Eastern times. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1846-1857, 1853-03-31

HOur 10 WISH me, anu ne look great delight IN
cultivating an acquaintance with No. IL. As
if attracted by kindred spirit, he never passed
his bed without pausing to offer his cordial sal
utation; and then he woHld whisper to me
He is saint on earth; ard not content with
gaining Paradise himself, must win it for 9th
ers also. Such People should have monuments
erected 10 them, known and read of all men,
Ia observing such character, we feel ashamed
OF our own happiness-we feel how compara-
lively little we deserve it. Is there any thing
can do to prove my regard for this good, poor
No. 1877 t
Just try among the bookstalls,' replied,
'and find the second volume Of that book Won
see him reading. 1t 10 now more than six
| years since he lost it, and ever since he has
been obliged 10 content himself with the
first
Now, must promise that my worthy friend
had perfect horror Of literature, even ia lis
simplest stages. He regarded the art Of print
Ing as Satanic invention, filling mems brains
with idleness and conceit; and as to writing
N his opinion, man was never thoroughly
committed until he had recorded his sentiments
in black and white for the inspection of his
neighbors. His own success in life, which
had been toerabe, thanks 10 his industry and
integrity, he attributed altogether to his ipno-
rance OF those dangerous arts; and now a cloud
swept across his lately beAming face as he eA-
claimed What! the good creature is a lover
of books! Well, we must admit that even the
best have their failings. No matter. Write
down the name of this odd volume on slip of
paper; and it shall 60 hare with me, but
give him that qualification
lie did actually return the following week
with well worn volume, which he presented
IN triumph to the old invalid. He looked
somewhat surprised as he opened it but our
friend proceeded 10 explain that it was at nv
suggestion he had procured it in place of the
lost one, the old grateful expression at once
beamed up in the eyes of No. IL; and with
voice trembling with emotion, he thanked the
hearty giver.
had my misgivings, however, and the mo-
ment our yiSiter turned his back, asked 10 see
the book. My old ncighbor redeemed, stam-
mered, and tried TO change the conversation
but, forced behind his last eutrenchment, he
handed me the little volume. 1t was an old
Royal Almanac. The bookseller, taking ad-
vantage Of his customers ignorance had sub
stItuted 1t for the book he had demanded.
burst into an immoderate fl Of laughter but
No. l2 checked me with the only impatient
word ever heard from his lips; DO you wish
our friend to hear youl A would rather never
recover the power Of this lost arm, than deprive
his kind heart of the pleasure of his gift
And what Of it! Yesterday did not care a
straw for an almanac; but in a little time it is
perhaps the very book should have desired.
Ecery day has us tomorrow. Besides, as
sure you ii is very improving study even al
ready perceive the names Of crowd Of prin-
ces never mentioned in history, and Of whom
up TO this moment have never heard any one
speak
And SO The old almanac was carefully pre-
served beside the volume Of poetry il had been
Intended 10 match and the old invalid never
failed to be seen turning over the leaves when
ever our friend happened 10 enter the ROOM
As 10 him, he was quite proud Of its success,
and would say to me each time: Ii appears
that | have made him a famous present. -
And thus the two guleess natures were con-
tent.
Towards the close Of my sojonrn in the hos
pital, the strength Of poor No. 12 diminished
rapidly. AT first, he lost The slight powers OF
motion he had retained then his speech be-
came inarticulate, at last, no part obeyed his
will except the eyes, which continued to smile
on MS sill. But one morning, at last, it SEEM
ed to me as if his very glance had become dim.
| arose hastily, and approaching his bed, in
quired if he wished for drink; he made a
slight movement of his eyeids, as if to thank
me, and at that instant the first ray of the ris-
ing sun shone in on his bed Then the ewes
lighted up, like taper that flashes into bright
ness before it is extingushed-he looked as if
saluting this last Pift Of his Creator and even
as watched him for moment, his head fell
gently on the side, his kindly heart ceased to
beat. He had thrown off the burden of To-day;
he had entered on his eternal Tomorrow
Chambers Journal.