Staunton spectator and vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1896-1916, 1904-06-17
THE STORY OF THE PRoOIsAL SONS.

There were prodigal sons in Rich
mond last week, they came from vari
Gus quarters aud we're very hungry
those sons who had taken journey
into far country, and there wasted
their substance in riotOus living, and
when they had spent all, there arose a
mighty famine in that land, and they
began to be in want. and when an.
hungered went and joined themselves
unto a man in that country, and he
sent them into his fields to feed swine.
and they fain did fill their bellies with
the husks that the swine did eat, and
no man gave unto them. So they said
we will arise and 60 unto our father
and say father we have done thee and
thy household great honor since we de-
parted hence, and we are come to tell
thee of it, that ye may rejoice with US.
And whilst they were yet a great way
off their father saw them and had com
passion on them, and ran and fell up.
on their necks and kissed them, and
they said father we have done a great
work In thy behalf, we have saved
thee and thy household from eyerlast
ing ruin and disgrace. And when
their father had heard Of these things
that they had done he was very CRATE
full and fell upon their necks again
and wept over them and kissed them,
and said unto each, How worthy to
be called my son. Then their father
said unto bis servants, Bring forth
the best robe and put it on them and
put a ring on their hand and shoes on
their feet, and bring forth the fatted
calf and kill it, and let us eat, drink,
and he merry, for verify they are much
anhungered. These my sons whom
mourned as dead, are alive again, they
whom thought we're lost are found
and they ell made merry.
Now there were other sons who were
working in their rather's field, and who
had gone not astray, and as they drew
nigh to the house they heard the music
and dancing, and they called to one of
the servants and asked him what thes'
things meant. And he said unto them
thy brothers have come and thy father
hath killed the fatted calf, because h,
hath received them safe, and sound
And they were angry and would not g
in, therefore came their father GU
and entr Gated them, and they answer
ing said, LO these many years have VI
served thee, neither trangressed we a
any time thy commandment, and ye
thou never gavest us even so much a
kid that we might make merry will
our friends. but as soon as these tn
sons were come which have deYOuret
thy substance with harlots, and lef
thee and us impoverished. and to labO
because of their faithlessness, thel
| thou hast killed the fatted calf. Ant
they were very Wroth. But their fathe
answering said, know ye not that thes
my sons who went away have impart
ed to me how that they have greatl
honored our household by their going
WOt We not that our household blu
for this would have been dishOnoret
in the sight of heaven and among men
They have returned to bring us tn
glad tidings, and it is meet that W,
should make merry and rejoice, toda,
l have killed the fatted calf, today
have given them all that l possess
When they have exhausted this they
will go hence again and we shall SCI
them no more. Go thou in and salut.
them with kiss. and make as merry
as ye can. And they all went in ani
fell before their brethren and kissed
them and there was harmony anG
great joy.