Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1854-01-15

Mr.. Bright had not been careless spectacle
and he had frequently admonished his pupil to tax
more exercise. And James was not little chs
grlned to have his landlady address him one morn
ing
Il told you you would be q walking ghost and
seare-crow, and yen aint far from it now The
flesh is gone from your bones, and you'll he dsa,
before long, if you don't work"
Mr.. Brights views Of James case were vel
known and it was generally supposed that he wa
the victim of nervous disease. Many unkind an,
irritating jests were thrown at him.
ii don't think you will sing many psalms O,
your death-bed, james, If one may Judge from you,
face" said one, to the great merriment of his feL
lows
Come, my friend" said a young man who real
ly esteemed James, but hoped to drive away "the
blues by a little raillery, "et Us go up into the
graveyard and look at spot for your interment
would like to have you see place there have
selected for you at the foot of crab apple tree"
"who saw him dies
said the fy. with my little eve,
And saw him de.'
cried out little fellow, not fifteen years old.
James could stand it no longer, and fer little
while he seemed likely to take some exercise, as he
walked away rapidly from his laughing companions
lie felt angry; and such disease often makes
stronger men than James Howard cry
They are a set of heartless barbarians.. he ex-
claimed. as he flung himself on his bed, and gave
way to ID passionate outburst Of tears
Then he tried to pray. but his mind was filed
/ with darkness 1t seemed Us if the whole world
was shroudel in gloom.
Il am forsaken of God and man." he said to
himself despondingly. Even Mr. Bright had no
consolation for him. The promises of religion
were like the stars of heaven, very numerous but
out Of his reach, and the threatenings all seemed
IN process Of accomplishment
One night when he was in church, whittier his
brother John (who had heard what was going op)
had taken him unwillingy, lie became suddenly
possessed with the notion that he was actually dy
ing and up he jumped with an agility quite ipcon-
siStent with dying state rushed out of the church
much to the aTnazement of some and amusement of
others. John hurried out after him with the cues
tion
Nv hat under the sun is the matter with yoa!"
like all the rest and laugh at me-"
"Out with it James, l am in no mood for laugh
ing said John Indignantly, as he saw this first ex-
hbtion of what his father used to call "the high
strikes"
81 know it is foolish in NE, but cant help it.
God and my fellow-men have deserted me, and
thought ten minutes ago, was dying"
;nJaaJ ,a;J I'll -
laughing, ''You went out of the church very much
like dying guess you viii hold on little longer
if you only make your feet fly that way"
Il did not think, John you would join all the
rest in ridiculing me. see am truly friendless"
said the hipochondriac, bursting into tears
You are not friendeSs james but you are
sinner suffering for your crimes"
what did you say?" said james, with unmeasur-
ed astonishment.
Just like the old woman who was always con-
demning herself as the greatest sinner in the world
and one night her religious teacher said, Yes so
you are What did you say?' said the indignant
woman 4 am as good you, anyhowp So you
express your Indignation when join you in assert
ing, what, know to be the fact"
Il would be glad to have you explain yourself"
said James.
Your Maker gave you body with laws, and
among those laws is one that you must exercise
that body. And here you have cooped yourself up
in little den and pored hours and DAYS over your
books with exercise but to dress yourself in the
morning and urdress yourself at night, and then
walk to the school once twice day so sluggish
ly that you might as well he carried there in an
easy chair so far as the exercise is concerned II
you had not been tough as mule you would have
been dead by this time"
IL am too sick and weak to work, and il almost
tires me to death to walk to the schoolroom now
l know l should die if exerted myself any more"
II shall take the responsibility at any rate. 30
tomorrow you may tell your landlsdy that your
room is ready for some other occupant if your
chum wants companion" said John with ener-
gy.
But what shall do: / don't want 10 give up
my studies"
a dying ms n held on to studiesl \ commend
able consistency indeed.
But what you going to do with me." at last
asked James with an animation be had not shown
for weeks.
Il have already, with Mr.. Brights approval, ia
ken a room and board for you in the academy
going TO supply YOU with your clothes, and pay
your tuition. but the rest you have got 10 work for
| am not going to put any more dollars into your
hands to Kill Yourself that is settled"
James wo-begone face did not give any great
encouragement TO this plan. IL looked 10 him as
much impossbiity to till out that plan as to ay
TO the moon. Still he was In just such a state of
mind and body that he seemed poweress 10 resist
Tomorrow morning you are TO move" eontn-
ued the resolute John; and when your baggage
ard your forlorn self are introduced into the acad
envy, hope that the merry laugh of every student
will serve to recall some OF your lost manhood"
Precious sympathy | must confess" exclaimed
James, with no little chagrin.
1T is all you deserve; come along with me TO
the hotel. | am not going 10 trust you out of my
sight till yOu are exercised.
And away John started at vigorous pace. Ia
king James with him. demonstrating that that was
not the way to the hotel
Il know the way; You have got to go to the no
tel tonight"
II took Mr. John Howard some three good long