The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1853-03-30
Selptte1 Galrs.
From Arthuy's Home Gazette
LIES sun BEAMS.
THE WORD OF PRAISE.
Dr MRS. 8. p. DOUGHTY.

A little thing is sunbeam-a very
little thing. 1t streams through our case
ment, making the cheerful room still more
cheerful, and yet so accustomed are we te
Its presence, that We notice it not, and heed
not its exhilarating effect.
But its absence would be quickly seen
and felt. The unfortunate prisoner in his
'dimly-lighted cell would hail with rapture
that blessed stream of light. and the
scarcely less imprisoned inmate. of the
more obscure streets Of our crowded cities
would welcome it as messenger from
Heaven.
II Is even thus with the sunbeam, q,
the human heart. Tnfiing things thew
are in themselves, for the heart is wonder.
FULLY constituted, and it vibrates to the
~iighIesI pQucil; put without tnem Itie Il 4
blank--aIi seems cold and lifeless as the
marble slab which marks the spot where
the departed love one lies.
A gloomy home was that of Henry
Howard, and yet all the elements of hui
nnan happiness seemed to be there. Wealth
sufficient to secure all the comforts and
'mauy Of the luxuries Of life, was theirs,
land both husband and wife were regarded
Wy their numerous acquaintance rs ex.
cecdingly intelligent and estimaLle people
and so indeed they were. The light
tread OF childhood was not wasting in
their home, although its merry laugh was
seldom heard, for the little children SEEM
ed to possess n gravity beyond their year,
land that glad joyousness which it is so de-
'lightful to witness in infancy, was with
them seldom or never visible.
Lifes sunbeams seemed strangely wan
ting, yet the why and wherefore was to
the casual observer an unfathomaLle mys.
terry.
Years before that wife and mother had
left the home Of her childhood happy
and trusting bride. Scarcely seventeen,
the love which she had bestowed upon
him Who was now her husband, was the
first pure affections Of her virgin heart, and
in many respects he was worthy of her
love, and, as far as was in his nature, re.
turned it. Her senior by many years, he
was possessed Of high moral principles
good intellectual endowments, and an
nnblemishcd reputation among his fellow.
men.
But there vas cold, repulsive manner
.at variance sometimes with his more in.
terror feelings, which could III meet the
warm, affectionate disposition ofhis young
wife, who, cherished and petted in hel
fathers house, looked for the same found
7endearments from him TO whom she had
given all.
Proud OF her beauty si.i Intelligence
charmed with sp6ghtliness and wit, the
man was for time lost in the lover, and
enough Of fondness and affection were
manifested to satisfy the con6ding Mary
who had invested her earthly idol viii
every attribute Of perfection. But a,
months passed on, and he again became
Smmened in his business, his true charac
Ter, or more properly speaking his habit
e'sl manners were again resumed, and tn,
heart Of the wife was often panied by NJ
appearance Of coldness and indifference
which seemed to chill and repalse the bes
affections Of her nature.
Tears and remonstranee were useless
for the husband was himself unaware O
the change. Was not eyery comfort am
ply pFovided,every request complied with
What more could any reasonable woma,
desire Z
Alas he knew but little OF woman
heart OF that fountain Of love which !
perpetuslly gushing forth toward hin
who first caused It's waters 10 flow. an,
still less did he know Of the fearful effec
Of the constant repressing Of each warn
affection. He dreamed not that the loy
ing heart could become cold and dead
and that bic own ICY nature would 900,
oe rcaeeted 10 The devoted being who no,
clung 70 him 20 sondly.
Twas but u li,tic things that he wa
deficient mere trifes, bat still they eonst
sased the hApr'ness o. Eoe o. tho Wis I
his bosom. S. J
The loving glAucs wss seldon retarne
The affectionats pressaseofthe hnsd ssess
ed unfelt, the constant effort 10 please y
maia unnotieed. Ono wohi ~ praise a,