Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1867-06-27


There were files of agricultural papers on the
broad shelf of the little library, and choice selec-
ton of miscellaneous books above them. There
were little tasteful appointments here and there,
about the cheerful sitting room, but the bright hoe
was never displaced by any gem or crystal The
pretty shell framed pictures might look down upon
it, if they choose it could not be looked out OF
countenance @o
George was respected and known by all his
neighbors and the stranger, who shared but tor q
night the generous hospitality of his broad hearth
stone, went away to speak, years after, Of the
pleasant hours espent there; and the kindly at
tentions Of the gentle wife, whose wide heart took
in every suffering, sorrowing one OF earth: The
blessing of the Lord was upon that household, and
it is that alone (which maketh rich, and He ad-
deth no sorrow with it.
Years sped apace, when one ruddy October,
circular autograph letter went round the circle OF
brothers. bidding them all come to the golden we'd
ding And the call gathered them in from their
distant homes.
There was racket of merry, youthful voices, as
the grandchildren romped through the old halls;
but grandfather face was brimful of smiles; and
gandma's, pet and namesake, gentle, dignifed
Grace, took thereins of governmentinto her hands,
so all moved on most harmoniously, relieving moth
ers of all care, and leaving them to chat to their
hearts content. .
Carrie was the daughter-in-law who lived near
est home, so the care Of the feast fell upon her,
"Grandma must not stir from her rocking char
until all was upon the table. Indeed, it would be
hard for her to accomplish much with so many lit
tie run-a-ways under her feet all the time, whose
manifold perfections must continually be observed
on and commented on.
The evening lamp was lighted, and little fire
was burning in the open fireplace as all were seat
ted in the old home-room.
William, the eldest born, stepped forth from the
little group, advancing to his gray haired father,
said +.7 ~
"It is twenty-five years since the first of rs went
forth from this roof to make his way in the world.
As each, in turn, took his departure, you present
ed to him brightnew hoe, with the injunction,
"Hoe out your row." How well we have followed
your directions and the lessons of industry perse-
verance, Christian integrity, and selfdenial you
have always taught, by your words and by your
life, it remains for you to judge. -
As token that we have not forgotten your teach
'ings, in the name Of my brothers and myself I
present this hoe to you, and with bow ne lald It
down upon the little round stand before him.
The old man dropped his head, ndthe thinh hairs
fell about his temples as he simply said, with chok-
ing voice ,,
Mother" said Ralph, advancing to her side,
we all know that you would not desire any gifts Of
jewels and golden ornaments, such as arc common
on these occasions. But we thought the contents
of this little box might add some comforts to your
lives which we should delight to bestow, If we were
not 80 widely separated" He placed in her hands,
beautiful gilt caske, containing four of the broad
est pieces the mint turns out, with liberal sprink-
ling Of smaller yellow drops, from the little grand
children.
"Now father" said Dominic Ned, as he walked
up to the stand, 81 must give up my wedding pres.
ent;" and he laid before him 9 beautiful copy Of
the Testament and Psalms, printed in very large,
clear type, so grateful to the failing sight Of age
In bright gilt letters on the side, were stamped
these words:
II love Thy commandments above gold; yea,
above fine gold"
'Now, perhaps, we had better sing our evening
hymn-;and after worship, let the little ones tramp
off to bed i.&
The patriarch knelt among his flock, and the
prayer, from his full heart, for God blessing upon
them, was as if he had entered within the veil
There were tears on many cheeks when they rose,
and subdued tone ran even In good nigths' OF
the merry children
Then all drew up around the fire, and told over
tales of other days William told how he had hoed
out pretty hard row in the new place, where he
had sought to establish himself as q physician.
But, after due waiting, the ''frst patient" came at
last, and the second, and 80 on, until now he was
"the old physician of the place, with two young
men in the Office with him.
Dominic Ned, otherwise Rev. Edward Kent1
detailed some of the "Shady Side' experiences Of
his first charge-but they were pleasantly relieved
by the many 7'Sunny Side" incidents his wife took
care to suggest as he went along.
George and Ralph compared farm-notes, and al
together, the evening passed as only such gather
ings, by such hearth-stone ever can. It Is only
such training that can produce such results.
Ifyou wish your boys and girls to grow up use
full, honorable, and happy, teach them faithfully
ITO HOE OUT THEIR ROW.. ~ .ssi