They parted on the morrow, though that separation was the nearest
approach of their lives; for they were united by a truth which is ever
the essence of a divine union. Many years passed by. The hair of the
father grew whiter, and his ears longed to hear the voices of his sons,
yet he would not call, in word or feeling, so long as the busy throng was
receiving or giving them life.
One evening, when his thoughts were taking a somewhat pensive turn,
a messenger came to his door with a letter from the long-absent and
eldest, who had not returned to his home since the day of his departure.
Its words were these:--
"Dear Father,--I cannot come to the home I love so well, nor to
your side, while this land is so full of need of human words and deeds.
With your blessing I shall remain here my lifetime; and when age comes
on, and I can no longer serve the people, may I return?"
The tears fell over the good man's face. God had blessed him greatly
in bestowing on him so worthy a son; and he penned warm and glowing
words of encouragement to his child, and sent by the messenger, with
gold to alleviate the wants of the needy.
"Tell him a thousand blessings await him when his work is done," said
he to the messenger as the latter mounted his horse to ride away.
Long after, when the father grew old and helpless, the sons returned
laden with rich experiences and abundantly able to care for him.
They had learned the great and valuable lesson that all must learn ere
they truly live,--that we must give to receive, sow if we would reap,
and lose our life to find it.
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