The Camden journal. [volume] (Camden, S.C.) 1866-1891, 1871-01-12
Story of q Poor Musician.

and child, or rather. Children, for he
had six OF them. His income was
very small. On Sundays he played
the organ in the church, aad although
tho parish was wonderfully edited by
the glorious sounds he cuticad from the
instrument with skillful hand, it never
occurred to it to reward the modest
artist. He received for his profession
or.auist twenty d,'lars year, aud
with this sum the worthy peasants
thought he ought to ac satisfied.
But the twenly dollars, although
WaltAer owned small house, did not
suffice to feed his large family. LII
summertime the little boys and girls
ran about barciooted, and in winter
they had to content themselves with
wooden shoes, which, if they were a
little heavy, at least kept them warm'
and did not need resoling as leather
ones would do. But the child :rn must
have clothes. Frau Walther made
their garments of gray linen, woven
and spun by herself, in order that they
might not cost so much; but even this
simple clothing cost money, and many
times a year friend Walther scrathed
behind his ear when his wife came aud
represented that Hans or Christian or
Jioste mnst really have new garment
lecause the old one was so torn that 1t
could be patched and picced no longer
Z hen they would take counsel together,
md somehow or oth,r, when their
,oyer,y reached its height, help would
come from the most unexpected quarter.
In the long run, however, things
went hardly enough with him, and
,nany q time year he and his wife
aud children had to 50 to bed hu- cry,
and many MONDAY came when there
was nothing to eat but couple OF
potatocs sprinkled with salt: as for
drink, they never had anything but the
clear, fresh water that flowed in a
fountain near the house.
With all their poverty and all their
need, however, Walthcr's family were
always cheerful, and they never lost,
even in the worst time. their faith In
Col, and their hope for better future.
The six childern bloomcd like red
popies, and their simple mode of living
kept them we'll, so that not one Of them
was ever sick. Father Wa!ther set all
day hard at work making Jackets and
coats for the peasantry, and never COM
planned that the time seemed long to
him.
But he loved his art above all other
things. Often when he had been
sitting at work till far into the night.
busy with needle and shears, he would
softly slip into the church, lock HIM
self in, and play whatever his mood IN
spired. The pastor had often said,
"The organist in the capital, who
plays every Sunday to our gracious
prince and noblemcn cannot possibly
play so we'll as our Walther, and it is q
sin and shame that such a man should
be so miserable off in our village. ="
He had often tried tn persuade Wall
.ther to 90 to the capital, and ask leave
TO play in the court church; but the
modest man had always refused.
"If God only lets me keep what |
have, | shall be wei! coatcnt," he would
aasBer. "Here my music gi7cs pleas
ure, but I should only be laughed at at
court"
At last, one wiDtry night, a great
noise was heard in the village. The
night watchman blew powerfully upon
his horn, aud the crJ CT Fire fire -
sounded fearfuiiy through the streets
Everybody sprang out of bed In torr
the men rushed into the streets, and
asked hastily, "Whcre? WhereE
"Halther's house." Wa s the answer,
and everybody crowded together, aud
rolled like stream toward the abode oi
the poor man. All wcre..rea1y too helE
and save; but, alas! nelp came to late
Walther stood not far from his burning
house, and looked sadly and will
folded hands at the destruction th'
FIRE was making Of his property. Hi
wife and children stood about him cry
ing as if their hearts would break. The
father, though sorcly troubled, spoke t.
them some words of comfort. "Do no
he afraid, Children, and do not despair
Our dear Lord still lives, and whateVe
he sends upon US we must consider a
providence, intended for our good.
"Bravely spoken, my man. sail
the Herr Pastor, who stood near, AM
had heard Walther's words. He VIII
puts his confidence in God is not lost
and has q staff on which he can lea
in every trouble" The neighbors an
therich farmers of the village cam
now, and offered the afflicted family
refuge in their houses. This touche
him deeply, and he said with tears j
bis eyes, "See, children, how Go
himself makes the blossom ofjoy sprin
out Of misfortune"
The family took refuge in the larg
house of the village magistrate, and fe
asleep amid tears and prayers.
Tba peYk morning il was seen th;