Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1871-10-04
A GERMAN STORY.

In that beautiful part of GermanG
which borders on the Rhine, there is
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 noble gentleman whom
we shall call the Baron. The Baron
had an only son, Who was not only a
comfort to his father, but blessing to
all who lived on his fathers land.
1t happened on a certain occasion,
this young man being from home,
there came q French gentleman to see
the Baron. As soon as this gentleman
came into the castle, he began to talk
in terms Of his Heavenly Father, that
chilled the old mans blood, on which
the Baron reproved him, saving, "Are
you not afraid of offending God, who
reigns above, byaspeaking in such a
manner?n
The gentleman said he knew nOth-
ing 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 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.
Then the Baron went with the visi-
tor into the garden and showed him
many beautiful flowers and plants.
who has the ordering of tine gar
den?" said the gentleman.
MY SOM said the Baron; che
KNOWS every plant. l may say, freIn
the cedar Of Lebanon, to the hyssop
on the wall.n
Indeed" said the gentleman; I
shall think very highly Of him soon.n
The Baron took him into the vii
lage and showed him asmall neat cot
tage where his son had established a
school, and where he caused all poor
children who had lost their parents,
to be received and nourished at his
own expense.
The children in this house looked
so happy and innocent that the French
gentleman was very much pleased, and
when he returned to the castle he said
to the Baron.
What a happy man you are to
have such q good son."
How do you know that have a
good son?"
Because I have seen his work and
know that he must be clever and good,
If he has done all you have shown
me-"
But you have never seen him.
No, but I know him very well, be-
cause l judge him by his works.
You do; and 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
glories over one Of the greatest coun-
tries in the world; and I behold a
mighty river at my feet, and a vast
range OF woods, and I see pasture
and vineyards, and cattle
and sheep feeding in green fields, and
many thatehed cottages here and
shere.n
''And do you see nothing pleasant
Dr. lovely or cheerful in all that is
spread before you"
do you think thas I want COM
non sensef or that I have lost the
lse Of my eyes, my friend - said the
gentleman somewhat angrily, "that
should not be able to relish the
'harms Of such a such a scene as this?"
We'll, then,n said the Baron, "if
Icd are able to judge Of my sons good
harncter by seeing his good works,
low does 1t happen that you form no
Of the goodness of God, by
such wonders Of his handi-
YORK as are now before you? Let me
lever hear you, my good friend, again
ay that you know not God, unless
'ou would have me suppose that you
ave not the use Of your senses"