Indiana American. [volume] (Brookville, Ind.) 1865-1872, 1867-07-12

ing house, and looked sadly and with
folded hands at the destruction the Ere was
making Of his property. His wife and
children stood about him crying as if their
hearts would break, and in their distress
hardly able to control themselves. The
father, though sorely troubled, spoke to
them some words Of comfort "Do not
be sfriid, children, and do not despairl
Our dear Lord still lives, and whatever he
sends upon us we must consider as n
providence, intended for our good. The
loss is great, il is true; but God will still
help US, as he has done hitherto.
"Bravely spoken. my manp' said the
Herr Pastor. who stood near, and had
heard Walther's words. "Ife who puts
bis confidence Ia God is not'lost. and has
staff on which he can lean in every trou
ble." The ncighbors and the rich farmers
Of the village came now, and offered the
afflicted family refuge ia their houses;
each wanted the privilege Of asking Wal
ther, with wife aud childrea, TO his home
This touched him deeply, and he said with
tears in bis eyes, "See, children, how God
himself makes the blossom Of Joy spring
out Of misfortune. Love lays its balsam
on our wounded hearts, and help comes
before ouftrial is over Yes, yes, all things
are for the best to them that love Cod"
The family took refuge 10 the large
house Of the village magistrate, and fell
asleep amid tears and prayers Their
hearts we're full Of trouble, but their faith
in God sustained them, and kept them
from sinking under their sorrow.
The next morning il was seen that of
Waliher's property not the smallest thing
had been saved, except what little parents
and children had upon their backs. And
that was little enough. The sympathizing
villagers provided for their most pressing
wants, aud furnished them with warm clio.
thing and with food; but their prospects
for the future looked gloomy. and Walther
did not know how he would rebuild or
refurnish his house. And as he sat brood
ing over his misfortune, thinking and
thinking what would become of him, he
remembered what the Herr Pastor had
urged him to do. -
"YeS," said he, II will go to the capital,
TO our gracious prince, offer my poor SER
vices, aud, ii he will listen to me, will
play npon the organ ms we'll as eau.
Perhaps our dear Lord will touch his heart,
perhaps he will have compassion on me,
aud give me some little salary Of which,
with economy, we can live. lie is said to
be such good, benevolent mani
Walther did not say word to his wife
and children about this plan, in order not
to excite grouDdless hopes in them; but
he went to the Herr Pastor, told him what
he proposed TO do, and begged him to give
him a note to the prince, in which as
much might be sail Ia his favor as was
consistent with truth. The pastor,
friendly, kind hearted man. was quite
ready to fulfill Walther's wish. He told
him to return in an hour, and in the in.
tcrval wrote 20 the prince, and gave the
letter TO poor Walther, with his best bless
ing.
In few days Walther reached the
palace. lie ascended the wide. stone
stairs, with trembling step. and saw the
door keeper before him. who looked At
him scorniully from head to foot, and then
asked in harsh tone, "What do you
wani?"
Walther was alarmed at this rough salu-
tation, and replied tmidly, II wish to see
our gracious prince, aud to hand !. letter
from my pastor"
"a begging letter, no doub,l' cried the
man. "Bc off with yourselIl fhe prince
cannot listen to every straggler that comes
alongl'
these cruel words went like sharp
swords through Walther's heart. lie stood
sadly before the door Of the palace, bis
lips trembling, aud with no, tears in his
eyes. -
well, what are you standing gaping
here for?' cried the dootkeeper. "Must
show you the way down the steps2'
Walther sighed, aud turned his back
upon the palace, in order to 20 away. lie
had scarcely taken couple Of steps, how
ever, when he felt hand on his arm, aud
a kind friendly voice said
wait little longer, my good man. !"
Walther look, and saw au old man, with
bright, intelligent little eyes, which regar
ded him with sympathy aud compassion
"you wish to see our gracious primer
he asked. t.ff -
"yes; but / am forbidden" replied Wal
ther, In u choking voice. sa
softly softlyl Perhaps we can bring il
about said the old man, smiling. This
rude fellow can not prevent il, ut any rate
ain the chamberlain Of our gracious
master, and ifyou will step into my little
room, we eau consider the matter.
Waliher felt Us IL he we're hearing a
Voice from heaven. lie followed his pro
tector with fresh courage, aud when thcy
had reached the itile room told him frankly
what business had brought him to the cap.
ital. The chamberlain inquired particu.
larly into the circumstances, asking u
hundred questions. which Walther an
swered with most guileless honesty, and
said ut last
Dear Herr Wnlther, feel your mis-.
fortunes very sensibly, for | see that you
are u God fearing, Christian man. In-
trust your pastors letter to me. will
give II to the prince to-day, aud then we
must wait TO see what he will decide. Keep
up your courage, Herr Walther. God will
never iorsake one who trusts him as you
do" Walther gave up the letter without
hesitation. "And now," said his new
friend pass away the time as best you can.
III you have fancy to try the organ in
the chapel, 60 to the sexton and tell him
that would like to have him unlock the
door, and admit you to the gallery. lie