Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1870-05-13
I have tried 10 school myself to the tho't
but nv heart will not bear it,"

| 10 not give up, ousal' soitiy ulSco
the old man, laying his hand upon he,
arm. 1T makes but little difference &c
us now. We have not long to remain or
earth, and let us not wear out our las,
days in useless repinings. Come Come.
"But when-when shall we go?"
"Now--to.day."
Then God have mercy on u.s."
"He WILL" murmured Jacob.
The old couple sat fer while in silence
When they were aroused from their
painful thoughts. it was by the stopping
of a light cart in front of the door.
man entered the room where they sat-
He was the porter Of the poor-house.
Come Mr.. Manfred" he said, 1.-THE
guardians have managed to crowd yo,
into the poor house, the cart is at tn,
door, and you can get ready as soon a
possible"
jacob Manfred had not calculated tht
strength ho should need for this ordeal
there was GOODNESS in the very tone ant
manner of the man who had come fo
him, that went like an icebolt to his hear
and with deep groan he sank back il
his seat.
"Come-be in hurry inpatient,
urged the porter.
At this moment carriage drove up L
the door
''Is this the house of Jacob Manfred p
This question was asked by man whC
entered from the carriage. He was ,
kind-looking man, ABOUT forty years o
age.
That is my name," said Jacob.
Then they told me true" uttered tn {
new conner. "Are you from the work
house?" he continued. turning toward:
the porter.
Yes"
"Are you after these peopleP"
Yes
Then you may return. Jacob Man
fred goes to no poor-house while live"
The porter gazed inquisitively into the
features of the man who addressed him,
and then left the house.
Don't you remember me ?" exclaimed
the stranger, grasping the old man by
| the hand.
al cannot call you TO my memory now.
"Do You remember Lucius Williams 2
"Willisms." repeated Jacob, startin
up from his chair, aud gazing earnestly
into the face of the nun before him.
Yes. Jacob Manfred, Lucius Williams
That little boy whom, thirty years ago.
YOU saved from the house Of correction
that poor boy whom you kindly took from
the bonds of the law. and placed on board
of one of your own vessels"
"And are you@n
"Yes-vcs-I am the man you made.
You found me rough stone from the
hands OF poverty and bad example. 1t
was YOU who first brushed off the evil,
and who first lod me ~ the sweet waters
of moral lite and happiness. have
profited by the lessons you gave me in
nv early youth. and the warm spark
which your kindness lighted up in my
bosom has grown brighter ever SINCE
With an afiluence for life | have settled
down to enjoy the remainder of my days
in peace and quetness, with such good
work as hands may find TO do. | heard
of your losses and bereavements. knew
that the children of your own flesh were
all gone, but am child of your bounty
"a child OF your kindness, and now you
shall be still my parent. Come, my
more than fsther-and you, my mother
come. You made my youth nll bright,
and | will no, see your old age doomed
TO darkness.
Jacob Manfred tottered forward, and
sank upon the bosom of his prcserver.
He could not speak his thanks, for they
were too heavy for words. When he
looked up again he sought his wife.
Susan" he said. in choking trembl.
ing tone. my bread has come back to me.
Forgive me, Jacob"
"No, no, Susan. 1t is not | who must
iorgive-God holds us in his hands"
"Ah" murmured the wife, rs she rails
ed her streaming eyes to heaven, II will
never doubt Him again"