Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1858-12-01

Papa, what is it that gives you such a
happy air to-day p demanded a fair Young
glrl, passing her little white hand in the thick
brown hair of her father.
Does that mean that | have not always a
happy air, my little Lima ?"
NO, but to-day / saw you smile With
your eyes almost shut" and the radiant face
OF the child seemed a reflection of that of her
Iather. " think that something very agree
aole has happened to you to-day. What is
Dost thou desire very much to know
what renders thy father happy z Behold my
Bible, opened at the twentieth chapter of the
fifth verse"
The child opened reverently the holy book,
and after again having consulted her father
with regard to it, she read, Remember the
words of the Lord Jesus, how he said. it is
more blessed to give than to receive"
An! l comprehend" said the child, lay
ing her red cheek on the hand of her father,
you have given aims to some poor mendi-
cant, as you did last week, and he said to
you, God bless you !" and it is this that rem
ders you happy"
The father replied not, but he repeated to
himself, in a low voice with a penetrating
tone" 1t IS more blessed to give than to re-
ceive."
With the rapidity of the wind, the young
glrl regalned her dwelling, and at the knees
OF her mother, painting, such was be-. impa-
uence to know all, she opened the letter. o
marvellous! 1t contained bank-note that the
enid held up with the end ofher fingers, and
showed to her mother, without SAYING q
word, and without even thinking TO assure
herself what was its value.
9Two hundred ord Hft.- -.
finally. What does that say ? Read the
letter mamma, read the letter."
1t is a receipt in full" responded the wild
! ow, melting into tears. 90, my child, the
: debt OF your father exists no more! Excel
: lent man, generous man! My God, pour on
MIN the treasures of grace and blessing!-
! From the bottom Of a heart always moved
! with gratitude, while breathe Will ask of
? my celestial Father to bless him and his fam
! ny. Lordl may they be one day amongthe mum
!, Der OF those thai shall be received into the
eternal tabernacits. But as for us, what shall
we say to him how shall we testify to hin,
q our gratitude 2"
r Mamma" said Eva, smiling through her
: tears OF JOY, 81 have felt that he was ar
anger OF goodness. they do wrong who
say that all the rich have a hard heart. Nam
ma, is it possible that we can be so rich anc
i ~ hlo!e ueote weighing on the memory o
= my father Let US love and v~enerate thi
benefactor! ~
u HE has drawn two hearts to him forever,
/" murmured the poor widow, wiping her ewes
My dream is accomplished,
! snail have coal, a good fire, some tea, sugar
carpet, a little luxury for you, and, with time
books for me-"
y The evening of that day, a good fire shin
y ing on the hearth, gave to that little chambe
- an air of frugal comfort. Eva, seated nea
=, =, the live coal that illuninedh her pure forehead
~ ~ meditated a touching letter of thanks for tn
~ excellent nj. Miner. The face of the widow
y saddened no more by the weight of her in
y :, quletude, was illumined by a placid smile, an,
i each thought Of her heart was a prayer fo
10 the rich man.