Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-04-09

marked the steps of Frank Raymond, the "poor
carpenter" Florence had married him because
she thought he was worthy of her love, and in
every way he had proved SO. Happily they
walked through life together, blessed with the
approving smile Of their Heavenly Father !;
worldly honor they have not; but their riches
are in the Paradise Of God, and in the realms Of
glory they will enjoy the treasure that is laid up
for them.
There is another scene in a stately city man-
sion.1 The shades of night had gathered oyef
the city, and darkness rode upon the face of M
ture. In chamber where every luxury WIS
lavished, Annie Linden watched alone besids
the couch of dying child. In the worn-ont,
paid facesand dropping form, it would be hard
to recognize the light. hearted, happy Annie
Weston. She had drank deep of sorrows over
flowing cup, and remembered often, with heart
anguish, the words of Florence, all Of which had
proved true.
She had every luxury which boundless wealth
could lavish upon her, but that was not all: she
had no companion-no friend in the husband
she had chosen day after day, night after night,
she was alone and sad, while he was amid scenes
of debauchery and revelry All her comfort
was her little girl, she was the idol of her heart,
and now in new home, among total strangers,
the little girl was dying, and Annie went all
alone.
1t was in this dark hour that her thoughts
went back to Florence, the friend of her early
years, whom she had not seen for long time,
and her heart yearned for her loving sympathy,
for she had not learned to look from earth for
comfort in her many afaictions-she never sought
the mercy seat to try the efficiency of humble
lprayer. What was wealth to Annie now9 All
that she possessed she would have given for the
| humblest abode on earth if she could have had
one hour of pure happiness. Among the gay
Icircles of her acquaintances, she was looked
upon with envious eyes, for they did not know
that hidden beneath her gay life was a hear
breaking daily, hourly.
The morning sun dawned, and its radiant
beams streamed into that lofty chamber, but il
brought no ray of brightness there. The tiny
hands Of the little girl were folded across bel
sinless breast; her spirit was at peace with its
God, and the sorrow-stricken mother, with ne
source of comfort, bowed beneath the heavy
stroke. She was kneeing, thus resisting all The
lefforts of those around to rouse her from bel
left her, when hand was gently laid upon he
head, and soft voice said, ''Annie!"
A horde of early memories rushed up to her
and her heart seemed to have found its Ark o
Refuge when she was clasped in Florence Rsy
mond's arms. It was then that Florence turned
the thought Of her early friend away from earth
In that dark hour she taught her to breathe
prayer of faith.
Oh, what is wealth, that so many should valu'
it as they do the riches of this world are
II -ssall feeting show
For mans delusion given.''
Can they bring peace to the heart which i
torn with anguish Can they compensate fo
the many losses, the many trials we encounte
here in this vale of tears2 Oh, no, whel
weighed in the balance, what is wealth that W,
|should desire heartily riches that we shoult
i long 80 earnestly after them9
, It is not much this earth can give,
With all its subtle art,
And gold and gems are not the things
To satisfy the heart.
!, But oh, if those who cluster round
The altar and the hearth,
J. Have gentle words and loving smiles,
How beautiful is earth.
How true that is Many covet wealth, ant
in spite of all obstacles, obtain that which the,
desire; but it is not sufficient, and in after years
like Annie Weston, with breaking hearts, the,
will pine for love and sympathy in the midst Q
all the splendor which their wealth has gvel
them. Better far, like Florence, choose a nobl
heart, and dwell contented in an humble home