Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1870-09-28
THE CHRONICLE.
TALE FROM THE GERMAN.

In that beautiful part Of Germany
which borders on the Rhine, there is
q noble castle which, as you travel on
the western bank of the river, you
may see lifting its ancient towers on
the opposite side, above the grove Of
trees which are about as old as itself.
About forty years ago, there lived in
that castle a noble gentleman, whom
we shall call Baron. The Baron had
an only son, who was not only acOm-
fort to his father, but q blessing to all
who lived on his fathers land.
It happened, on a certain occasion,
that, this young man being from
home, there came q French gentleman
TO see the old Baron. As soon as this
gentleman eame into the castle, he
began to talk Of his Heavenly Father
in terms which chilled the old mans
blood, on which the Baron reprOved
him, saying, Are you not afraid of Of
Tending God, who reigns above, by
speaking in such a manner?n
The gentleman said that he knew
nothing about God, for he had never
seen him.
The Baron did not notice at this
time what the gentleman said, but
the next morning took occasion first
to show a very beautiful picture which
hung on the wall.
my son drew that picture" said
the Baron. "Then your son is a very
clever man" replied the gentleman.
The Baron then went with the WISH
tor into the garden and showed him
many beautiful flowers, plants and
forest.
"Who has the ordering of the gar
den?'i said the gentleman.
my son." replied the Baron; "he
knows every plant l may say, from
the Cedar Of Lebanon to the HissOp
on the wall"
Indeed" said the gentleman, al
shall think very highly of him soon.
The Baron took him into the village,
and showed him a small neat cottage,
where Nilsson had established school,
and where he caused all the poor
children who had lost their parents
to be received and nOurished at his
own expense.
The children in this house looked
50 happy andinnocent that the French
gentleman war very much pleased,
and, when he returned to the castle,
he said to the Baron:
what a happy man you are to have
such a good SON"
"How do you know 1 have a good
son?n
because have seen his works, and
I know that he must be both clever
and good, if he has done all you have
shown me-"
"But YOU have never seen him ?'
IN. Lw-M 7 Lw-lw~ HI. -w1-ww w~-Tn
because 1 judgeOf him by his works."
"YOu do; and now please draw
near to this window, and tell me what
you observe from thence"
"Why, I see the sun travelling
through the sky, and shedding its glo-
ries over one of the greatest countries
in the world; and 1 behold a mighty
river at my feet, and a vague range Of
woods, and I see pasture grounds and
orchards, and vineyards, and cattle
and sheep, feeding in green fields I;
and many matched cottages here and
there"
"And doyou see anything to be ad-
mired in all this? Is there anything
pleasant or lovely or cheerful in all
that is spread before you?"
"Do you think that / wantcommon
sense? or that I have lost the use of
my eyes, my friend?" said the gentle
man, somewhatRngrily, that 1 should
not be able to relish the charms Of
such a scene as this2n
"Well, then" said the Baron, eff
you are able to judge of myson's good
character by seeing his good works,
how does il happen that you form no
judgment Of the goodness Of God, by
witnessing such wonders Of Hi
hand-work as are now before you?
Let me never hear you, my good friend,
again, say that you know not God,
unless you would have me suppose
that you have not the use Of your
senses.n