The weekly Floridian. [volume] (Tallahassee, Fla.) 1867-19??, 1884-01-22
From the Sunny Southl
THE YOUNG MAN-DEATH-TM
THREE MESSEN(sERS
BY X. M. o.


One evening, says the allegory, young
man was sitting in his little cottage, talk
ing with his wife as to their future He
was poor as to money, but had the wealth
OF a good and strong constitution, and
able and willing hands to work He was
blest with a good mind, and full Of energy
and industry. Sitting in his lap was his
little son who hal not numbered his first
twelve months. The young mother was
busy with her needle. just then knock
was heard at the front door, and cordial
and free invitation was given to come in.
A neighbor, thought the young couple.
But much to their alarm in walked Death.
Fixing his eyes upon the young man, he
said, i'll An authoritative manner:
Young man, have come for you,
and shall make you citizen of my silent
kingdom" :"
"IIave mercy +" exclaimed the young
man. < on have mistaken the house
and certainly must have come for my old
and rich neighbor whom you have per
mitted to journey on lite's course over his
threescore years and ten. Go take him.
and spare me !"
make no mistakes, came for you.
L respect neither age, circumstances, nor
conditions. Come, go!"
Said the young man in terror Of de-
spair:
Let me reason with you. Let me
plead my case. Hear my petition for a
longer life''
Death said:
"Speak on, and 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
life, and there you see my young wife,
and here in my lap our little babe. Would
you make her widow so soon, and my
babe fatherless? Besides, here is nv lit
tie home | have just bought my pros
poets in life are fair and inviting, would
you blight all in moment am young,
strong, and healthy, and | thought had
good many years yet ahead of me; are
my hopes to be thus blasted? Let me
live to mature my plans, and see my boy
grow up to mans estate, so that he will
be able to take care of his mother; and
the last, but not least reason have is this
have not made that preparation
should have made for 80 important jour
neY as you would send me on. have
neglected my souls greatest interest in
looking at and thinking Of my temporal.
am unprepared for you, O Death
Neither to meet my Creator
Death arose from where he sat, 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 we'll, l will return at
some future day, but will hear no reasons
you must then go. But before | come
again l will send you three messengers,
each will tell you l am coming-take care
that you heed them"
81 will l will !" exclaimed the young
man, "and thank you for your kindness
in now going, and your generous consid-
Grafton in 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 80
far as to the accumulation of wealth and
in comfort and luxury. Atfiuence, chill
dren and grandchildren had blessed his
declining years.
One pleasant evening, sitting at his
ease and comfort in his elegant home,
with little grandson playing about him
he heard ring at the door-bell. Too
old and stiff to 60 to the door, he
called the visitor to come in. In stepped
Death.
What - exclaimed the old man,
come so soon ?"
eyes," answered Death, who cycling
his old acquaintance, added: Il have
come for you, as promised"
"Promised - said the old man. Yes,
you promised to warn me beforehand by
sending me three messengers before you
yourself would come in person and l have
not seen one of them"
81 sent them," said Death, and il
you did not heed them, it was not my
fault"
"When did you send your messengers
for l have not the faintest recollection ot
their coming?" rejoined the old man.
C. sent them," answered Death "and
if they came quietly, and gently reminded
you in looks and touches, you should
have needed their silent but yet expires
! sive admonitions."