The Union and eastern journal. [volume] (Biddeford [Me.]) 1854-1858, 1856-03-07

. Nbih hn w Jul NNh N"''S
troubling honest people.
Providence often works by slight instru
mentalities. 1t all at once entered our min
that associations connected with our natiN
land, are strong and undying in every race
We remembered the history of a sick resl
ment in Quebec, cured by the baspipes
strong men dancing in spite of themselves
as they were stirred by the hornpipes of ole
Caledonia. We hesitatingly commenced
humming an Irish melody, hope kindling il
our heart, Us we saw the drunken mar
beating time with his foot, finally striking
in and singing in touching tone the IA
miliar air. We had found an avenue tC
the mans heart, and we pursued our ad'
vantage. We talked Of Ireland-of the sor.
rows of her poor when they begged for corn,
and laid down TO die without coffin, shroud
or grave
"Ycs," said he, tears coming in his eyes,
sand your aslc come from over the say and
dropped bread from his beak to feed the
starving ones"
At last we venturcd to present the subject
nearest our thoughts. For n moment he
was sullen again, but we followed up the
advantage. To the objections that he had
neither clothes or money, we replied that he
could work for us at some future time. by
this ruso we secured his consent to let us
1 propose him to the Division.
By special dispcnsatiOn, MichaOl--
was proposed and initiated. Hardly yet SO.
Der, and excited by the step he was taking,
he could scarcely stand, and clung to Inc
like frightened child.
"And will We JiRd me ?" hc whispered in
my ear as | went out to escort him from the
antc-roOm.
lie was initiated. lie gave the rspons-
cs with an energy and carncstness which
thrilled all present.
"Sa'uie your brotber!" said Mus, and a
hundred hands were extended for the greet
ing, u heart in every one. We stood lit
tic. back and looked upon the eloquent scene
with a full hcart-the feelings swellcd a
moment aud then ran over in flood Of joy
upon the cheek. Michael--- was weep
Ing and saying, "Gcd bless yc! :" as fast as
he could between his sobs, tears raining un-
checked from his cheeks.
"Wherc is Mr.. Brown sure he has u
hand to give me now! ~ he inquired, hall
sadly.
"lIere. my hrnther roaly to shake ynnr
hand, if there is any lcit."
"God be praised, Michael - has
hand enough for the likes of ye, to the end
of the world" and he turned, taking my
extended hand in both of his, and bOwing
upon, and covering it over and over. with
kisses, and last-dropping tears and sobbing
prayers.
"NIy God--my God l did not know
that had u friend in America; o, what a
change is this! And Nichael--will be
once more mani"
Near hundred men were weeping like
children over the lost NAN found. All bust
ness was suspended, and the spirit moved
upon all. Michael was called upon to say
something, and got up. Silently, first with
one hand and then the other, he wiped the
tears from his eyes. Not word could hi
say, and around the room tears might hav,
been heard falling, it seemed to us, SO deeI
was the stiffness.
"Ld me go hOme' Mary must Moc q
this?'' at last burst from his swelling heart
and he rushed for the door.
Angels might have wcpt for JOY over thc
scene in that rude hut, when Michael agair
} entered it. 1t was one never to be forgot
ten.
A cup OF oil, with rag in it, was tn,
lamp which burned dimly, and Mrs.
sitting before the broken stove, her heat
) bowed in her hands. She started, as if iron
slumber, rs we entered, and not withou
surprise, for several of the brotherhood fol
lowed from the Division Room to the hut
Michael stood full minute, looking up
on his wife, as if at an utter loss what t,
say. Slowly light kindled in his eye, ant
his lips parted with smile, sad but sweet
and he said
"May"'
The tones were scarcely above whispe
but they were thrillingly distinct and richl,
trcmulous with suppressed emotion. Th'
wife started as she heard his voice, and ben
her gaze wonderingly upon her husband
face, and then inquiringly upon those stand
ing around him. Naught was heard bu
the deep breathing of the boy upon his co
ofngs.
Mary
The tones now throbbcd with emotion
they were joyous, half exultant.
"IOok at me now, Mary! In BER!-
Look me in the eye, and bless our IIOl.
Mother. that tell We true. o believe m
now, Mary" and he locked his hands con
vulsivcly, and looking besecchingly int
the changing face Of the half doubling
, wife.
? "MIyr'
There was agony now in the ringing ap
peal, for the tide of joy was cbbing back, a
ir rcpuls,d.
"As yc hope for mercy, believe me. In
Michael - now, and a drunkard N
longcr"
"Mother of Christ! could l believe thi
e real, my poor heart would break with joy!'
She stood with her hand hard pressed ~
I on her brow, the blood crimsoning her nee
1 and face, and again leaving her pale q
death. Half awakened hope trcmbled !