The daily press. (Cincinnati [Ohio) 1859-1859, 1859-06-30
From the New York Ledger.
BREAD UPON THE WATERS.
A SKETCH PROM LIFE.

SKETCH FROM LIFE.
"Ah, Jacob, now you see how all your hopes
are gone. Here we are, worn out with age
all our children removed from us by the hand
Of death, and ere loug we must be the inmates
of the poor house. Where, now, is all the
bread you have cast upon the waters7'
The old, white. haired man looked up at his
wife. He was, indeed, bent down with years,
and age sat trembling upon him. Jacob Man
fred had been a comparatively wealthy man, d,
and while fortune had smiled upon him he had
ever been among the first TO lend listening
ear and helping hand to the call of distress.
But now misfortune was his. Of his four boys
not one was left. Sickness and failing strength
found him with but little, and they left him
penniless. An oppressive embargo upon the
shipping business had been the first weight
upon his head, and other misfortunes came in
painful succession. Jacob and his wife were
all alone, and gaunt poverty looked them
coldly in the face.
"Don't repine, Susan" said the old man.
"True, we are poor, but we are not yet forsa-
KEN"
"Not forsaken, Jacob? Who is there to
help us now?"
Jacob Manfred raised his trembling finger
towards heaven,
"Ah, Jacob, 1 know God is our friend; but
we should have friends here. Look back and
see how many you have hefriended in days
long past. You cast your bread upon the wa
ters with a free hand, but it has not yet re-
turned to you"
"Hush, Susan, you forget what you say. To
be sure may have hoped that some kind hand
of earth would lift me from the cold depths Of
utter want; but do not expect it as reward
for anything I may have done. If 1 have
helped the unfortunate in days gone by,
have had my full reward in knowing that
have done my duty to my fellows. 0, of all
the kind deeds 1 have done to my suffering
fellows, would not for gold have one Of them
blotted from my memory. All, my fond wife,
tits the memory of the good done in life that
makes old age happy. Even now, 1 can hear
again the warm thanks of those whom have
befriended, and again can see their smiles" I"
eyes, jacob" returned the wife in a lower
tone, ~ know you have been good, and in
your memory you can be happy but, alas !!
there ia a present upon which we must look
there is a reality upon which we must dwell.
We must beg for food, or starueP'
The old man started, and deep mark of
pain was drawn across his features.
"BegP' he replied, with a quick shudder.
"No, Susan-we arc"
He hesitated and big tear rolled down his
furrowed cheek.
awe are what, Jacob"
owe are going to the poor house!"
40, God! thought so" fell from the poor
wife's lips, as she covered her face with her
hands. have thought so, and have tried
to school myself to the thought; but my poor
heart will not bear it!'
"Do not give up, Susan" softly urged the
old man, laying his hand upon her arm. at
makes but little difference to US now. We have
not long 70 remain ON earth, and let us not
wear out our last days in useless repinings.
Come, come"
"But when-when-shall we go?"
"Now-to- day."
"Then, God have mercy on US 4"
"He WILL" murmured Jacob.
That old couple sat for awhile in silence
When they were aroused from their painful
thoughts, it was by the stopping Of a wagon in
front Of the door. A man entered the room
where they sat. He was the keeper Of the
poor. house. t.....
"Come, Mr.. Manfred" he said, 'the select.
men have managed to crowd you into the poor.
house. The wagon is at the door, and you car
get ready as soon as possible"
Jacob Manfred had not calculated the
strength he should need for this ordeal. There
was a GOODNESS in the very tone and manner o.
the man who had come for him that went like
an ice bolt to his heart, and with a deep groaI
he sank back in his seat.
"COme-be in q hurry" impatiently urged
the keeper.
At that moment heavy covered carryal
drove up to the door.
ais this the house of Jacob Manfred ?"
This question was asked by man who en-
tered from the carryall. He was kind,lo
ing man, about forty years of age.
"That is my name" said Jacob.
"Then they told mo truly" uttered the new
conner. "Are you from the aims house?" ht
continued, turning toward the keeper.
"Yes."
"And are you after these people?"
"Yes." -
"Then you may return. Jacob Manfred