The Council Bluffs nonpareil. [volume] (Council Bluffs [Iowa]) 1857-1867, 1857-12-12

Beautiful is the valley of the Merrimack!
On its eastern slope, among the hills of New
Hampshire stands a dwelling, looking down
upon the stream that, like silver ribbon,
twines among the meadows. 1t is no state
ly mansion, proclaiming wealth; but neat
cottage, bespeaking comfort and content
ment.
Over the portico and caves, chambers the
thick ivy above the roof, extend the long
branches of the ancient Elm. 1t is my old
home. There were eleven of US. But the
Angel of Death, long years ago, came and
called the mother and sister to a Chris
tian's rest. The motherless sons and daugh-
tiers are thus cast out upon the selfish and
unsympathising world to meet its storms
and tempests. By the different currents and
winds on the sea of life, We were driven far
from each other. Sixteen years have pass
cd, and we have not met. One Of those oc-
casions has arrived when the New England
family gathers again beneath the parental
roof. 1t is Thanksgiving day. The father
has called home his children, that he may
see them once more before he dies. We
return from our wanderings changed, all
changed, almost strangers to each other
Indeed the Oldest has never before met the
youngest. But here we are all at home, and
the greeting causes weeping to those unused
to tears. ... . ..E
The modern stove is removed, father
takes the old arm chair in its familiar cor
ner, and We, as of former times, gather
around the blazing FIRE upon the HEARTH
Time waits not at the happy reunion. The
table is spread not by strange hands, for
there to-day, no strange voice, no strange
footstep is heard. - ~,
An aged father takes his place with the
eldest at his right, bows his head frosted in
the service of his Master, and invokes the
blessing Of the bountiful Giyer.
A Thanksgiving dinner in New England
is thing of history. 1t need not be de-
scribed. 1t is over and the table removed.
The father resumes the arm chair, and the
old family bible is placed upon his knees
Tears gather and fall fast from his dimmed
eyes. At length, with tremulous voice he
says:-My dear children, my heart is more
than full to-day. Our Heavenly Father has
satisfied my only earthly wish. have no
desire to live longer. The world has no
charms for me. 1 have fought-the good
| fight, have finished my course, hay e kent
the faith; now long to part and Join in the
Anthems of the Redeemed. His eyes were
blinded with tears that he could not read,
but he repeated the psalm. The Lord is
my Shepherd, shall not want. We all then
knelt around the family altar, while he pour
ed out his soul in earnest childlike thanks
giving and prayer-,hanks that his wish had
been realized-prayer that all his might nc
| cept Christ, and that he might now be tax en-
home to his Fathers mansion.
! Evening is upon us, and for the last time,
we form single family circle. Could
paint the picture as see it, nothing could
be more beautiful to me. All here, father,
and children, all here. -
Such are some of the faint outlines of n
scene, which presents itself to the imaeina-
ton Of home sick child of New ENGLAND.
| But it can never be realized. The spirit
of the father has gone to Him who gave
The cottage is changed, and none but stranp-
ers enter there. The brothers and sisters
one listens to Atlantic music, one labors in
the South, one by the ssFather Of Waters. ),
one in the distant West, one by Lake Erie,
shore. OF the night, no two reside togeth-
er. Such is life! Is this, then all of man:
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