The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1864-07-29
JULY 20, 1864.
How severe these trials for young and gen

tie nature! Escaped from his prosecutors, inc
faithful youth opened his Bible and read that
unequalled and most beautiful of oil lessons
taught by the Great Teacher to His disciples on
the mountain.
His veteran friend approached. "Readin'
your Bible agin," he said. How much you
read itp
'Tpromised my mother to read II every day."
"Didyouf Well, keep your promise. Iwish
I'd promised my mother the same when left
her. never should ha' been what am now,
II I had. But what was you rcadin' when I
Gamer" -.r..
Charles read aloud: "Love your enemies,
bless them that curse you, do good to them that
hate you, and pray for them that despitefally
use you and pcrsccuto you" ~; 7'
The old soldier interrupted: "Thats clear be-
yond me. hain't got the FIRST notion o::such
practice. A blow fora blows been my way,
and the heaviest last.'
..But lie who was better and wiser than oil
mon taught this" answered Charles. a'-
"well, we'll, II may be right; but l never
learnt that way" and the old soldier departed.
He came again. "Is there anything In that
little book O. yourn for rough old fellow like
mc-anything that would suit met"
Charles thought moment. and then read
from Paul's letter to the Christian soldier OF
Ephesus. "Be strong in the power OF His
might. Put on the whole armor OF God.
Stand, therefore, having your loins girt about
with truth, and having on the breastplate OF
Righteousness" -as tat st Erg'
"Thats not for me" said the old soldier. ~
haint got no such armor; no such breastplate.
Aint there nothin'.for me iu that booki Find
somethin' thatll do for tho worst old fellow in
the army, though suppose there's worse than
me; but I'm bad enough"
Charles repeated, Though your sins DO as
scarlet, they shall bc white as snow; though
they be red like crimson, they shall be rs WOOL
and then read the story Of the publican and
his humble prayer, "God be mcrciful to me
sinncr!" t...e.... -..
"Thats good. That suits me exactly" ex-
claimed the old soldier. "Then that prayer'll
do, won't II! can pray that easy, right easy"
"God be merciful to me sinner" he repeat
ell dcyoutly. am o sinner. / know that well
enough. God be mcrciful to me sinner!
That's my prayer. Tn learning to pray, boy.
You've learnt me the lesson" DID
It was not long before Charles was summoned
to the hospital. His old friend had fallen on
picket duty, and was dying. ~ La /.
"S,ay by me-" he said to Charles '"Don''
leave me while I live. . 49, =. -. 49,.
Charles held his chilled hand and gently
smoo,hcd his pallid brow. The dying soldier
pressed the hand that held his own as IL 1t had
been that of wife or mother, then family asked,
"wherc's the little BibleT -,..
Charles drew 1t forth. .F..f
"Read my prayer"
He read, "And the publican, standing afar
of, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto
heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying,
God be mcrciful unto me sinner!' tell you
this man went down to his house justified rath-
er than the other.'
The dying man repeated, "God be merciful
to me sinner! What's that word after-jus-
tifcd," ''
= "'Justiaed.' Jesus Christ, the Savior OF sim
ncrs, Himself says It." t w..
"God be mercilul to me sinner ~ whis.
pered the dying man again and again, lower
and still lower. until his breath had ceased
Charles bent to hear another word, but the
voice was still forever. His tears fell on the
furrowed brow rs he kissed It tcnderly, and on
the rough, strong hands rs ho laid them upon
the big, manly breast. where once had beat
such great throbs Of passion, joy and sorrow,
love and hate. ambition, hope, despair oil
ended with that simple trust that He who died
for us will save US when VIC cry. Sg
The Bible lay opened at the blessed words
that had given hope to the departed soul. AS
Charles closed It and laid it, newly hallowed, in
his breast, ho blessed his mother anew for the
promise that had made this Book Of books his
daily guide and friend, and had opened its i'm.
mortal ight and life to the eyes just closed In
death. siu,fig r1d ra vrl ib-
II sad and trying beyond most hours of NOR
tai trial be that when mother and son part on
the eve Of battle life, 50 glad and joyous be-
yond most hours Of human JOY is that when
they meet when wars hardships have been
borne, and its dangers past. FL
Leave the mother and son together now or
II yc ga1e and listen. do 80 silently, for 1t Is
their hour, an hour purchased by anguish and
fear, by ycarning and prayer. Along embrace
"a welcome of tears without word spoken.
Then, "God bless you. my SON." sobs the
mother. -.1 ,.,stg..,- q. i,s... n
She holds his hands rs when they parted.
That parting is before her now.
''You kept your promise. Charles!"
"By Gods grace, Ibid, mother. And bless
you that made It." &c.,
'"Blcss you that you have kept 1t, my son
And praised DO the Lord forever that sou both
made aud kept it, JYaiehman and Re,lee-
tor. -,.,..., ,s,
TnAcKERAr AND MAcxAr.--Tho London cor
respondent OF the Tribune gives tho following
account Of the way DIR. Mackay came to boap-
pointed American correspondent OF the London
Times:
"Aprcpos Of Macksy, I have little personal
testimony to offer. Iwas at the Reform Club
fcw nights ago, and heard m explanation Of
his appointment as Times correspondent In
America. A gentleman Of high literary posi-
ton Informed our party. that, in.is8l. Dclsne
asked Thackcray's opinion S to whom he should
send to America to replace Russell, who had