The Portage County Democrat. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1854-1868, 1863-05-20

US to walk in our own strength, that We may
know how weak we are, and feel the corrup-
ton of our hearts; but He is touched with a
feeling Of our infirmities therefore let us seek
earnestly for His presence, and for grace to
| help US in time of need.''
T William burst into tears. His poverty and
his wrongs were all forgotten, in the memory
of his sinful anger and murmurings. The
| spirit of other days was returning-the Divine
was triumphing over the human and they
bowed down before God with the loving con-
dence of little children, casting all their cares
on His mighty arm, and committing the flu
ture to His wise direction. That humble
cottage was a holy place. sanctified by the
| presence Of the King of kings; and they rose
up, with peace and resignation in their hearts.
A storm was evidently coming on. Already
the snow began to fall, but there was not
wood enough at the door to last two days, and
William must go to his neighbor and get per-
mission to cut. few trees, or at least to pick
up the limbs which were lying about He
buttoned up his coat and went out lie could
not forget the home of other days, and the
shed full of wood all dry and ready for the
fire, which he had been forced to leave; but
he brushed away tear that dimmed his sight
and pressed on through the storm, which ev-
cry minute increased in violence Already
maiden's bridal robes-lay over the rough and
frozen bosom of the earth, twisted here and
there "by the breezy fingers of the wind,
into graceful knots and wreaths. He stepped
on something which moved beneath his foot
and looking down, he saw large pocket-book
half covered with the snow. A sudden flash
of Joy darted through his heart. Selling it,
he turned his face from the wind to examine
the contents. There was roll of bank blls
and he carefully unrolled and counted them
-tens-twenties- -ffties-in all five hun
dred
His first impulse was, to secure the money
and throw the pocket-book away. He saw
nothing clearly but the money before him
he thought of nothing but the blessings that
it would bring to his poor family. Was it
not his own? he had found it-had not Heav-
en- sent it in mercy as a relief to his wants?-
an answer to his prayers? How much good
this money would do Bread and shelter for
his wife-his patient, uncomplaining wife
and for his little ones, whose cheeks were
growing pale with want. Thus he reasoned,
but conscience whispered beware suffer not
the love of gold to make plague spot on
thy heart This money is not thine, and
Satan may have permitted it as a snare to thy
soul--God may have permitted it as trial of
thy faith''
But, perhaps, he thought, cannot find the
owner, then it will be mine-honestly mine;
and with the hope that it might contain no
evidence of owners hip, he commenced exam
lining the pocket book again. Mortal, con-
denim him not too harshly for this wish:-sit
not in hasty Judgment on the heart of thy
erring brother Thus tempted, perhaps thy
own had been no better But the eXamina-
ton left no room for doubt There was the
Al,
rich merchant with whom in days past VIII
liam had been acquainted. What a death
blow was this to his wild hopes -. The vision
of home comforts which had blessed him for
moment, as if in mockery, was snatched
away and he saw again, the miserable hut,
the pale wife, hungry children. Dashing the
pocket book to the ground, he stood for mo-
ment gazing on it.
"Tempter! deceiver!'' he exclaimed
'why am 1 thus Knocked and tantalized?''
And then, as if sudden thought had struck
him, he picked it up, and stepped into thick
ct, which afforded partial shelter from the
storm, and seated himself on fallen tree
The elements were in commotion, but there
was a fiercer conflict in his bosom. The love
of gold, not for its own sake, but for the sake
of the good which it might bring to him and
his, was contending with long established
principles of justice and rectitude.
This man is rich,'' the tempter whispered,
g he will never miss this sum, nor know the
want of ii; and oh the good which it would
do thy shivering wife and babes Is it not
Godsend, and wilt thou put away the protfer-
ed cup of blessings?''
cit is not thine! it is not thine !'' said
conscience. Stain not thy hands with dis
honest gains. Bring not upon thy soul the
curse of an offended God Better that thy
children perish before thy eyes, than that their
father be a robber''
He sat there for more than an hour, the
rushing wind and falling snow all unheeded,
but when he rose up, the conflict was past,
and the expression of his face, though sad,
was peaceful and resigned.
Remembering the purpose for which he had
started, he turned his face towards his neigh
boris house, where he obtained a small load
of wood, and team to haul it home.
That night, after the children were in bed,
| William produced the pocket-book, unrolled
the bank bills before his asttnished wife, and
told her how he found it, half hid beneath
the snow.
What shall you do with it?" she said.
Z" What shall do with it?' was the reply.
Return it to the owner. We can bear toll
and poverty, but not the reproaches of gull
ty conscience"
81 knew it would be thus When that
dark temptation was on me, and the evil in
my heart seemed ready to triumph, l knew
that you would not fail to see clearly, and to
approve the right.''
g But, William, how will you getit to him
You have no horse, you have no money, and
it will not do to risk it in letter.
=" have thought of that,' said William.
rising and going to the window. 'The storm
is over, and tomorrow l must go on foot and
carry this money to Mr.. Carlton. 1t is buJ
fifteen miles; 1 will start early, and perhaps
he will give me enough to pay my passage
back in the stage.''
The next morning the Carriers were STIR
ring early, and long before sunrise William
was on his way. 1t was hard walking through
the new fallen snow, and the wind was cold
and piercing; but he pressed resolutely on
and before noon. reached the house of Mr.
Carlton. He assembled the marble steps, and
rang the bell. A servant appeared, and il
:, answer to. his inquiry if Mr. Carlton was al
home, informed him that the gentleman was
out, and that he would not be back till din
? ner, which would be at two
William cast glance at his threadbare anc
] rusty garments He did not wish to enter tha
! house where the splendor and luxury woulc
form striking contrast to his own comfort
= less home, but he was cold and weary, anc
f would be glad of a seat anywhere by fire
: SO he said to the servant, al have importan
g business with Mr.. Carl: on and if you please
,ff l will come in and wait till he returns"
r, The man eyed him from head to foot, anc
n with slight sneer on his face, which William
: did not fail to mark, conducted him into tn
If kitchen. Preparations for dinner had alread,
q commenced There was hakinG hoiliDo an,