The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1858-03-19
Bread spon the Waters.
A SKETCH FROM LIFE.

.
All, Jacob, now you sec how al your
hopes are gone Here we are, worn out
by age-all our children removed from us
by the hand Of death, and ere long we
must be inmates Of the poor house.
Where now, is all the bread you have cast
upon the waters ?"
The old, white haired man looked up at
his wife. lie was indeed bowed down
with years, and age sat trcmblingly upon
him. Jacob Manfred had been compar-
atiycly wealthy man, and while fortune
smiled upon him he had ever been among
the first to lend listening ear and help
ing hand to the call of distress but now
misfortune was his. OF his four boys not
one was left. Various misfortunes came
in painful succession. Jacob and his wife
were alone, and gaunt poverty looked them
coldly in the face.
Don't rcpine, Susan," said the old
man True, we are poor, but we are not
yet forsaken.'
Not forsaken Jacob Who is there
to help Us now Z"
Jacob Manfred raised his trembling fin
gers towards Leavcn.
&" All, Jacob. know God is our friend;
but we should have friends here. Look
back and see how many you have befrien-
9ed in days gone past. You cast yctr
bread upon the waters with free hand,
but il has not yet returned to you.
Hush, Susan, you forget what you say.
To be sure, | may have hoped that some
kind hand on earth would lift me from
tfIe -coi,i ID r,.s ..sez-zFs.Iai hut do
not expect il as reward for any thing |
have done. r have helped the unfortu-
nate in days gone by have had my full
reward in knowing that have done my
duty to my fellows O, of all the kind
deeds tha. | have done for my suffering
fellows, would not for gold have one O
them blotted from my memory. All my
fond wife, it is the memory of the good
done in life that makes old ago happy
Even now can hear again the warm and
heartfelt thanks Of those whom ] have be
friended, and again | see their smiles. d"
"Ycs. Jacob, l know you have beer
Good, and in your memory you can b'
hapnv. But alas there is reality upol
which we must dwell-,ec must beg 70
J6od or stare
The old man started, with deep mari
Of pain upon his features
Beg" he replied with quick sEud
der. &" No, Susan we are
lie hcsitatcd, and big tear rolled dow
his furrowcd cheek
" We are what, Jacob :"
" Going to hc poor house
90, God, | thought SO" fell from tn
poor wifc's lips, as she covered her fac
with her hands. q have thought SO, an
I have tried to school myself to the tho't
, but my poor heart will not bear it"
." Do not give UP, Susan" softly urge
, the old man, laying his hand upon he
t arm. "lt makes but little difference
j. u. now. We have not long to remain o
earth and let Us not wear out our lai
n days in useless rcpin;ngs Come, come.
[ {" But when shall we go p
/ +" Now-to-day.'
"Thcn God have mercy on Us.
/ "Io Till," said Jacob.
d The old couple sat 1Or WHllc ~ sllcIC
|, When they were aroused from their pai
/ full thoughts, it was by the stopping OF
= LIGHT cart in front of the door. a mi
r entered the room where they sat. /
was the porter of the poor house.
is "Comc, Mr.. Manfred" he sad, &
IS guardians have managed to crowd you !
a to the poor house. The cart is ut {
ID door, and you can get ready as soon
&c possible"
Jacob Manfred had not calculated {
re strength he should need for this ordeal
There was GOODNESS in the very tone al
ed manner OF the man who had come for h
I'd that went like an ice bolt to his heart, a
ut with a deep groan he sank back into
as seat
as "Come-bc in hurry" impaticn
=, urged the porter.
RS, At that moment a carriage drove up
the door.
1 +" Is this the house Of Jacob Manfred
This question was asked by man V
w, entered from the carriage. lie was W
an kind looking man, about forty years
ell age
nat ''Thal is my name" said Jacob
:, "Thcn they toldme truly uttered
tty new conner Arc YOU from the We