Lewistown gazette. [volume] (Lewistown, Pa.) 1843-1944, 1852-07-02

But while the rich man was eniovino his
plentiful repast VIM. Carter, with a singing
heart and weary frame, turned his steps to-
wards home. lie had not tasted food since
early dawn, and now full fifteen miles Law
before nm. lie felt disappointed, indignant,
grleved at the cold and Indifferent manner in
winch his services had been received He
dld not ask reward for restoring what was
not has own, but he might with Justice have
demanded recompense for his time and
trouble; but even that was not offered him
He remembered the wastefulncss of wealth
the extravaganza Of luxury, which he had
witnessed, and something whispered. You
are fool That man scarcely thanks YOU
1or returning what be would have never mis-
sed. 1t would have made YOU happv for
months and years
Resolntely, putting down the evil thoughts,
he raised a silent prayer for help and resic-
nation, and pressed ON his way. lie GREW
weaker and fainter every step. and little
more than half the distance was Gained
when he sat down by the way utterly ex
hausted. He covered his face with his hands
and wePt, and but for the thought of his
wife and children at home, would have crcpt
aside, and lain down upon the snow to die.
Fortunately man came along with q sleigh
and he rose and asked for a ride. The
stranger took him and brought him within a
mile Of his own door
1t was late when he reached home. and lie
had scarcely strength to cIa5s the threshold.
and throw himself upon his bed. His over
taxed physical system had given way. and
before morning he was raving in the dclrium
of violent fever. Then did the poor wife
feel that the hand Of the Lord was heavy
upon her, but her faith failed not As earth
y hope faded away, brighter and brighter
grew the hope OF eternity and as she watch
ed day after day by the sufferers couch, bs-
thing his burning brow, and soothing his
wild frenzy, with her loving voice she was
able to say, though lie siav me- vet will |
trust in HIM q blessed sustaining power
Of faith and hope faith. not in man. but
God-hope, not of earth, but heaven Gang
10 the faith, poor woman, Make thy heart
strong III confidence, for God will not forsake
thee Even nov he Is prepared t. reward
lie viii not break the bruised reed nor
crush Tie humble heart.
Did the rich man stst swectlv, as he lay
down on his downy pillow? Were there no
remorScless thoughts when he remembered
the careless act OF injustice oi which he had
been guilty: Like AhasueruS, he could not
sleep, for God troubled him, and he resolved
to make ample rcoompeHsc for the wrong he
him a letter. and a handsome present. but
the thought did not satisfy him and be re-
solved to 90 himself. and see what he could
do for his poor friend. that which would most
benefit him. and quiet his own conscience.
1t was the fifth day Of William Carter's
sickness, and the physician said, that night
would bc the crisis; if he lived through it he
might recover. lie had then fallen into
lctharGc sleep. Ills pale wife sat holding
his hand and gazing anxiously on bis sunken
features and shut eyes. The children, with
sad faces and noiseless step crept around the
room. There was Il rap at the doOr-it was
opened and gentleman entered. Mrs. Car
ter looked up with surprise on her unexpcct-
cd visitor His dress aud bearing. so different
from those of her humble neighbors, atanoth-
er time might have awed her, but that was no
place to feel the pa!uy distinctions of human
society. In the presence Of that power, be-
fore which the rich and the poor, the mighty
and the weak alike bow, men feel that they
arc equals-that they are brothers. She
arose aud offered him q chair. lie did not
seem 10 notice her, but advancing TO the bed,
he gazcd long and earnestly ON the ­
features Of the sufferer while the tears chased
one another down MS checks then turning
away he threw himself into q chair and wept
er may have guessed, was Mr. Carlton. He
came into the neighborhood and inquired for
VIM. Carter, and had been told of his sick
ness, and its probable cause. The good wo
man where he stopped, had a warm heart,
and voluble tongue. and little suSpecting
who her auditor was, she had given full scope
to her eloqucnce, in denouncing the man who
suffered her poor neighbor to walk fifteen
miles, and to return even without dinner.
Mrs. Carter stood gazing in silent astonish
ment on her visitor, when he arose, and pla-
cling a heavy purse into herhand, said Take
this and let no expense be spared for your
husbands recovery | will call again, and
before she had time to express her gratitude
or surprise, he was gone.
The next morning William was better
The crisis had passed-the fever was gone,
but he lay weak and helpless rs a babe, and
but for the many comforts which that purse
procured might have died.
He grew stronger day by day, and at the
end of week he was setting supported by
pillows in a large arm chair. Mrs. Carter
approached the window and exclaimed, There
comes the stranger who gave me the purse
\ minute more and he entered the room.
Approaching William he grasped his hand
and said earnestly
Thank Heaven that You are alive-that
you will live! If you had died, | never
would have forgiven myself. have como to
make you some atonement for the injustice of
which | was guilty. and he placed folded
paper in his hand. There he continued,
when you are able read that. Do not thank
me. 1t is no more than justice. The pock-
et-book was of great importance to me, and
it has cost you dear
When the gentleman was gone William
opened the paper, and found it g. deed made !
out to himself, of his own house and farm.
There was dancing and shouting among the
children and in the hearts of the father and