Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1861-04-24

symptoms were explained in a few words,
when the widow, with deep sigh, added,
sOh, my sickness has deeper cause, and one
which is beyond the art OF the physician to
cure. | am mother-a wretched mother.
see my children sinking daily deeper and
deeper in want, which [ have no means of re-
lieving. My sickness is of the heart, and
death alone can end my sorrows; but even
death is dreadful TO me, for it awakens the
thought Of the misery into which my children
would be plunged, it, Here emotion check
ed her utterance, and the tears flowed unre-
strained down her cheeks. But the pretended
physician spoke so consolingiy to her and
manifested SO warm sympathy for her con-
dition, tLat the heart of the poor woman throb-
bed with pleasure that was unwonted.
s'Do not despair" said the stranger, ssthink
only of recovering and of preserving life
that is so precious to your children. Can l
write prescription here3''
The poor widow took little prayer book
from the hands of the child who sat on the bed
with her, and tearing out blank leaf, 81 have
no other" said she, ssbut perhaps this will do
The stranger took pencil from his pocket
and wrote few lines upon the paper.
ssThis prescription said he, ssyou will find
of great service to you. II it is necessary
will write you second. l have great hopes
of your recovery
He laid the paper on the table and departed.
turned.
ssCheer up, dear mother" said he going to
her bedside and atfectionatey kissing her.
'sSee what kind benevolent stranger has Civ
en- us. 1t will make us rich for several days.
1t has enabled us to have physician, and he
will be here in moment. Compose yodrself
now, dear mother, and take courage.''
ssCome nearer, my son. apswerc! the
mother, looking with pride and affection on
her child. :sCome nearer that | may bless
you. God never torsakes the innocent and the
good. 0, may He watch over you in Ill your
paths A ply sician has just been here. He
was a stranger, but he spoke TO me with COM
passion and kindness that were balm to my
heart. When he went away he left that pre-
scription on the table, ifyou read il.
Henry glanced at the paper and started back
he took it mp, and as he read it through "a
gain and again, a cry of wonderful astonsh-
ment escaped him.
ssWhat is it, my son 2'' exclaimed the wild
ow, trembling with an apprehension of she
knew not what.
ssAh, read, dear mother! God has heard u.s.
The mother took the paper from the hands
of her son, but no sooner had she fixed her
eyes upon it than, ssMy God 20 she exclaimed,
ssit is WASHINGTON" and fell back fainting
upon her pillow.
The writing was an obligation-for it was
indeed he-by which the widow was to receive
private property, to be doubled if necessary.
Meanwhile the expected physician made his
appearance, and soon awoke the mother from
her fainting fit. The joyful surprise, togeth-
er with good nurse, with which the physi-
clan provided her, and plenty of wholesome
food, soon restored her to perfect health.
The influence of Washington, who visited
them more than once, provided for the widow
friends who furnished her with constant en-
ployment, and her sors when they arrived at
the proper age, were placed in respectable
situations, where they were able to support,
and render the remainder of their mothers
life comfortable and happy.
Let the children who read this story, re-
member, when they think of the great and
good Washington, that he was not above en-
tering the dwelling of poverty, and carrying
Joy and gladneSs to the hearts of its inmates.
This is no fictitious tale but only one of a ihou-
sand incidents which might be related of him,
and which stamp him one of the best Of men.