Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1876-05-18

ated, IN making 1t, Dy very powerful motlVes
"Such was the case," said the hermit. "If
my history-a most sad and eventful one
can in any way crafty or profit you in its re-
hearsal, I will relate it to you"
assured him of my anxiety to become &C.
qusinted with it; adding, that I myself was
not unacquainted with trial and adversity.
"Is that, indeed, the case ?" be rejoined, with
a sympathetic and inquiring glance. "There
is, then, link between us-the one created by
suffering, which, perhaps, binds mortals more
closely to each other than anything else;
thoug gh, to Judge from outward appearance, no
one would conjecture that you and I possessed
aught in common" ... ...'
His eyes fell, as if involuntarily, on my fur
lined travelling cloak, q rich and expensive
garment, which I had carelessly cast aside on
the ground, and then reverted to his own
thread.bare clothes. :...
at is true," said T, noticing the glance,
"that have not renounced the outward signs
of prosperity, as you have; but costly dress
and luxurious living are poor consultations for
inward desolation and grief"
"You speak wisely, my son. I see that the
lessons of adversely are not lost upon you,
since you have already discovered the hollow
ness and insuficiency of all worldly pomp and
display. A poor comforter is wealth, when
the heart is stricken, and sorrow smites US
with its rod Poverty, bitter as it tastes, is
wholesome medicine. Solitude, irksome as
worldlings may find it, is sedative to the
passions of our nature, affording opportunity
for reflection, and for making our peace with
God. Therefore, I count myself blest in this
undisturbed communion with my Creator,
upon which have voluntarily entered, and
sigh not to return to the luxury which was
once my portion"
"But surely" said I, "it was not necessary
that you should 80 utterly renounce even the
barest comforts and necessaries oflife. Some
triAing appliances Of usefulness and ease would
somewhat alleviate the hardships of the mode
of existence you have chosen, without dis
tracing your thoughts, or interfering with
your devotions."
ut is wholesome discipline" said the her
NIT. "Once was given to an extravagant
and dissipated mode of living, and am now
striving to atone, in some measure, for the fol-
lies I then committed. I was reckless
spendthrift, Ainging away on my own selfish
pleasures, amusements and dress, sums that
would have afforded hundreds of poor fami-
lies ease and competence for the whole period
of their lives. However, that was not my
worst sin. Would to Heaven that it had been.
Hatred, that most bitter of human passions
revenge, that most fatal of its tsconsequences-
blackened my soul and poisoned the we'll
springs of my life. For sins like these, l can
not too earnestly strive to atone, by humilia-
ton, selfdenial, and constant contemplation
Of nv own unworthiness, joined with unceas-
ing prayer to Him who sees my efforts to
propitiate His deserved wrath, and avert the
punishment which my past offences merit"
He ceased somewhat abruptly, and remain.
ed for considerable time with his eyes fixed
on the ground, apparently lost in meditation.
1t was now quite dark, and only the light of
the Pickering fire outside, but dimly penetra-
ting the recesses of the little hut, revealed the
indistinct outlines of the tall and gaunt form
of my companion, as he stood with bent head
and flowing beard, half coucealing his folded
arms-a venerable, striking figure, forming no
unattractive subject for painters skill.
ut is late," he said, rousing himself pres
emily from his reverie; and taking torch Of
resinous wood from the leafy wall, where it
had been thrust between a forked branch for
safe keeping, be went outside and kindled it
at the fire, replenishing the latter at the same
time with a fresh supply Of dry boughs, of
which there were quantities bestrewing the
ground. Planting the torch at the entrance
of the hut, in such manner as to throw
ruddy and cheerful light on our surroundings,
be assumed lowly position on the ground,
and without preface beyond such as he had
already uttered; at once entered on the rela-
tion of the promised history Of his life.
II was the son of powerful Baron of
wealth and repute, whose ancestors had, for
generations, exercised lordly and undispu-
ted sway over vast extent of land, and its
population simple-minded people, for the
most part, devoted to their rulers, and quite
willing to leave their destinies to their dispo-
sal. Nor was their confidence, as a general
rule, misplaced; for these Barons we're kind
ly and benevolent race, and had nothing Of
petty tyranny or overbearing cruelty in their
natures. This, however, has but little bear
ing on the substance of my story. Suffice it
to say that I came into possession of my es-
tates, on my fathers death, under the most
promising and favorable auspices. My people
welcomed me gladly, as the descendant Of
those who had shown themselves worthy of
their confidence and love. My fortune was
almost unlimited, my friends, as natural
consequence, too numerous to be reckoned,
and the anticipation of bright and happy
career lay before me.
"Though early deprived of my parents,
and scarcely more than youth when this
power was placed in my hands, I might have
worthily fulfilled the duties and requirements
of my high station, had I lent an attentive
ear to the counsels of tried and venerable
friend, long an official of Importance in my
fathers household, who felt warm interest
in me- and earnestly strove to impress upon
me sense of my responsibilities. But giddy
and volatile as I was, deemed myself capa.