Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1889-11-26
MISCELLANE EOUS.
IFor the Spirit of Jefferson
A Thanksgiving Story.


1t was Monday morning before Thanksgiv-
ing, Anna Ray sat in her pleasant sitting
room, surrounded by every luxury and COM
fort, bright fre burning in An open CRATE,
the soft carpets aud draperies lending an air
of comfort to the room, which was in strong
contrast to the gloomy weather without.
She had an open book iu her hand, but her
eyes were not on its pages, she sat gazing out
ct the falling rain apparently lost in deep
study.
This morning she had thought to spend in
the pleasant task of buying her winters outfit.
It had always been her custom to make her
purchases just prior to Thanksgiving, and
wear them for the first time on that day, but
she had never feltso unwilling as on this occa-
sion to replenish her already elegant wardrobe,
Perhaps the gloomy weather had depressed
her spirits. or more likely her comfortable sur
roundings made her feel 10th to venture out in
the cold rain.
Anna had attended church on Sunday, and
the sermon OF the Rev. DR.. P. Cher pastor) had
opened before her a train of thought which
had never sefa ore entered her mind, she felt
thIt she had iSd = lelLi8 IIl9. ma "a Il b
should deuy herself and in some measure atone
for the past. The sermon was preparatory to
! 4uauhegINluS. lGANtNhClA IEOul luG WORDS
of our Saviour, found in the 5th chapter OF
Mark and last clause of 39th verse: WHO
touched my clothes ~ The Rev. DIR. had one
attentive listener at least. this rainy Sab
bath morning. The application of the text
affected Anna differently from any sermon she
had ever listened to before.
He spoke of our Saviours unselash nature,
how we, as christians, in trying to follow his
example. should give of onr means, our time,
and energies to his cause, not what we can
give without feeling the loEs, but by denying
ourselves. Give of our bounty to the poor.
make glad the hearts of the needy and dis
tressed-
Never before had Anna heard her pastor
preach SO plainly. He was q good man, and
attended strictly to his church duties. He was,
without realizing the fact, aristocratic, aud
though ne aud his family always had time to
attend the many evening entertainments and
sociables given TO ''their set" (of which Anna
was one of the number), yet he seldom found
the opportunity to visit the poorer members OF
his charge, unless they were sick, aud then lie
felt he had discharged bis holy duty in guild.
ing the sick how to die. Many of his charge
he had not visited in years, for as the desire
aud duty were not apparent, the Opportunity
was lacking.
Auna's father was also christian of this
stamp. He attended church regularly, gave
to all the charities their church called for, was
honest and upright aid well satisfied with his
condition officer in the church.
He had brought Anna up Cher mother having
died in her infancy to know and love her Sa-
viour, and at the age of fourteen she had be
come consistent member of the church, SC
far as she realized her duty, and until the ser.
mon of yesterday had been satisfied with her
religion.
Her dearest friend and companion at school
Mary Hart, Joined the church at the same time
and until some time after Mary's marriage u
Charley Green they were intimate friends
Mr. Green was Il good Christian aud a sue
cessful business man, but he met with heavy
losses. which not only swept his business from
him, but reduced his family to the verge o.
want
Mary never lost her faith and trust in hel
Savior, but when her husband was taken from
her she felt that the loss was more than sh,
could bear; yet her faith was bright, aud witt
nothing left to her but her darling boy, fiyr
years old, she had taken up the burden of lif
and had succeeded in providing for their wants
Anna had visited her once or twice since he
troubles, and had asked If she could be of an,
service to her; this she thought then to be tn,
whole of her duty, sG the difference in thei
circumstances now rendered any intimacy on
of the question.
On Sabbath morning. though the rain poured
Nary was. as usual. at church. She had Ion,
ago given up her pew, and though she now oc
cupied q free pew, she felt that she was in he
Fathers house.
, Anna had glanced back and saw Mary's un
usual pale face, nearly hidden beneath he
black veil She had no: spoken to her a
church for long time; in fact, the Rev. Dl
in his remarks years before had SO discoun
teuanced church greetings, that the whole cor
gregation now as by tacit consent passed fror
the church ofttimes without even a nod of r,
coguition to aug one.
; This morning Mary's face came between he
! plans. She felt how utterly selfish she was liz
r ing. aud wondered how she had ever been d,
: ccived aud blinded so long. But the voice {
! the temptor came, and for the time stiIled he
! conscience. Why should she deprive herse
b for others who had no claims on her bounty
She gave oher church, and that was her who
duty.
5 She was soon equipped for the street, an
sitter short walk neared the establishment {