The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1886-11-27

the worthy pair, and, by courtesy to the
stranger, my partner and myself occu-
pied the other end. Right and left of us,
the other members of the family we're
seated; and 1 noticed vacant chair and
plate about midway on the side next
the father. My partner softly whispered
to me, that the vacancy was left for her
absent brother; and before I had time to
made an inquiry, the venerable patriarch
thus spake:
"Our worthy Chief Magistrate has rec
commended us to set apart this day as a
special season for thanksgiving, praise and
prayer; and our duty as good citizens to
comply, is in harmony with our duty as
Christian people. And hope our hearts
may be suitably impressed by the bless
ings of the Lord, to return him our hearty
thanks for all his mercies, and to implore
continuance of his divine benediction."
cannot give faithful sketch of the
Thanksgiving and prayer that ensued. 1t
was indeed melting--eo simple in it's die
ton so fervent in its expression-and
withal SO brief. Every heart was touch
ed; especially, when the full soul of the
father was vented in prayer for the ref
ormation and return of his prodigal son
"Thou seest, o Lordl that chair and
plate are here for him; and thou know
est, great Godl that our hearts and arms
are open to receive him." So affecting
was the scene, that 1 freely wept; and
none more fervently responded amen,
than did the invited guest.
After moments pause, carving was
silently commenced in several places
around the table, my own included--but
the operation was suddenly suspended
by the inquiry of little granddaughter.
"Gran' papa" said she. "why didn't you
pray for Uncle John as we'll as for Uucle
William? You prayed for them both last
Thanksgiving" A food Of tears was the
only reply. won't he come home from
help" she continued. In an instant I
understood the whole story. John and
William were both hayward sons; the
latter was still in the land of the living;
the former had departed to the undiscov-
cred country; and his simple hearted
niece had been told that he was in hell!
"Can't he come homer" she eagerly in
quired.
% ye who yearn so fondly over the
quick! have ye no sympathy for the dead?
nay, for the quick who would but cannot
die? Be seated at the feet of that little
child, and listen to the pure language of
divine humanity Smother not the flame:
it was lit by coal from heavens own
altarl Quench not the spirit 1t is the
breathing Of the living God! Will ye
pray for the prodigaPs return from earth's
wild waste to the Thanksgiving of an
earthly home, and not pray that your own
erring child may be brought from the
world of woe to the Thanksgiving in the
home above? Verify, I say unto you,
your creed may seal your hp--but in the
heart ye pray, nevertheless. Nay, ye pray
not: it is the spirit that maketh interces-
sion with groanings that cannot be ut
tered. And shall there be also an an
swer? Yes, an answer also; and it shall
be the answer of the Lamb of God!
My dear grand daughter" said
the old man, with tremulous voice, 1--WE
hope Uncle John is enjoying better
Thanksgiving than this"
"Have they any Thanksgiving in help"
said the little girl.
"My child, we hope your uncle is in
heaven" replied the grandfather, greatly
agitsted.
1 heartily desired that the conversation
on that subject might here be closed; but
the child, in all simplicity, subjoined, my
Supday-school teacher told me that Uncle
John died without change of heart, and
that he is in hell"
Answer me, ye believers in a par
tial salvation: The iron which entered
the soul of that venerable man and all his
adult kindred was it not forged on your
own anvil, and pointed with the serpent's
tooth by your own hands?-
"Perhaps he did-perhaps he is: we
hope he did Motive hope he is not
replied the aged sire in brokenness OF
voice, and greater brokenness of spirit.
The scene was too painful for me, and
said to the innocent cause thereof, "My
little sister, our Father in heaven loved
your Uncle John better than your grand
father ever did; and he is great deal
more merciful. You believe your grand
father would bring your uncle to the
heavenly Thanksgiving, if he could; and
you may be sure our Father in Heaven
will not do less.'
Immediately introduced another SUBJ
iect, and exerting my colloquial powers
to the utmost, succeeded in diverting the
attention of the family from the mournful
topic. They saw my object, and did
not need words to be assured Of their
gratitude. A chastened pleasure was en-.
joyed by the whole company: and at the
close of the meal, my host invited me to
return thanks. 1t was Thanksgiving
unmingled with tears, and we retired to
the sitting room in joyousness Of spirit
unfelt for the preceding hour.
The circumstances detailed, had evil
IDENTIFY been forgotten by the children;
for in the free hilarity of the day, they
aoov, ha0an THAR wonfad nranka- and +