Fayette County herald. [volume] (Washington [Washington Court House], Fayette County, O. [Ohio]) 1860-1???, 1870-01-20
Bread Upon the Waters.
A SKETCH FROM LIFE.

"IA HH' hOl(N0 NV SbhC' lltlG We
are, worn out with agc-all oul
children removed from us by the
hand of death, and ere long wC
must be the inmates of the poor
house. Where, now, is all the
bread you have cast upon the wa.
tiers 7"
The old white-haired man look
ed up at his wife. He was, indeed,
bent down with years, and age sat
tremblingly upon him. Jacob
Manfred had been a comparatively
wealthy man, and while fortune had
smiled upon him he had ever been
among the first to lend a listening
ear and a helping hand to the call
of distress. But now misfortune
was his. Of his four boys not one
was left. Sickness and failing
strength found him with but little,
and left him penniless. An op-
pressiye embargo upon the ship
ping business had been the first
weight upon his head, and other
misfortunes came in painful success
sion. Jacob and his wife were all
alone, and gaunt poverty looked
them coldly in the face.
Don't rcpine, Susan" said the
old man. " l'rue, we are poor, but
we are not yet forsaken."
"Not forsaken, Jacob? Who is
there to help us now ?"
Jacob Manfred raised his tremb-
ling finger toward heaven.
"Ah f! Jacob, l know God is our
friend, but we should have friends
here Look back and see how
many you have befriended in days
long past. You cast your bread
upon the waters with a free hand, |
but it has not returned to YOU"
"Hush, Susan, you forget what
you say To be sure l may have
hoped that some kind hand of
Earth would lift me from the cold |
depths of utter want; but do not
expect it as q reward for anything | /
may have done. I'll have helped
the unfortunate in the days gone by,
l have had my full reward in know
ing that l have done my duty to my
fellows. Oh, Of all the kind deeds |
l have done to many sufferers, |
would not for gold, have one of
them blotted from my memory. All,
my fond wife. tbs the memory of |
the good done in life, that makes
age happy. Even now, can hear
again the warm thanks of those
whom have befriended, and again
see their smiles"
eyes, Jacob" returned the wife,
in a lower tone" II know YOU
nave been good, and in your memory
fou can be happy; but, alas! there
s a reality upon which we must
lwell We must beg for food or
.tarvew
The old man started, and deep
mark of pain was drawn across his
eatures.
"Beg" he replied, with a qnick
hudder. "No, Susan, we are"
He hesitatcd, and a big tear roll
d down his furrowed cheek.
"We are what, JacobY' !
awe are going to the poor 8
ousew !
40 God! l thought So" fell +
rom the poor wifc's lips, as she
Overed her face with her hands |
l have thought so, and l have :
led to school myself to the tho't; = =
ut my poor heart will not bear = 7
p L
"Do not give up, Susan" softly >,
rged the old man, laying his hand I
Don her arm. ut makes but lit Il
e difference to lis now. We have fl
0t long to remain on earth, and r.
MS not wear out our last days in ~
'eless repinings. Come-come,' W
but when - when = shall we n.
p" ~
"Now-to day" q, .,
"Then God have mercy on u.s." ~
ole WILL" murmured Jacob. a,
That old couple sat awhile in 81 6
nee. When they were aroused ol
ON their painful thoughts it was Al
the stopping ofa wagon in front f.
the door. A man entered the II
ON where they sat. He was the p
eper Of the poor-house. n,
"Come, Mr.. Manfred" he said, n,
he Selectmen have managed to pc
ovid you into the poor, house. ns
le wagon is at the door, and you at
II get ready as soon as possible. in
Jacob Manfred had not calcula, f.
the strength he should need for o,
is ordeal. There was a GOODNESS bl
the very tone and manner ofthe di
in who had come for him, that fr
mt like an ice bolt to his heart, W,
d with a deep groan he sank ct
ok to his seat. di
'Come, he in a hurry" impatient or
urged the keeper. th
At this moment a heavy covered WI
'rvall drove up to the door of
as this the house of Jacob ha
lnfred ?" pa
The question was asked by man OF
o entered from the carryall He 70
S a kind-looking man, about for lie
years of age. SC
That is my name," said Jacob. tn
Then they told me truly" ut tn
ed the new conner. "Are you ly
m the almshouse ?" he continued =
ming toward the keeper.
Yes"
And are you after these peo Ill
?" ca
8,