Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1856-11-26
sImKINs, DURIsoE & CO., Proprietors.
BEAUTY OF FORGIVENESS.
BY MADGE MARY.

Of the many amiable traits that decorate III,
human character, there is none more desirable
or lovely in its effects than " forgiving spirit
The heart that relents not at the suffering inhic
ted by stoical Indifference or refuses to forgive
the careless errors of the penitent, who sues be-
seechingly for pardon, must be not only adaman
but void, indeed, of all those noble qualities
that God intended should elevate the souls o
men. There is magical sweetness in the WORD
forgive that implies all that noble and generous
And whatshigh-soued generosity it bespeaks
as it falls from the lips of IN injured, ae,
broken.hearted one, who scorniDg the more
ignoble spirit Of revenge. seeks not to return
wrong, but calmly, nobl declares forgiveness
to the aggressor, though he may be his veriest
enemy on earth.
But to preseat picture not uncommon mid
the gay and fashionable circles of life, let us
look, for q moment, upon yon erring youth, who
has scorned the kindly admo nitions of devoted
parent, and has wandered far from the path of
duty. Amid his career of folly and dissipation
he is awakened to 4 sense of his deviation from
the paths of honor and rectitude, and in his
better moments Of reflection he resolves to
throw off the fetters that bind him to sin and
dependency, and exhibit that noblenrss of soul
which hiI past waywardness has hitherto
excluded from view. Now he is retracing his
steps homeward, while his heart knows but one
desire-to throw himself at the feet of his sire,
and there, in trembling accents, plead, till the
smile OF forgiveness rests upon his fathers face.
'I'is true The weight grows heavier upon his
heart as he approaches his childhood's home
and anxious fears intrude yet his prayer ascends
to Heaven that sail will be well )" and, impeled
by motives the strongest, the purest, he hur-
ries onward.
Soon tottering form rises to view, which he
recognizes to be his father, occupying favorite
retreat in the old familiar domains, and
engrossed with his own thoughts;
but see he has already caught the sound the
footsep and Gas if intutivey) he looks up his
eye falls upon the wayward youth, and he
recognizes his long lost sou-the wild boy still
dear to his heart.
Think you, kind reader, that fathers heart
remains unlouch-implacablc D.? No, not
cannot be thus: for see he rises to meet his
son, who falls into his arms, while his heart is
too full for utterance, save, Forgive! jorgirc!"
The tears course freely down that old mans
furrowed cheek, while, in the fullness of his
heart he exraims.
Welcome, my boy-thy fathers forgiveness
rests with thee Welcome, thrice welcome TO
The home Of thy youth and to thy fathers heart
Alas IS hs aaA ls Wall
Imagine the unutterabe joy that perVades
hat youths heart, as he is once more restored
o his parents love and. confidence.
But how truly is the beauty f forgiveness
in the character of our immaculate
Saviour. Even amid .he agony OF the cross,
lis heart was tcemug with kindness. lie
'ebuked not his prosecutors; warm and tender
emotions glowed in the smiles that lighted his
celestial face while with eyes raised in pity TO
,;s Father in heaven, lie exclaimed,
Father, .toryire them, for they know not
what they do
Are not all The Christian graces cmanating
rom iorgiying spirit exhibited in this striking
Example: And arc we not, too, invoked 10 for.
slverr>s throughout Tie pages Of tic sacred
;u!uInc! Surely The .dccrces has been uttered,
unrss We jor,sic'', yc cannot hope for forgive.
hess" O. if there is ausht in The human heart
hat fi's the soul for the pure regions Of heaven
Ill spirit that generates in the heart of man
sentiments of affection for his brotherman, It's
,pi.it Ct iorgiveness-a spirit OF magnanlmlly
hat values the happiness Of its fclow-mortals,
nor scorns TO bestow upon the erring penitent
he only boon he cravcs-torgirencss - iFarcr-
'cy Magg=iae