Civilian & telegraph. [volume] (Cumberland, Md.) 1859-1875, 1863-08-13
ALL Is FOR THE BEST.
AN EASTERN STORY.

Rabbi Akibo, compelled by violent
persecution to quit his native land, wan =
dered over barren wastes and dreary de-
serts. His whole equipage consisted of
a lamp. which he used to light at night
in order to study the law; cock, which
served him instead of watch, to an
nounce tc him the rising dawn; and an
ass, on which he rode.
The sun was gradually sinking beneath
the horizon, night was fast approaching,
and the poor wanderer knew not where
to shelter his head, or where to rest his
weary limbs. Fatigued, almost exhaust
ed. he came at last near to a village
He was glad to find it inhabited, think
ing where human beings dwelt, there
dwelt also humanity and compassion;
but he was mistaken. He asked for
nights lodging; it was refused. Not
one of the inhospitable inhabitants would
accommodate him; he was therefore OBJ
liged to seek shelter in a neighboring
woods.
.'It is hard, very hard," said he, mot
to find hospitable roof to protect me
against the inclemcncy of the weather;
but God is just, and whatever he does
is for the best , .. .. mad
He seated himself beneath tree,
lighted his lamp, and began to read the
law. He had scarcely read chapter,
when violent storm extinguished his
light.
What's exclaimed he, must not be
permitted even to pursue my favor'tc
study? But God is just, aud whatever
He does is for the best. '.....
He stretched himself on the bare earth
willing, if possible. to have few hours
sleep. He had hardly closed his eyes,
when fierce wolf came and killed the
cock. srrfi ,I.sA3gL 900 p-., "#
o What new misfortune is this2' ejacu-
lated the astonished Akibo. My CON-
: panion is gone! Who, then, will hence.
forth awaken me to the study Of the lawi
But God is just; He knows best what is
good for US poor mortals.' ul 81.
Scarcely had he finished the sentence,
when terrible Lion came and devoured
the Ass. -r~ T '.
What is to be done now?' exclaimed
the lonely wanderer. My lamp and my
cock are gone; my poor ass too is gone,
all is gone! But, praised be the Lord
whatever He does is for the best
He passed slcepless night, and early
in the morning went to the village to sec
whether he could procure horse or any
beast Of burden to enable him pursue
his journey; but what was his surprise
not to find single person alive!
1t appears that band of robbers had
entered the village during the night,
murdered its inhabitants, and plundered
their houses. As soon as Akibo had
sufficiently recovered from the amaze
ment ih:o which this wonderful occur
renee had thrown him, he lifted up his
voics and exclaimed: .Ni -......
Thou Great God, tho God of Abra-
ham, Isaac and Jacob, now know by
experience, that poor mortal man is
short sighted and blind, often consider
ing as evils what is Intended for their
preservation. But Thou alone art jutt,
and kind, and merciful. Had not the
hard hearted people driven me. by their
inhospitality, from the village, should
have shared their fate. Had not the
wind extingulshcd my lamp, the robbers
would have been drawn to the spot, and
have murdered me. | perceive, also,
that it was Thy ercy which deprived
me of my two companions, that they
might not. by their noise, give notice to
the banditti, and tell them where was
taking my rest. Praised be Thy name
for ever and ever. ls...