Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1863-04-29
The Veteran Soldier and his Guide

The veteran oOlulSr anu H4S SNiN4O
The old soldier advanced slowly, his
hand leaning on the shoulder OF young
man. His ewes were closed forever; in
the place of his right arm hung an empty
sleeve, and he walked with wooden leg,
the sound of which on the pavement,
made those who passed turn to LOOK at
him.
At the sight of this ancient wreck from
our patriotic wars many shook their heads
in pity, while others breathed n sigh or
an imprecation.
''See the the worth of glory :" said a
portly merchant turning away his eyes.
what deplorable use of human life"
reioined young man, with a volume of
philosophy under his arm.
THE trooper had better not have left
his plow," added countryman with a
knowing air.
Poor old man" murmured a woman.
almost crying.
The veteran heard and knit his brow.
His gIide hardly answered the old mans
questions. and he seemed seeking the
solution of some problem. There was a
twitching in the grey mustaches OF the
veteran he stopped abruptly and held
back his guide with his remaining hand
..They all pity me, 'hesaid, because they
do not understand it if were to an
swer them-I would say first to the wom-
an who weeps when.she looks at me :
keep your tears for other misfortunes :
for each of my wounds calls to mind some
struggle for my country. There IS room
for doubling how some men have done
their duty; with me it is visible. L carry
the account of my service, written with
the enemy's steel and lead on myself
To pity me for having done my duty, is
10 suppose that had better been false TO
it."
'And what would you say to the coun-
tryman, father?"
Il would tell him that to drive the
plow in peace, we must first secure the
country itself; and that as long as there
are foreigners ready to eat our harvest,
there must be arms to defend it."
"But the young student, too shook his
head. when he lamented such use OF
life."
because he does not know what self
sacrifice and suffering can teach. The
books ,ekich he studied lrs hare Pat IN
practice, though zee haze Nerer read them. The
principle he..apPIauds lge hare defended 'oith
poarder and JayOnet."
.'And at the price of your limbs and
blood, the merchant said, when he saw
your maimedI body, See the worth of
glory"
''Do not believe him, my son; TRUE
GLORY IS THE BREAD OF THE SOUL; 1t Is this
which nourishes self sacrifice, patience
and courage. The Master has bestowed
it as a tie, the more between man. True
glory can never be too dearly paid for :
That which he should deplOre is not the
infirmities which our vices or imprudence
have called forth. If l could speak to
those who cast looks of pity upon me, |
should say to the young man whose ex-
cesses have dimmed his sight before he
is old, what have you done with your
eyes?' To the slothful man, who with
difficulty drags along his enervated mass
of flesh, what have you done with your
feet? ?" To the old man, who is punished
for his intemperanee by the gout, what
have your hands ? To all, what have
you done with the days God granted you
with the faculties you should have en-
ployed for the good of brethen p"
If you cannot answer, bestow no more
of your pity upon the soldier manned in
his country's cause; for he at least can
show his scars without shame!- American
Presbyterian.