield him from the laws, seems TO
/ me no better than if, for money, you concealed
him from the officers ofjustice under the plea that
tTery man had a right to get clear of the law il
he could. But am weak and cannot talk, my
son; and yet if you will give me the solemn prom
lse, II seems as if / should die easier. But you
must DO as you think best"
The young man bent over bis dying mother, and
with much emotion, gave her the solemn promise
which she desired. Tender was the last kiss she
gave him, warm the thanks which she expressed
4 and sweet the smile which she wore, and which
was left on her countenance after her spirit had
gone up to meet the smiles of the Redeemer.
/ Some months after the death of his mother, the
4 young man left the shadows OF the Green Noun.
ans. md toward more sunny region, in large
sad thrifty Village, he opened his office; the sign
4 gave his name. and un5er it, the words g Attorney
al Law" There he wcs focnd early and late, ms
0Hce clean and neat, and bis lew books studied
ever and over again, but no business. Inc hrst
lsU which he took was for writing s2oll iellei
4 oT his black wood-sawyer, and for that he con-
suentously charged only single sixPence =
4 People spoke well of him, and admired the young
man, but still no business came. After waiting
I'LL "hope deferred made the heart sick" one
n bright morning coarse-looking, knock down sort
U young man was seen making toward the of
4 Ice. How the heart of the young lawyer bounded
al he sight of his first client! What success. and
cases, and fees danced in the vision IN moment
Are you the lawyerl" said the man, hastily
aklng off his hat.
YES sir, that's my business. What can CO
Tor you 2"
Why, something of job, reckon. The fact
Is have got into little trouble. and want bli
o help" And he took out five dollar bill, and
aid ii on the table, The young lawyer made no
motion toward taking it.
Why dom, YOU take lit" said he. 81 dom,
eali II pay, but 10 begin with-a kind of wedge
"hat do you call it Z"
Retention fee presume you mean"
Just so, and by your taking 1t, you are my
lawyer. So take ito
Not quite so fast, if you please. State your
'se' snd then will toll you whesher or not