Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1873-11-06
BREAD UPON THE WATERS.
a SKETCH FBoM LIFE.

poor house. Where now is all the
bread you have cast upon the waters?"
The old, white haired man looked
up at his wife. He was indeed bent
down with years, and age sat trembling
upon him.. Jacob Manfred had been a
comparatively wealthy man, and when
fortune smiled upon him, he had ever
been among the first to lend listening
ear and helping hand to the call of dis
tress; but misfortune was his. Of his
four boys not one was left. Sickness
and failing strength found him with
but little, and they left them penniless
Various misfortunes came in painful
succession. Jacob and his wife were
alone, and gaunt poverty looked them
coolly in the face.
''Don't repine, Susan, said the old
man. ''Irue We are poor, but are not
fors%ken."
"Not forsaken, Jacob? who is there
to help US now?'
Jacob Manfred raised his trembling
fingers towards heaven.
"Ah, Jacob! I know God is our
friend; but we should have friends
here. Look back and see how many
you have befriendod in days long past.
You cast your bread upon the waters
with a free hand, but it has not yet
returned to you"
Hush, Susan, you forget what you
say. re be sure I 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 a reward
for anything have done. If have
helped the unfortunate in days gone by
l have had my full reward in knowing
that have done my duty to my fell
lows. Oh, of all the kind deeds that I
have done for my suffering fellows, 1
would not for gold have one blotted
from my memory. All! my fond wife,
it is the memory of the good done In
life that makes'old age happy. Even
now I can hear tha warm thanks of
those whom I have befriended, and
I again see their smiles"
eyes, Jacob, returned his wife in a
low tone, Il know you have been good,
and in your memory you can be happy;
but, alas! there is present upon which
to look-there is a reality upon which
we must dwell. We must beg for food
or starvs!'
The old man STARTED, and deep
mark of pain was drawn across his
features.
"Beg," he replied with quick shud
der, "No, Susan-we are
He hesitated, and big tear rolled
down his furrowed cheek"
We are what, jacob
"We are going to the poor-h house"
ooh. God! thought so, fell from
the poor wife's lips, as she covered her
face with her hands. II have thought
80, ! have tried to school myself to the
thought, but my poor heart will
not bear it."
''Do not give up, Susan, softly urged
the old man, laying his hands upon her
arm. cit makes but little difference to
us now. We have not long to remain
on earth, and let us not wear out our
last days in useless repinings. Come,
come" -
'But when-when shall We go7"
| "Now-to day"
''Then God have mercy upon US. "
''He will" murmured Jacob.
The old couple sat for a while in 81.
lence. When they were aroused from
their painful thoughts, it was by the
stopping Of a light cart in front of the
door. A man entered the room where
they sat. He was the porter OF the
poor house.
"Come, Mr.. Manfred" he said, 'fhe
guardians have managed to crowd you
into the poor-house. The cart is at the
door, you can get ready as soon as pos
sible."
Jacob Manfred has not calculated the
strength he should need for this ordeal.
There was GOODNESS in the very tone
and manner of the man who came for
him, that went like an iceberg to his
heart, and with deep groan he sank
back into the chair.
"Come-be in hurry" impatiently
urged the porter.
At that moment a carriage drove up
to the door,
els this the house of Jacob Nanfred?"
This question was asked by a man
who entered from the carriage. He was
kind looking man, about forty five
years old.
''That is my name,s said Jacob.
"Then they told me truly" said the
new conner. "Are from the work
houses' he inquired turning toward the
porter.
eyes" A
T "Are you after these peoples
eyes.
'eThen you may return. Jacob Man.