Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1866-04-03
STANTON, VA. TUESDAY, 3

L
thought you looked like stranger, sir, and
something gave me courage to speak to you
Oh sir, do pity my mother.
The tears and the simple moving language of
the poor boy touched chord in the breast of
the stranger that was accustomed to frequent
vibrations.
'.Where does your mother live, my boy?''
said he in a husky voice, 'is it far from here ?"
She lives in the last house on this street,
slr, said Henry ''You can see it from here
in the third block, on the left hand side
Have you sent for physician?"
NO sir, said the boy sorrowfully shaking
his head, ''I had no money to pay either for a
physician OF medicine"
Here, said the stranger drawing some
pieces OF silver t ON his pocket, here are three
dollars, take them and run Immediately for
physician.
Henry eyes flashed with gratitude; he re-.
coaved the money with a stamneT-ing and al
most inaudibe voice, but with a look of the
warlnest gratitude he vanished.
The benevolent stranger instantly sought the
dwelling of the sick widow. He entered alitte
room III which he could see nothing but few
implements OF female abor-a miserable table,
an old bureau, and little cot which stood in
one corner on which the invalid lay. She APP
peared weak and almost exhausted, and ON the
bed at her feet sat little boy crying as If his
heart would break.
Deeply moved at this sight, the stranger drew
near the bedside Of the invalid and feigning to
be physician, inquired into the nature of her
disease. 1he symptoms were explained In
few words, when the widow with deep sigh
added. 'Oh, my sickness has deeper cause,
and one which is beyond the physician art to
cure. L am mother-a wretched. [ see my
children sinking deeper in want, which have
M plo oi of ~
heart, and even death is dreadful to me, for it
awakens the thought of the misery into which
my children would be plunged, is
Here emotion checked her utterance, andthe
tears flowed unrestralned down her cheeks
But the pretended physician spoke SO consoling
to her, and manifested so warm a sympathy for
her condition, that the heart of the woman
throbbed with a pleasure that was unwonted
DO not despair, said the stranger, think
only OF recovery and Of preserving a Life that is
SO precious to your children. Can | write
prescription here?
The woman took little prayer book from the
and tearing out blank leaf Il have no other,'
she said, perhaps this will do
The stranger took pencil from his pocket,
and wrote few lines upon the paper
Ihls prescription, said he, You will find
OF great service to you If it is necessary will
write you second, have great hopes Of your
recovery.
He laid the paper on the table and departed.
Scarcely was he gone when the oldest son re-
turned.
Cheer up, my dear mother" going to her
bedside, and affectionately kissing her. ''See
what a kind, benevolent stranger has given US
1t will make US rich for several days 1t has
enabled us to have physician and he will be
N
dear mother, and take courage"
Come nearer, my son." answered the moth
er, looking with pride and affection on her chill
dren. God never forsakes the innocent and the
good. Oh may he watch over you in all your
paths. A physician has just been here. He
was stranger, but he spoke to me with COM
passion and kindness that was a balm to my
heart. " hen he went away he left that pres
c11ptIon on the table, see If you can read it.
Henry glanced at the paper and started
back-he took it up; as he read it through
again and again, cry OF wonder and astonish-
ment escaped him.
What is it, my son?' exclaimed the poor
widow, trembling with apprehension Of she
knew not what
''Ah, read, dear mother God has heard
u.s.
The mother took the paper from the hands
OF her son. but no sooner had she fixed her
eyes upon it than, my Godt I" she exclaimed,
1t is Washington, y and fell back fainting on
her pillow.
The writing was an obligation from Washing
ton-for it was indeed he by which the widow
was to receive one hundred dollars, from his
own private property, to be doubted in case of
necessity.
Meanwhile the expected physician made his
appearance and soon awoke the mother from
her faintng fit. The joyful surprise, together
with the good nurse with which the physician
provided her, and plenty Of wholesome food,
soon restored her to perfect health.
The influence of Washington, who visited
them more than once, provided for the widow
friends who furnished her with constant en-
pioyment; and her sons, when they arrived at
proper age, were placed in respectable situa-
tions, which rendered the remainder of their
mothers life comfortable and happy
Let the children who read this story remern-
Der, when they think of the great and good
Washington, that he was not above entering
the dwelling Of poverty, and carrying joy and
gladness to the hearts Of its inmates. This is
no fictitious tale, but it is only one Of thou
sand incidents which might be related of him.
and which stamp him one OF the best of men.
CONSCIENCE Conscience is that silent moni-
tor in the breast which admonishes us to do
good and SnIn evil, ever reWardIng us IN pro-
portion to our obedience, by the bestowment of
a calm, peaceful and contented mind, and pun
ishing disobedience by continued upbraidngs,
and the loss of happiness. All the luxuries of
life by which we may be surrounded cannot still
It's small voice; nothing can silence its incessant
murmur of rebuke save sincere repentance
What is it that brings the guilty miscreant in
tears to the feet Of his injured victim but the
power of conscience, which persists in rendering
him miserable until forgiveness is implored p
Is it not this power which compels the criminal
to disclose his crime, though he knows that the
disclosure will manace him, and perhaps bring
him to an ienominous death?
Let us strive to keep conscience void of Of
fence towards God and man, for without it we
seek in vain that much-desired jewel, happi-
ness.
Shakespeare has truly said:
'What stronger breast-plate than heart un-
tainted?
Thrice is he armed who hath his quarrel just;
And he but naked, though locked up in steel,