THE JEW AND HIS DAUGHTER.
A Jew came to this country from London, many years ago, and brought
with him all his property. He had a lovely daughter of seventeen; with
her he settled in a charming retreat on the fruitful banks of the
Ohio, in the Western part of Virginia. He had buried his wife before
he left Europe, and he knew no comfort but the company of his beloved
daughter. She possessed an amiable disposition, and was well educated;
she cou
d speak several languages, and her manner pleased all who knew
her. Being a Jew, he brought up his daughter in the strictest
principles of his faith.
It was not long after that his daughter was taken sick. The rose faded
from her cheek, her strength failed, and it was certain that she could
not live long. Her father was deeply affected. He tried to talk with
her, but could seldom speak without weeping. He spared no expense to
have her get well. One day he was walking in the wood near his house
when he was sent for by his dying daughter. With a heavy heart he
entered the door of her room, and he saw that he was now to take the
last farewell of his daughter.
"My father," said the child, "do you love me?" "Yes," he replied, "you
know that I love you." "I know, father, you have ever loved me. You
have been a kind father, and I tenderly love you. Grant me my dying
request."
"What is it, my child? ask what you will, though it take every
farthing of my property, it shall be granted. I _will grant_ your
request."
"My dear father, I now beg of you never again to speak lightly of
Jesus of Nazareth; I know that he is a Saviour, and that he has made
himself known to me, since I have been sick, even for the salvation of
my soul. I entreat you to obtain a Testament that tells of him and
that you may bestow on him the love that was formerly _mine_." She now
ceased speaking, her father left the room, when her soul took its
flight to God who gave it. After her decease the parent purchased a
Testament and read about Jesus of Nazareth, and is now a devoted
Christian. Good children may be made blessings to their parents and
friends.