The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1871-11-02
A GERMAN STORY.

In that beautiful part of Germany which
borders on the Rhine there is a noble castle
which, as you travel on the western bank OF
the river, you may see lifting its ancient tow
ers on the opposite side, above the grove Of
trees which are about as old as itself. About
forty years ago there lived i'll that castle a
noble genleman, whom We shall cali the
Baron. The Baron haA an only son. who
was not only comfort to his fath'r, but a
b es ing to al who lived on his fathers land
l. happened on ane OCCASION that the young
man beng from home there came French
gentleman to see the Baron. As soon as
this gentleman came into the castle, he began
to talk Of his Heavenly Father in terms that
chilled the old man S blood, on which the
Baron reproved him, saying, "Are you not
afraid Of offending Cod, who reigns above, by
speaking in such mapner?"
The gentleman sand he knew nothing about
God-that 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 sho1 him beautiful
picture that hung on the wall.
"My sou drew that picture" said the Bar
on.
"Then your SOP is very clever man." re
piled the gentleman.
Then the Baron went with him into the
garden, and showed him many beautiful
flowers and plants.
MWbo has the ordering of the garden I"
said the gentleman.
"My son., said the Baron; che knows ev-
cry plant, | may say, from the cedar Of Iteb-
anon to the hissap on the wall.
"Indeed," said the gentleman, 81 shall
think very highly OF him, soon"
The Baron took him into the village, and
showed him small, neat cottage, where his
SOP had established 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 hap
Ply and innocent that the French gentleman
was very much pleased, and when he res
turned to the castle he said TO the Baron:
What happy man you are to have such
good son !"
"tlow do you know that I have good
son?'
because have seen his good works, and
know that he must be clever aud good, ifh
has Gone all you have shown me-"
"But you have never seen him."
mo, but | kpow him very yell, because
judge of him by his works"
You do; and now please draY near this
window, and tell me what you observe from
thence"
"Why, I see the sun travelling shsorgh the
sky, and shedding its gIories over one of the
greatest countries in the world; ard behold
a mighty river at my feet aud vast range
of woods, and see pasture grounds and vine
yards, aud cattle and sheep feeding in greer
fields, aud many matched Cottages here ane
there" H'
''And do you see nothing pleasant or love
| " or cheerful in all that is spread before
you?''
do you think that want common sense
or that have lost the use Of my eyes, III,
friend? ?" said the gentleman, somewhat an
grily, s'that should not be able to relish th'
charms of such scene as this q
swell, then" said the Baron, "if you art
able to Judge Of my sons good character b.
seeking his good works, how does it happet
that you form no judgement Of the goodness
of God, by witnessing such wonders Of hi
haudwork as are pow before you? Let mt
never hear yoH, my good friend, again sa,
that you knav not God, unless you woult
have me suppose you have not the use o
your senses.'