Cheraw gazette. [volume] (Cheraw, S.C.) 1835-1838, 1836-08-30
THE VISIT TO GRANDMoTHER'S.


at is almost sunset" said Helen How
land, as she turned from the window where
she had been watching the beautiful clouds
that fingered in the western sky. SNOW
Maria, let us go and ask papa what we may
do to.morrow-something, he said, for it is
dear mammals birthday" Maria approach.
ed the window. The shadows Of the trees
were lengthening, and twilight was fast COM
inc on. The soft wind Just stirred the
leaves, and scattered the light blossoms of
spring along the green grass that spread It
self beneath the window.
"Now sister, the sun has gone, and father
said he would tell us when it was sunset"
said little Helen; taking her sisters hand
she went in search of Mr.. Rowland. As
they opened the door ofh study they heard
the voice Of their older brother, reading
aloud. They quietly entered and waited for
him TO finish the chapter he had just COM
menced. In clear full toneshe proceeded.
In the day uAen the keepers Of the house
shall tremble. asd the strong msn shall boar
themselves. and the grinders cease because
then are fer. and those that look out Of the
mindon be darkened."
"Father," said Edward, placing his finger
upon the place where he left off reading,
and fixing his eyes with inquiring earnest
ness upon his fathers facc-"Father, never
can understand that verse, nor the rest of
the chapter. 1t says, "1He grasshoppcr
shall become q burden, and desire shaN fail. y
| "WcI, my son, finish reading the chapter
now, and one Of these days I'll explain it TO
you. We arc yet to make arrangements
for tomorrow, and George and Helen are
getting impatient"
"Wen, faher," said George, "whcn you
tell brother Edward about the grasshopper,
want to hear, for they are such little things,
don't see how they they can be burden to
any body"
Iii needless to describe the happiness of
the children as they listened to the arrange
ments for the celebration Of their mother
birthday. The plan was to start early in
the morning for p, and remain week
with their aged grandmother. Nothingcould
have made them happier. Gladness was
in their hears and their faces beamed with
ioy. The sweet, silver moon had faded
away, and the bright stars were glowing in
the heavens long before they could close
their eyes to sleep. Thus is it that in
the happy hours Of childhood every thing
breathes of life and pleasure.
; The week quickly passed. The children
had enjoyed their visit to grandmother more
than they had anticipated. Their hearts
had been continued wellspring of happiness
and the hours had passed away like adream.
"Father, how old is grandmother ?" asked
George, as they were seated inthc carriage,
on their return home.
"Scventy.threc, my SON.
"Fathcr," said Edward, 81 have been
thinking that the chapter | read last Sab
bath evening, must mean something about
old age. Can't YOU explain it to me nooc %
"Oh, father" said George, "do wait till
we come to that long hill, and then we can
all hear"
"The chapter" said Mr.. Rowland" as
after they reached the foot of the hill, he
turned his head around and smiled upon
the listening group, "The chapter is intend
ed to describe the decays and iniirmities of
old age. It's beautifully done in Ggura-
tive language. Solomon has been deliver
ing a. sermon. The text is, VANITY Of
Vanitics, all is vanity He closes it with
an exhorsation to young people, to rcmem-
Der their Creator in the days Of their youth,
and enforces his exhortation with arguments
taken from the sutferings, calamities and
sorrows of old age. He says, Remember
thy Creator now a,ov uhile the sun or the
light, or tie stars be not darkened.' You
remember what dear grandmother said when
you were looking at the moon last even
ing"
"Oyes, papa they said. "Your young
eyes see beautiful things that are dim to
me"