M'arthur Democrat. (McArthur, Vinton County, Ohio) 1853-1865, 1855-01-19

ren. He also rendered them interest,
but it was declined. He was now en-,
couraged to continue his efforts, for The
dark clouds were breaking away from
around him, and he looked forward TO
brighter and happier years Mrs. p.
shared in his happiness: their little cot
tage was the home of comfort, and
thelrthree children were growing up TO
cheer and bless them iu advancing
years.
Another prosperous year succeeded.
Mr. p. had purchased beautiful spot
OF ground and erected comfortable
house upon it. On the rear Of the lot
he had built small establishment in
which to carry on his business, and he
lelt that he was once more happy. But
God Seeth not as man 9eeth: in the midst
of frightening days, a darker cloud
overspread the heavens, and deeper
sorrows were in store for those who
had already suffered so much,
MIR. p. had paid one thousand dol
lars for his lot, and for the small build.
ings erected on it, but as yet he had no
surplus. His business, however, was
tair, and his credit was sufficient to en-.
able him to carry it on. AT this juno.
ture notice was served on him that a
prior claim was against the ground of
some six or seven hundred dollars-a
Judgment against former owner, re-
covered before the purchase, being still
unsatiSIied. This blow fell with crush
ing weight upon his heart. He could
not avoid the lein, and to pay that ad-
dItlonal sum was beyond his power.
Like the worn and werried sailor after
stormy cruise, he was Just in sight Of
land, and then driven out to sea again.
| The stroke was heavier than he could
bear, his heart and hopes both died to-
Igether, and in one week he was ir the
grave.
lmay not attempt to picture the dis
treSS Of that stricken widow and those
ophaned children. The husband and
the father who had, for them, so nobIy
braved life's battles, was sleeping his
last long sleep. The grave had closed
over him, and their joys were entombed
beside him.
Weeks and months passed on, Thai
widows heart was still wrunp with
grief, and the future Tor herself and hel
orphans was lit by no ray of light. The
b usinesS of her late husband was still
continued; for the mislorlunes of other
years had induced her 10 become SO
familiar with it as TO enable her, with
the assistance Of foreman, to manage
it successfully. But the old lien was
revived by heartess creditor, and an
order oil sale was about to issue. This
would sweep her home away, destroy
her business, and drive her out once
more, with her little ones, to the chari-
ty OF a world that seldom feels as it
ought for the poor and the friendless.
Bnt three days were left before the or.
der OF court would be executed. Dis.
tress and anxiety seemed to have par
alyzed her efforts, and for more than q
month she had not even visited the
grave where her cherished one lay, Ia
weep bitter tears for the treasure she
had lost.
The day before the sale was to take
place, she had prepared her children
ior school as usual, and they had gone
TO their tasks, With a sad heart the
widowed mother took her basket TO &c
: out and purchase the needed provisions
for the family. AS was her custom,
she left the door unlocked, not fearing
; that any one would disturb her home
Of sorrow and she little suspected
that an angel might visit it in her ab.
sence.
$ The previous night an emergen
Lodge had been held in the village
Every member had been notified, foI
rork was to be done-noble work
$ such as angels love,and on which Goo
2 ooks with approving smiles. The
brethren assembled, and the Maste
' stated that he had convened them tc
t consult what could be done for the wild
ow of Bro. p. Unseen they had
! watched over that widow and her chill
, dren; unknown TO her they had marked
] his grave with stone bearing the in.
] sigma Of the Graft; unknown to her
, they had watched with anxious eye the
] legal proceedings which were about tc
: wrest from her home and the means
S OF support. A letter had been dispatch.
ed to the parent Lodge of The deceas.
ed, and a reply tina! day come to hand
enclosing check for three hundred
dollars, the contributions of his earlier
friends. 'And now,what shall we do9
enqulred the generous hearted Maste r
A subscription was started, and in a
few minutes the remainder Of the need,
ed sum was raised, and promptly paid
down; and the Master was deputed tc
go the next morning, pay off the judg.
ment and costs, and secure the proper.
: ty for the idow and children. 1t twa.
done. The judgment and costs were
satisfied; a receipt was taken; and
4 while that widow, burdened with sor
] row, was absent purchasing food fol