, 1878-05-03
Peletiah Perritt's Youthful Catas,
tr0phe.

Our misfortunes are sometimes angels
in disguise, but they are not always thus
apparelled. Tranquility under atfliction
cannot be commanded in every event Of
life, however necessary it may be on all
occasions to strive after that equanimity
which becomes man or woman, no mat
ter how severe the present trial of pa
tience and fortitude. Listen to the un
happy story of Peletiah, son Of Orrin K.
Perrtt of South Litteton, as related by
himself:
In the remembrance of some sorrows,
whatever the duration of life, we never
outgrow ourselves. Whenever tempt
to recall the incidents in my somewhat
exceptional career, one particular day of
my existence rises up before me, and
will not be forgotten, or even lightened
of its burden of pain. With shame and
confusion lock back on the past for
one terrible day Of gloom overshadows
my career and obscures the sunny hours
which in the course of nature come at
intervals to every male and female de-
scendant Of Alan. can think with
calmness, even with indifference, of many
sad circumstances that have befalcn nv
lot--circumstances full of peril and hor-
ror-but that particular disaster to which
! refer has blotted out all feeling with
regard to other scenes, that might, dis.
connected from my grand catastrophe,
have darkened lifetime. Oh that
had died young while yet stranger to
public modification; a modification to
embrace the strongest nerves, and make
the stoutest courage quail"
The day of my calamity, forty years
ago, dawned like many another day in
ripe October. The morning that ush-
cred in the Sunday on which was to
suffer was one of radiant loveliness, and
the trees seemed hanging out their banners
as | walked along alone to our modest
little house of worship in the country, all
of beauty. How we'll recall the scene
of surprising brilliancy on that gorgeous
autumn morning! l had started early,
that l might move slowly over the road,
and, allured by the splendid lights and
shadows, made detour of over mile
beyond the church, in the direction of a
beautiful hill.side,on one of whose slopes
resided my fathers lifelong friend,
"Colonel Bijah Peabody" as he was uni
versally denominated in that part of the
country.
The colonel was standing by his gar
den gate, enjoying the still security of
that peaceful Sunday morning. His
pipe rested between his lips, aud emitted
only at moderate intervals gentle puff
of smoke. Seeing me approaching from
the woody roadside, he looked hearty
welcome, and exclaimed:
"Glad to see ye, Peletiah! How is
your father and all the folks to homer"
answered his inquiry, and declined
his earnest invitation to "walk in" as |
was hurryiDg to the meeting house for
morning service.
SWELL" said the old man, "the least We
can do is to take long couple bottles Of
my best cider to your father, who is laid
up to home with rheumatizum."
Now if there was one liquid in the
world that father hankered after when
he did not feel "exactly smart" it was
the colonel's bottled cider in October,
for he said "Peabody's was better than
his'n or anybody elSe's cider in the whole
country"
At first | hesitated about taking along
the delectable fluid, for should have to
convey it in my coat-tail pockets to
church with me, and elude, as best |
might, the vigilant eyes of Deacon Tread
we'll and old Miss Patience Libby, both
OF whom sat in full sight of our pew.
However, when the colonel, who saw
my reluctant reponse to his invitation,
exclaimed, "Don't be proud, Peletiah "
hastily pocketed the cider, and think.
ing Of fathers prospective delight at din
ner time, moved forward with alacrity
over the hillside to meeting.
The bell bad ceased toIling when I ar.
rived at the door, but | waited outside
until after the first prayer" and then
glided noiselessly on my toes into our
family pew. My brother and sister had
already taken their seats, leaving nv
place unoccupied against my arrival.
Mother remained at home TO keep our
dear old father company in his suffering,