Bellows Falls times. [volume] (Bellows Falls, Vt.) 1856-1965, 1859-01-07
Bread upon the Waters.

/ w mere, now, Is ail TIE urtdu yOu SdSl vi
on the waters y
The old white-haired man looked up al
his wife, He was, indeed, bent down with
years, and age sat trembling upon him
Jacob Manfred had been comparatively
wealthy man, and while fortune had smiled
upon him he had ever been among the first
TO lend listening ear and a helping hand
to the call of distress; but now misfortune
was bis. OF his four boys, not one was
left. Sickness and failing strength found
him with but little, and they left him pen
niless. Various misiortunes came in pain
full succession. Jacob and his wife were
alone. and gaunt poverty looked them cold
ly in the face.
Don't repine, Susan" said the old man.
"True, we are poor, but we are not yet for
saken."
"Not forsaken, Jacob? Who is there to
help us now.
Jacob Manfred raised his trembling fin-
ger towards Heaven.
"Ah, jacob know God is our friend;
but we should have friends here. Look
back and see how many you have befriend-
ed in days long past. You cast your bread
upon the waters with free hand, but it has
not yet returned 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 ex-
pect il as a reward foranything ! may have
done. If have helped the unfortunate in
days gone by, / have had my full reward
in knowing that have done my duty to my
fellows. OH of all the kind deeds have
done for my suffering fellows would not
for gold have one of them botted from my
memory. All my fond wife, it is the
memory of the good done in life that makes
old age happy Even now, can hear
again the warm thanks of those whom !
have belrieaded, and again I see their
smiles r
Yes, Jacob," returned the wife, in a low
er tone. Il know you have been good, and
in Eyonr memory yo.r can be happy but,
alas! there is present upon which we
must Iook-there is reality upon which
we must dwell. We must beg for food. or
starve 7,
The old man started and deep mark Of
pain was drawn across his features.
Beg !" he replied, with a qnick shud-
der. mo, Susan--we are"
ave are what Jacob T
@We are going to the poor-housef r
@Oh, God Tthougid soln fell from the
poor wifes lips, as she covered her face
witil her hands. II have thought so, and
have tried to school myself to the thought !;
bat my poor heart will never bear it r
do not give up, Susan" softly urged the
old man, laying his baud upon her arm.
fIt makes but little difference TO us nov.
We have not long to r,.main on earth, and
let MS not wear out our last days in useless
repinings. Come, come"
But when-when shall we go?'
"Now--fo-day."
"Then God have mercy upon u.s.
'sIIe will" murmured Jacob.
That old couple sat for while in silence
When they were aroused from their painful
thoughts. il was by the stopping OF a light
cart in front of the door A man entered
the room where they sat. He was the por-
ter Of the poor-house.
"Come MIR. Manfred" he said, the guar
dams have managed to crowd you into the
poor house. The cart is at the door, and
you can get really as soon as possible"
Jacob Manfred had not calculated the
strength he should need for this ordeal
There was coldness in the very tone and
manner Of the man who had come for him
that went like an ice-bolt to his heart, and
with deep groan he sank back in his seat
Come be in a hurry impatiently
urged the porter.
AT that moment carriage drove up to
the door.
''Is this the house Of jacob Manfred ?"
This question was asked BY man who
entered from the carriage. He was a
THAT is my name, said Jacob.
''Then they told me truly,' uttered the
new conner. ''Are you from the work
bouse?" he continued, turning towards the
porter.
lies"
"And are you after these people ?"
"Yes."
.'Then you may return. Jacob Manfred
goes to no poor-house while live"
The porter gazcd inquisitively into the
features of the man who addressed him,
and then lefl the house.
Don't you remember me?" exclaimed
the stranger, grasping the old man by the
hand
Il cannot recall you to my memory now"
sDo YOU remember Lucius Williams 2"
"WiiliamsP repeated Jac,b, starting up
from his chair, and gazing earnestly into
the face of the man before him.
"Yes JAG ID Manfred-Lucius Williams.
That little boy whom. thirty years ago, yon
saved from the house of correction; that
poor boy whom you kindly TO k from the
bonds of the law, and placed on hoard one
Of your own vessels.
"And are yeti
Yes-yes-I am the man you made.
You found me rough sloae from the hands
of poverty and bad example. Ii was yon
who brushed off The evil. and who first led
me to to the sweet waters o. moral life and
happiness. ! have pro6ted by the lessons