The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1878-01-09
A GERMAN STORY.


borders on the Rhine, there is noble castle,
which as you travel on the western bank OF
the river you may see lifting its ancient
towers on the opposite side above the grove
of trees which are about as old as ITSELF
About forty years ago there lived in that
castle noble gentleman, whom we shall call
Baron. The Baron had an only son, who
was not only comfort to bis father, but
blessing to all who lived on his fathers land,
1t happened on a certain occasion, that
this young man being from home, there came
French gentleman to see the old Baron
AS soon as this gentleman came into the cas-
tie, he began to talk of his Heavenly Father
in terms that chilled the old mans blood, on
which the Baron reprOved him, saying, care
you not afraid of offending God, who reigns
above, by speaking in such manner Z
The gentleman said that he knew nothing
about God, for he had never seen him.
The Baron did not notice at this time
what the gentleman said, but the next morn
ing took occasion first to show beautiful
picture which hung on the wall.
"My son drew that picture" said the
Baron.
"Then your son is a very clever man,
replied the gentleman.
Then the Baron went with the visitor into
the garden and showed him many beautiful
flowers and plants.
"Who has the ordering Of the garden ?
said the gentleman.
"My son, replied the Baron; she knows
every plant, may say, from the cedar o
Lebanon to the hyssOp on the wall.
"Indeed," said the gentleman, 81 shall
think very highly of him soon"
The Baron took him into the village, AM
showed him a small neat cottage, where hi
son had established school, and where b
caused all the poor children who had los
their parents to be received and nourishe'
at his own expense.
The children in this house looked so hap
py and innocent that the French gentleman
was very much pleased, and when he return
ed to the castle he said to the Baron;
"What happy man you are to have sue
a good son."
"How do you know | have good son !!
"Bscause 1 have seen his works, and
know he must be both clever and good if b
has done all you have shown me-"
"But you have never seen him"
"No; but know him very well, becaus
l Judge of him by his works.
You do; and please now draw near t
this window and tell me what you ObserV
from hence"
"Why, 1 see the sun travelling thrOug
the sky and shedding its glories over one o
the greatest countries in she world; and
behold mighty river at my feet, and vas
range of woods; and | see pasture grounds
and orchards, aud vineyards, and cattle an
sheep feeding in green fields, and man,
thatched cottages here AID there"
"And do you see anything to be admire
in all this; is there anything pleasant o
lovely or cheerful in all that is spread befor
your"
"DJ you think want common sense! o
that 1 have lost the use of my eyes, m.
friend 2" said the gentleman somewhat an
grily, that 1 should not be able to relisl
the charms of such scene as this ?"
"Well, theu," said the Baron, " if 20,
are able to judge of my sons good characte
by seeing his good works, how does it hsppel
that you form no judgment of the goOdne8
of God, by witnessing such wonders of hi
handiwork as are now before you? Let m
never hear you, my good friend, again sa,,
that you know not God unless you woul
have me suppose that you have not the US
of your senses"