The Jackson standard. [volume] (Jackson C.H., Ohio) 1847-1888, 1874-09-24

ana lett 1t with no KlnQ WOrus TO IolloN
him
Feeling most keenly his humiliation
Charlie was tempted to pray again tha
God would take him where hearts are al
ways understood, and our frames always
considered, but Fear not / am with
thee" sustained him, and again struggled
to live. He went to an eastern city. and OBJ
tanned employmentin in publishing house
the position was poor one for Charlie
and Charles talents, and he soon proved
his superiority; he was promoted, and at
last became the first clerk in this large
establishment. Years passed-two, three,
five! Charlie again numbered many
friends; again was happy; happier now
than ever before-for Charlie loved a
beautiful girl, who gave him her heart
full love in return. Soon they were to be
married; Charlie had secured a pretty
little house. had furnished it in fine taste,
and in few weeks more would lead to it
his queen. But letter again sent him
wandering upon the earth.
"R-&C-,-Gents l hear that you
have in your employ person known as
Charlie; l feel it my duty to inform
you that he was convicted of robbing the
mail in our last war and dismissed from
the army. Ob,dt'ly, etc.
at was so lucky said R, afterwards
in speaking of it, $50 lucky we found it
out in time Miss-might have been
| forever bound to the worthless, thieving q
scamp, and her young life forever blight
ed"
The papers blazed it abroad; Charles
life "as an impostor" was written up, his
success" commented upon; even his stay
in the quiet little village was ferreted out
! and facts concerning it published.
| Charlie started for the West; not pa
| per could he pick up without reading
| the worlds gossip concerning himself:
| his face was very sad, now. 1t was about
this time that the shadow deepened in
his sorrowful eyes, and his countenance
grew so pleading and pitiful; poor, weary,
unloved, wandering Charlie. my God,
my God, prayed Charlie, "hast thou for
saken me?' forgetting that God chastens
those He loves
He drifted to Bridgeton. II mustn' t
give up" said Charlie, "but, oh God life
is hard and bitter help me to struggle
on!'' Brave Charlie. To keep himself
from despair, he accepted the first work
that offered, and in the Bridgeton book
and music store served as clerk. Charlie
had been fine musician in his younger
days, and his knowledge came back to
him bv degrees, as he was more or less
associated with music. At last he was
engaged as organist of Bridgeton's finest
church, and used to thrill even the
common hearts with the plaintive and ex-
guisite melodies his fingers set forth.
1t was medicine for Charlie-music
1t crept into his soul and soothed it;
hushed him at times when his whole
heart was aching and ready to break
Life again took on form of quietness,
and Charlie was ever found at his post,
faithful and true, devoted to the interests
of others. But one-armed book agent
spied Charlie one day, and recognized
him. Poor Charlie in a flash his weari-
some life passed before him, and he felt
it to be worth great effort to be left at
last in peace. Accordingly summoning
up all his courage, he bluffed the one
armed intinerant, and appeared to know
him not; he even avaded the question as
to his name BUTT was ofno avail! Who
ever heard of bluffing book agent any,
way? Distressed and almost overcome,
Charlie beckoned him into little back
office away from curious eyes, and his
whole soul broke forth in these words:
Don t. oh don!' he begged. ''Oh, leave
me in peace and quiet! Why, Archer, I've
repented of that sin again and again, and
on my knees have begged forgiveness OF
my God! l have suffered everything l
have been turned from one place and an
other, have lost home, friends, wife, and
now must | go forth again, to win and to
lose? To cling and have your hands cut
off? Do you know what it is to do that?
1t IS hard! You have lost an arm, Archer,
but IhaUe lost everythingF
They came out together then, these
two men-these two soldiers-who had
fought side by side for their country.
One came out with the air of one who
has been praying for his life-the other
with Judas like face-the face of spy
which meant betrayal. Charlie read his
look, but his countenance didn't change
he had no sadder look to wear.
Guy said the agent, but you never
saw fellow with glibber tongue than
this same Charlie; he takes as fair as a
preacher" But for the good of the cum
munity he felt it his duty to publish the
man.
But ere the report had spread outside
ere the character of Charlie had again
furnished food for scandal, the congre- |
cation were sitting in the fine little |
Bridgeton church, listening in vain for
the music he had taught their hearts to |
love. And hours later, as they stood |
around his motionless form, and saw in |
the days bright light the sad, yearning |
face of the man whose earlier years had |
been so bright and joyful, they knew of |
nothing harsh to say nothing more un-
kind than: HE was never very happy |
looking mani"
Afterwards they searched for clue to
his friends, but Charles effects revealed |
nothing of their whereabouts. Friends? |
Why Charlie, poor cruciied Charlie had |
none. A little scrap of paper was all
they found. On it in Charles writing
was the wanderers last prayer Forgive
US our trespasses as we forgive those who
trespass against usl They did not know
what it meant-those people of Bridge
ton who thought they knew everything.
But they are not the only ones who from |
time to time have failed to grasp the
meaning of the oft-repeated prayer.