Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1876-11-23

toiu DIS Wife ne SEOelu not dtieGd
church. She had no need to ask her
husband Why he should not go out.
She knew he was unhappy and that
he could not bear to meet his old
nelghbor in the house Of God while
the dark cloud was upon him. Nor
did she wish to meet either Mr.. or
Mrs. Bracket. So they both stayed
at home
Peter Bracket was even more
miserable than John Welton, though
4 perhaps he did not know it. He held
IL close companionship the very worst
demon 2 man can embrace-the demon
OF wrathtul vengeance-and in oroer
to maintain himself at the strain to
which he had set his feelings, he was
obligea to nurse the monster He
did not attend church on that day,
nor did his wife. Two or three times
during the calm, beautiful Sabbath, as
+ he glanced over toward his neighbours
dwelling, he found himself beginning
to wish that he had not gone to see
John Welton in such heat of anger !;
but he put the wish away, and nursed
back his wrath.
On Monday, toward noon, the
constable came in from the village,
and read to John Welton an imposing
legal document. 1t was a summons
issued by VIM. Garfield, Esq, a justice
i of the peace and quorum, ordering
the said John Welton to appear before
/ him at two of the clock on Wednes
| day, at his office, then and there to
answer the complaint Of Peter
Bracket, etc. The officer read the
summons, and left with the defendant
a copy.
It was the first time John Welton
had ever been called upon to face the
law. AT first he was awe stricken,
then he was wroth. He told himself
that he would fight it to the bitter
end. Aud now he tried to nurse his
wrath, and became more unhappy
than before.
On Tuesday evening Parson Surely
called npon Mr.. Welton. The good
man had heard Of the trouble, ana
was exceedingly exercised in spirit.
Both the men were of his flock, and
he loved and respected them. He
sat down alone with Welton, and
asked hilss what it meant.
'FTell me calmly and candidly all
! about it, he said,
After little reflection, Mr.. Welton
told the story He knew the old
clergyman for a true man and a whole
hearted friend, and he told everything
Just as he understood it.
'sAnd neighbor Bracket thinks,
even now, that you shot the dog,
knowing that it was his g
4 suppose So"
eff YOU had told him the exact
facts in the beginning, do you think
he would have held his anger?"
This was a hard question for John
Wel,on, but he answered it mantully.
e'Truly, parson, ] do not think he
would"
"lVere you ever more unhappy in
! your life than you have been since
this trouble came 2"
Il think not
"And, if possible, neighbor Bracket
is more unhappy than you"
"Do you think so.
s'Yes He is the most angry and
revengeiul.'
a brief pause, and then the parson
resumed;
Brother Welton, with you are
needed but few words. You are
more man than Brother Bracket.
Do you not believe he has good
heart?
/ eyes"
Il wish you could show how true
and good your heart is
''Parson!"
81 wish you could show him that
you possess true Christian courage
''sParson what do you mean
81 wish you had the courage to
meet and conquer him.
s'How would you have me to DO it,
First, conquer yourself. You are
not offended Z"
'eNo. 60 on"
And thereppon the good old cler-
gyinan drew up his chair and laid his
hand upon his friends arm and told
him just what he would have him do.
He spoke earnestly, and with tears in
his eyes.
"Brother Welton, have you the
heart and courage to do this 2
The farmer arose aud took two OF
three turns across the floor and finally
said
q will do it,
i
On tie following day. toward the