Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1855-12-01
9 Sbort storp.
A THANKSGIVING STORY.

At FIVE O'Clock upon Thanksgiving morn
ing Deacon Wilson arose as he was wont. no
holiday making any change in his hours. Yet
now he no longer sprang from his bed with
the alacrity which changed duty into pleasure;
he rose because imperious necessity comman-
ded it. There were the cattle to be fed and
watered, and the poultry to receive the same
attention, and there was, moreover, fire to
be made in the huge old kitchen fireplace;
for the deacon had NV no servant or helper,
and in the grey winter of his life the whole
burthen of managing his place had fallen on
his shoulders. Fortunately they were broad
and strong--fortunately his constitution was
good. his spirits elastic, and his piety sincere,
for hi. burthens and trials were indeed weigh
ty. He had been comparatively rich-he was
now in embarrassed circumstances. He had
looked forward to the time when son should
relieve him of the most !aborious of his tolls
while daughter performed the same kind
Office for his wife. Both had been disappoint-
ed-and now the old couple were the solitary
tenants Of that lone farm house.
The deacon went mechanically about his
morning labors; he drove the cattle to the
water tank he supplied them with fresh fod-
der and after seeing that they were comfort
able. returned to the old kitchen. BY this
time the good wife had prepared breakfast,
and genial fire was dffusing its heat through
the apartment
The old couple sat down to breakfaet after
blessing by the old farmer, but the meal
passed by in silence. 1t was followed by a
fervent prayer and the reading of portion
of the Scripture. After this they adjourned
to the sitting-room.
"Well," said she, with SIGH, "this is
Thanksgiving day. 1t doesn't seem like old
times at all. We used to have house full
Of company frolicksome young folks and
cheerful old people, and now we are alone
alone"
Last Thanksgiving day." said the old man
there was one with us who seemed to my old
eyes like an angel of light. with her fairy
golden hair floating like glory on her shoul
ders, and her little foot making music as she
moved about the old house. But even ther
there was hectic flush upon her cheek like
the red upon the maple leaf in autumn
When the January SHOWS lay deep on tn,
bills and in the holows, we carried her to he
last home--but Gods will be DONE"
You forget that We have another chile
alive" 81.
mo, i do not forget it," said the old mai
bitterly. There is one living somewhere
who has brought disgrace upon our name
who has forgotten his parents ana his God
who has drunk deep of the cupyof iniquity
and who has brought ruin and woe upon hi
name and family"
DO not speak harshly Of poor William.
pleaded his mother,
why should not2 Was he not insensibl
to kindness-steeled against affection Di
he not scatter my hard earnings to the wind
Is it not to him that owe the prospect @
beggary and destitution Remember the frs
of February. That is the last day of grace
If the money comes not then. and God know
whence it is to come, We are houseless beg
gars. Who will care for us then ?"
"God will care for u.s." said the aged VIC
man. raising her eyes reverently to heaven.
The old man made no reply, for his uttel
ance was choked. AL that moment the ol
clock that stood ticking in the corner struc
the hour Of nine. The deacon rose.
at is time to harness old Dobbin," said b
"for We have a long way TO ride to meeting
and the roads are in bad condition"
Their preparations were soon made, an
, the old couple. poorly but decently attire
sailed forth to their public devotions. I'll
services ended, the deacon and his wife,
they issued from the porch, were kind
greeted by many old friends and neigbbor
more than one OF whom pressed them to con
and partake of their thanksgiving cheer. b.
the deacon shook his head.
"Many thanks, my friends" said he, "bl
ever since / have been householder, ha,
kept my thanksgiving at home, and shs
continue to do so as long as have hou'
renainpg over my head"