The Marietta journal. [volume] (Marietta, Ga.) 1866-1909, 1877-06-29
THE YOUNG MAN-DEATH- THE
THREE MESSENGERS.
BY r. M O.
LFrsm the Sunny Souih.l

their future. He was poor as to
money but had the wealth of good
and strong constitution, and able and
willing hands to work. He was blest
with good mind, and full OF energy
and industry. Sitting in his lap,
was little son, who had not number
ed bis first twelve months. The
young mother was busy with her
needle.
Just then knock was heard at
the door snd cordial and free in
|, vitation given TO come in. A neigh
Dor, thought the young couple. -
But much to their alarm in walked
Death. Fixing his eyes upon the
young man, he said, 10 az authorita-
tive manner:
"Young man, I have come for you
and shall make you citizen Of my
silent kingdom"
"Have mercy ~ exclaimed the
young man. "You have mistaken
the house; you certainly must have
come for my old aud rich neighbor,
whom you have permitted to jour.
ney on life's course over his three
score miles and ten. Go, take him,
spare me !"
Il make no mistakes, / came for
you. | respect neither age, circum-
stances, nor conditions. Come, gov
i Said The young man in the terror
of despair:
Let me reason with you! Let me
plead my case! Hear my petition
| for longer life ! Death said:
Speak on, aud let me hear your
case. do sometimes relent, for
season, at least
Said the young man:
In the first place, | think you
have come too soon for me. ! have
Just started lie and there you sec
my young wife, and here in my lap
our little babe. Would you mako
her widow so soon, and my child
fatherless 7 Who will take care OF
them If you take me away Be-
sides, here is my little home | have
lust bought my prospects 10 life
are fair and inviting (; would you
blight all 10 moment / am young
Id yop aea streee md healthy, pod
1 thought / had good many years
yel ahead Of me; are my hopes to
be thus blasted I Let me live to
mature my plans, and sec my boy
grow up to mans estate, SO that he
will be able to take care of his moth
or and the last, but not least reason
/ / have is this have not made that
preparation | should have made for
| so important a journey as you would
send me on. ! have neglected my
souls great interest, in looking at,
and thinking of my temporal, am
not prepared for you, 0 Death !!
Neither to meet my Creator
! Death arose from his seat, and
said:
Young man, you have stated
your case and condition fairly and
with good reasons; / will leave this
| time without you; but mark me well,
will return at some future day, but
will hear no reasons you must then
90. But before | come again, | will
send you three messengers, each will
| tell you am coming-take care that
| you hood them y
Il will! I will = exclaimed the
young man, Iand thank you for your
kindness in now going, and your
generous consideration 10 sending
me notice.
Time rolled on. The young man
grew to middle age, and in time old
age came upon him. His life had
been a success so far as to the accu-
mutation of wealth and its comforts
and luxuries. Afiluence, children
and grand children had blessed his
declining years.
One pleasant evening, sitting at
his ease and comfort 10 his elegant
home, with little grandson playing
about him, he heard a ring at the
door-bell. Too old and stiff to go to
the door, he called to the visitor to
come in. In stepped Death.
what !! exclaimed the old man,
come so soon r
'Yes,' answered Death, who, eye
ing bis old acquaintance, added: 4
have come for you, as promised
sPromised!' said the old. 'Yes,
you promised to send me three mes
sengers before you yourself would
come in person, and have not seen
one of Them
Il sent them,' said Death, land il
you did not heed them, it was moi
my fault
when did you send your messen-
gers, for have not the faintest re-
collection of their coming = rejoined
the old man.
Il sent them,' answered Death ;
'and if they came quietly and gently
reminded yon in looks and by touch
es, you should have needed their ST.
lent but yet expressive admOnitions.
i Explain YOURSELF said the old
man for do NOT understand. You
talk in riddles or fables
Easily enough DONE said Death.
'When first came, you we're a