Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1876-09-28

COWlOCtaOle aIIeT CulS. lue lTlbut'
ened look of the child, as he added 8
threatning gesture to his hard speech
remained with him, and he could not
shut it from his eyes, turn them which
way he would. Nor did he see them
less distinctly when he did shut bis
eyes and hung his chin upon his breast
Just how long hes had remained in
this attitude the farmer could mol
say, when a click from the latch Of the
gate caused him to look up, and ht
saw a little woman, in plain attire, ad
vancing up the walk. She was
stranger, and yet there was something
familiar about her. The freedom and
plainness of speech with which she
at once addressed him did not as much
surprise as shame the farmer.
1T was not we'll Of the, friend Brill
to deny with harsh words, the request
of a child. Thy trees are laden will
fruit, and the ground is covered with
thy unused abundance. Thee might
have given the child one little apple.
The woman stood with her calm, ac.
cusing eyes fixed on the farmers face
they seemed to penetrate his soul and
to read his very thoughts.
"No, it was not we'll Of the friend
Brill, she repeated.
Il hate begging" answered the
farmer rallying himself.
THAT was not common begging,and
thee knows it, replied the stranger
The child father should have had
fruit on his own trees. But he was
too idle to plant them, and now his
children go begging Of his neighbors.
THAT is not his children's fault. II
the little ones are hungry for apples,
and thee has more thee can use, why
shall thee not be a better father n
regard for them than he who is of
their own flesh ard blood? Would
thee not give thy own children APP
ples?"
"Mv own children? That is anoth-
er thing | have taken care of my
children"
The earth is the Lords and the
fullness thereof, and all are His chill
drcn," answered the little woman.
"He gives in charge to some His broad
grain fields and fruitful orchards, and
they may fill barns and storehouses,
and lay up food for the hungry and
seed for the sower, SO that His people
die not for the lack Of bread. Does
thee think that thy trees bear fruit
and thy fields give their harvest for
for thee alone? If thee does, thee has
not understood the ways Of God with
men"
The farmer did not reply. He was
dumb in the presence of the stranger;
dumb because of sudden convictions,
and a new light breaking into his
soul that blinded and bewlldered him
Thee has thought and cared only
for thyself and for thy own until
now" said the visitor, "but there is a
truer and better life before thee.
Thee must grow broader and more
generous. Thee must become Civ
er instead Of only receiver Of good
things. Thee must learn the meaning
of that wise saying, ITO give is to
live" viii thee not go with me?"
And the little woman turned from
the porch, Farmer Brill rising and
following her.
"Thee must bring a basket of ap-
Piles with thee" said the woman, paus-
ing at the gate.
The farmer flied a great basket
and took it on his arm.
1T is so kind of you, sill" said the
weary-looking woman in whose poor
little tome he sat down the basket.
And her grateful looks and tones sent
to his heart a feeling Of warmth and
pleasure, purer and deeper than he
had known for long, long time.
"Thee understands, now" said his
companion, as they left the cottage,
what true, sweet life they may
live, if thee will. God has given thee
Of his bounties more than a hundred
fold beyond thy own needs, leisure to
care for thy neighbors, and health in
thy declining years. And yet thee is
not happy. Why ? Thee is still try
ing to live for thyself alone"
l j