The Portland daily press., 1865-03-20
Monday Morning, March 20, 1866.
Never Despair, or the Story Of Pebble.

One might have thought the picture haC
been studied, so graceful was that OF the little
group on the portico OF the old EdgewooC
mansion; but it was scene of every day.
Reclining IN large arm chair of antique form
and richly cushioned, was an old gentleman
VINO may nave numbered his three score years
and ten. His attenuated form was wrapped
in an elegant gown OF ample proportions, and
his gray hairs were partially concealed by a
small velvetcap, while in his hand he held
one OF those strong, stout stats with which old
age is usually provided. The placid serenity
OF his look betokened the Christian, one who
mad fought the battles of life, and for whom
nothing remained but to pass through the
Dark River" and to enter into his Fathers
house prepared for those who love Him. On
low ottoman at his feet was seated beauti-
ful girl OF perhaps seventeen years, with her
lap full of fragrant flowers, which she was
weaving into a garland, while on either side of
him stood two fine boys, somewhat younger
than their sister, who were looking wistfulIy
up into the old mans face, as though expect
ing some pleasure not yet bestowed.
Grandpa" said one OF them, Eve are wait
ing for story tonight, and will you tell us
true one?" iM'
Certainly, Children was the reply, "both
of your wishes shall be gratified, but the story
l shall relate to night is tinged with sad.
ness" kelI 4I9a
Grandpa" intimated the youngest of the
listeners, Il don't like sad stories tell us some
thing that is merry, one that will make US
laugh" ras14s r-s-s
"No, Charles,p spoke the old man, SLOWLY. 1
cannot please you in that respect, for it is well
to know even in early life that this world is
not all sunshine, and, as your sister here some
times sings, Some days will be dark and
dreary;' and aside from this, wish to show
you that, from the most humble beginning,
men have carved out path for themselves to
success and tame, and, above all, that what
ever the condition in life, NEVER DESPAIR
SO now give me your earnest attention while
Iproceed:
In the kingdom of Bavaria, seated in
plain by the river Iser, is the large and splen-
did city of Munich. Many of the edifices are
very costly, and it contains, besides numerous
other objects of interest, valuable library of
400, 900 volumes, and gallery of paintings
ranked among the finest in Europe Here, in
this large and beautiful city, dwelt, some six
ty or seventy years ago, young man, an ac-
tor, who In one OF his performances SO utterly
and completely failed, that the enraged and
disappointed manager peremtorily dismissed
and turned him away to earn his living else
where. Sad, unutterably sad and heavy was
the young mans heart, as he went forth for
the last time from the theatre; and, well, dear
children, might he be SO, for in dreary lane
towards which he row bent his footsteps stood
one of those old, dilapidated buildings, the
abode OF misery, poverty and want within
whose walls, away up In wretched garret,
was all that his heart held most DEAR
There lay the corpse of his father; there
widowed mother looked up to him as her only
stay and support; there waited for his coming
group of little brothers and sisters, depend
ent on him for their daily bread-oh how
bowed down was the heart of this poor youth
With the few crowns he had left in his pocket
he bought bread lor the hungry family, and a
plain coffin for the departed. That night saw
him watcher by the side of his lost father
In the morning he followed his remains to
lonely grave, and then wandered off to assuage,
if possible, his grief
Stroling on the banks of a neighboring riv-
er, he thought, in his despair, of throwing him
self in but moments thought checked him,
and shuddering at the thought of the great
crime he had been tempted to commit-thst
ofsuicid2-he fell on his knees and asked for
giveness of his Heavenly Father. and prayed
long and earnestly. At last, overcome by
mental distress, and bodily fatigue, he lay
down on the grass and fell asleep, sleeping
long and heavily.
When he awoke with the morning sun, the
birds were singing merrily, as though return
ing thanks to their Creator in songs of praise; !;
the river still flowed peacefully on in its
course, the trees shook their leaves in gen
tie summer breeze, and all nature looked beau
tiful. Thanking God thatEshe was still alive,
he rose to return to the city. But a small
white Gladstone pebble caught his eye, and
on it was an exquisite tracing or outline of
some little creature. Here was a subject of
thought and study, He examined it long and
attentively, and finally took it home with him.
He experimental, and at length, saw the pos
sibility of obtaining impressions from the
stone. Continuing his experiments, he sue
ceeded SO well, from the litslewhite pebble f.
nally arose the art of LTTHoGRAPHY"
''What was his name, grandfather ." said
both of the boys in a breath.
"His name, children, was Aloise Senefelder
And" continued the old gentleman, "remem-
Der this, that God always helps those that help
themselves, that He never forsakes those who
are good and true, and that he heareth even
the young ravens when they cry. Moreover,
remember, too, that come what may, we must
never give up in life's battle, but press en-
ward to the end, always keeping in mind the
words-NeDer despair.
"Now children, as the dew is falling, we will
go into the house, and Mary shall sing to ms
some Of her sweet songs, and tt us passing the
evening pleasantly, none of as can say 'perdidi
dienl,' for no day is lost wherein we have
iuparted pleasure or received Instruction."