Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1860-06-01
IRAsBURGH, VERMONT FRIDAY. JUNE |, 1860.
er,) came to the house every night and
morning to do the chores

er, came to the house every night and
morning to do the chores
Tommy led the way to the back door,
and lifted the latch, without knocking.
furled my wet umbrella, and entered with
him. 1t was miserable-looking kitchen
so gloomy that the light of our lantern
seemed quite bright and cheerful in com
parison. But the most miserable-looking
and gloomy object discoverable was an
emaciated figure bent over the hearth,
with its elbows on its knees, and its face
buried in its hands.
Hes comep said Tommy.
'OF The figure looked up. Such a
haggard, despairing face How do you
do, sir?' in sepulchral voice.
1t is for me to ask you that question,
Mr.. Wilson,
1t is the first time probably, in years,
that he had been addressed as Mr.. Will
son. 1t was still longer period since
any one had spoken to him in tones of
sympathy and respect. took his hand.
My touch or the tone of my voice affec-
ted him strongly. He tried to speak
he gasped-he choked, and presently
was seized by a violent fit Of coughing.
Speaking soothingly, l stood over him,
and rubbed his forehead, until he had
recovered, then took a seat by his side,
holding his hand in mine.
The conversation that follwed | have
not room here to repeat. Tommy was
sent away. Wilson was unwilling that
even his wife should be present. How
much then l regretted having never Wis
tied the wretched man waiting
to be sent for
won his confidence, and an account
of his sufferings came faltering from hi;
lips. 1t was confession he had beer
dying to make to somebody. l took the
burden; b n commenced the tasE
of consolation nd of spiritual guid
ance. OF the past forbore to say
much but of the present of the infnit'
future before him, Of the soul that live
forever, of Christ the Saviour of sinners
uttered the words that were given M
to speak. l gave him out of the fulnes
} of my own heart, was with him in a
he had suffered, and my soul said, &
my brother?
He wept like child and | held hi
head upon my bosom. No matter wha
life may have been-what selfshnes'
degradation, insults, leave their bran
upon it there is not one utterly lost
kindness and sympathy. Open but th
heart, and light, hope, courage, will flo
c in. Love is the great healer and RI
0 storer.
e l visited Wilson daily for some week
Also good Deacon Brown came to Sc
a him, and forgave him, and blessed hir
!, A new life, trust, not of the body bI
t, of the soul, was infused into the poo
mans wilhered heart. Others Of b
a neighbors followed our example, bringir
e him gifts, with kind looks and word
which are better than any gifts. Al
!, soon the world began to say
is Poor Wilson! he has only done VIII
d so many do in little different way. b
n while they go unpunished for their d
n honesty, he has been punished for all.
Ah, but never an offender of Goo
Sc law goes unpunished That is not fin
re which is seen and he to whom retributi
re falls soon, is fortunate. To cling to a
sin is death, and blessed is the iron ht
10 of afiliction that tramples 1t out OF o
y, souls.
Wilson died and, strange as it M
a seem there were tears shed at his funer
re No one Knocked, no one spoke harshly
lis the dead, but | looked around on seriC
mt faces and moist eyes, and / said:
he Charity o charity! 1t is bett
ct, my friends, to lie there in that coh
ee than to stand in this place to-day, a
TX, think of our erring, repentant broth
lie without charity
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80 NJ, co,rDt rxfrNTs IN DRAWER