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

the expression OF his old face. Ills
eyes had a new lustSe in them, and
the kindlier temper of his blood was
softening and warming all the hard
lines that had compressed themselves
about his mouth, and cut down rigid.
ly between his brows, giving them a
nobler and deeper human sentiment
In this wagon was barrel Of flour, a
bushel of potatoes, side Of bacon,
and twenty pounds Of salt pork,
besides corn meal and apples. When
Farmer Brill returned, his heart was
so light that it gave a new buoyancy
to his body, and instead of moping
about or sitting half-stupidly in his
arm chair, he went bustling in and
ont in CHEEKY way, and talked to
his wife Of this neighbor and that
with kindly interest altogether new.
ut is more blessed to give, some
times, than to receive" said Mrs.
Brill to her husband, as he told her,
with new quality Of pleasure in his
voice, about his visit to Mr.. Gardner
and his family.
1T may be always" he answered
to her surprise. at must be-" he
added, after hesitating pause. "I'
our Saviour's words be true, for He
put them in no qualifying some
times"
The old man sat very still, with a
sober Unlocking expression on his
face.
"He knew best, Andrew but very
few Of us live as if we thought He
did"
The farmers sleep was not so sound
that night as usual; thought was too
busy. Not that he was troubled, for
the pleasure that came with minister
ing to his stricken neighbor had gone
too Geep, and filled his heart too
largely to leave room for trouble. He
was thinking out of himself--a rare
experience for Farmer Brill; thinking
of some of his neighbors, and how he
might serve them at little cost to his
boarded substance. 1t was too early
in the new state, upon which he hal
really entered, to count much cost
against himself.
The farmer rose on the next morn
ing feeling like new man. The rest
and comfort of mind hi2h had come
as the reward Of kindness to John
Gardner still remained. Goodwill
to others is rarely satisfied with a
single service. 1t was 50 in this case.
The family Of his sick and helpless
neghbor had other needs than that
of food. lie had seen the half-clal
children, and the wife's worn and
scanty clothing, and the picture re-
mained with him.
Cant you send Mrs. Gardner an
old dress or two?' said Mr.. Brill to
his wife, as they sat at the breakfast
table. She needs them badly. If
you'll make up bundle of things for
her and the children, I'll hitch up
and take them over. You'll know
what they want"
Mrs. Brill was not the woman to
say "No," to suggestion like this
She soon had bundle of clothing
ready for her husband, and off he
went again on an errand of mercy,
with glee and warmth in his bosom
that sent feeling of delight along
every nerve. How cordial were all
the greetings he gave to passing
neighbors He forgot old grudges and
GOODNESS, and drew up his horse more
than once to have a chat with the in
dividuals whom he had passed the
day before with only an indifferent
nod.
He sat for an hour with John
Gardner, talking about old times
both had grown up in the neighbor-
hood--and learned many things he
might have learned before that inter-
ested him deeply about tie life of the
the poor man, and that aroused his
sympathies.
"Don't get down-hearted," were his
parting words, at the close Of his Wis
it. We'll see that you re taken
care of until the doctor drives out
your old maIady."
The greatful looks and tones inI
which the man expressed his thank
f,,]naes lived with the former as