The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1873-12-17
Fon TIE CENTRAL PRESBYTERIAN.
NOT WORTH THANKS.

Whilst at the Seminary l had a very dear
friend, who in order to economic and buy
books, withdrew from the Seminary mess,
and boarded himself
He invited me frequently to 60 and spend
the night with him. Being detained one
evening in the city until late, 1 concluded to
accept his invitation. So l reported myself
at his room about nine o'clock, and by ten
was in bed. It was not at all comfortable,
nor suited to my taste; but on account of
my friendship toward him / smothered any
thing like an expression of discomfort, and
wearied with the labors of the day l was
soon buried in Natures sweet restorer,
balmy sleep.
Next morning lay in bed until my friend
in the most amiable manner informed me
that as soon as l could attend to my toilet
breakfast would be ready, breakfast which
he had prepared with his own hands. l
arose; washed in an old Tin basin used a
broken comb before looking glass six by
nine. The simple meal was soon spread on
poor pine table, and our seats were very
rude. The food consisted Of glass Of milk
for each, butter, cheese, bakers bread, and
slice Of meat. After we were seated he
turned 70 me with sweet smile upon his
face, and begged his brother to return thanks.
Thank God, thought 1, for such breakfast
as this Why, it is not worth it. And l
felt so little ike complying that l solicited
him to DO so. But he refused, and imposed
the task on me. L was really so averse, on
account of the utter absence of any such
feeling; and became so confused that al.
words seemed to escape me at last however
l blundered out something, in mOckery as
solemn as ever came from unsancti6ed lips
When / raised my eyes was almost shocked
30 behold in the face Of my friend the most
sweet and hanowed devotion. His dear face
was radiant With love and gratitude. And
spiritually be seemed to be enjoying the fat
things Of bis heavenly Fathers house and
table. 1t was different with me- Inwardly
was angry with God, that he should COM
pei so deyout a lover Of Jesus Christ to
feed thus upon the husks of his providence.
1 had no relish for such breakfast, neither
did relish this method of Gods manifest
ing his goodness to his people. As soon as
could excuse myself left my friends
room, and sought restaurant, where after
making amends, as thought, for such fare,
took the Omnibus for Walnut Hills.
Years and years have passed since this
scene; all the waves Of the great God have
gone over me. The blighting and scorching
Of his providence have endured. have
been beaten, and bruised, and scorned and
cast out as evil. My heart has been broken
again and again, and every sensibility out
ragged. And now when gray hairs begin to
admonish me that the rapid descent of life
has begun, gather my little family around
pine table made of a goods-bOx, with ruder
chairs than those of Cincinnati, with the
commonest deli ware, and with coarse corn
bread and coffee; no meat, no sugar, no but
ter, and no milk l am called on to give
thanks. And l do so. When l raise my
eyes they fall on the beautiful face of lit
de girl all radiant with devotion and graft
tude. The meal is eaten with no word of
complaint. The sweet girlish prattle of the
little devotee betrays the fact that her heart
is as happy as the birds about her, and her
love as fragrant as the flowers. The other
morning she was late at breakfast, and l
said the blessing before she came into the
room. When she took her seat she turned
her beaming eyes toward me and inquired,
Pa, have you said blessings" Yes, my
daughter, Why we're you late ?" She burst
into tears, exelaiming, 90, why did you not
waitHutl / came 2" replied that she kept
US waiting too long. Her agitation growing
greater she begged me to repeat the blessing
1 told her that it was not proper to do that.
1t seemed impossible for her to bear so great
loss. And 1 could only alleviate her dis
tress by taking her in my arms and kissing
blessing upon her forehead.
And this is the great lesson Providence
shus taught, that the blessing from on High
is infinitely superior to the most sumptuOuS
table.
I have never heard from my dear friend
Ward since left the Seminary. 1 doubt
not God has long since taken him to the
green pastures above. He said to me one
day after reading passage of the Bible,
that God had made him to 60 forty days
and forty nights on that sweet food. He
was ripening very fast for heaven. The
face Of the divine Master continually shOne
upon him. His soul seemed to be an open
fountain Of gratitude and love. Had his
BED been board and bis pillow stone, in
his dreams he would have exclaimed: AS
the apple tree among the trees of the wood,
so is my beloved among the sons. l sat
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