Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1842-06-10


Why, there she had her mamlct on the fire
boiling away, and said we couldn't have the
kettle. But | told her you must have it,
That your preserves were nearly all spoiled
now, just because you couldn't get your own
kettle. o, hut didn't she boil over then
And so she told Sally to pour the mamlet
into the slop barrel, as il would all be spoil
ed, any how, by your unneighborly treat
ment of her.
Poor Aunt Mary was dreadfully griovcd
at this. She loved the good opinion of her
neighbors, and it always gave her pleasure
to oblige them. But, in this case, she had
been tried beyond endurance. She had lit
tie heart now, TO touch her preserves, and so
went off to her chamber, and set down, over
come by painful feelings.
In the meantime, Hannah went TO work,
aud by dint Of half an hours hard securing,
got the kettle 10 look something like itself.
She then went up, and told Aunt Mary that
every thing was now ready for doing the pre-
serves over again.
Il reckon we'll not boil 'em over to-day,
Hannah she replied. It's Saturday, and
you've got good deal of cleaning to do, and
| don't feel much like touching them. The
preserves won't get much worse by Mon
day.
Hannah, who understood her mistress
feelings, and sympathised with her, because
she loved her, did not urge the matter, but
at once withdrew and left Aunt Mary to ncr
own unpleasant reflections.
1t so happened, that the mex, day, was the
Communion Sabbath, and this fact had at
once occurred to Aunt Mary, when Hannah
repeated the words of Mrs Tomkins and sta
ted that she was very angry. Mrs Tomkins
was IA member and commitment of the same
Church with her. After sitting thoughtful
in her chamber, for some time, Aunt Mary
took up the Communion service, and COM
mcnccd reading ii. When she came to the
words, 'Ic who do truly and earnestly re-
pcnt of your sins, and arc IN lore and char
ity miM yor neiehbors,' &c.-shc paused
and sat thoughtful and troubled for some
time.
| 'Am in love and charity with my neigh
bors" she at length asked herself, aloud,
drawing IA heavy sigh.
'No, am not was the mental response.
| Mrs Tomhins is angry witch me, and am
sure do not feel right towards her.
During all that afternoon, Aunt Mary re-
manned in her chamber, in deep communion
with herself. For the last twenty years, she
had never, on single occasion, staid away
from the Lords table bnt now she felt that
she dared not 90 forward, for she was not in
love and charity with her ncighhors, and the
injunction was explicit. Night came, and.
at the usual hour, she retired, but not to
sleep the sweet refreshing sleep that usually
locked up her senses. Her thoughts were
so active and troubled, that she could
not sink away into quiet sumber
Until long after midnight.--ln the morning
she felt no better, and as church time APP
preached, her heart beat more heavily in her
bosom. Finally the nine O'Clock bell rang,
and every stroke seemed like knclI. At
last the hour of assembling came, and Aunt
Mary, cast down in heart, repaired to the
Meeting House. The pew of Mrs. Tom
kins was ust in front of Aunt Mary's, but
TIA; lady did not turn round and smile and
give Ter hand as usual whom ol.e entered.
All this Aunt Mary felt.
In due time the services commenced, and
regularly progressed TO their conclusion, the
Minister preaching very close SERMON
! The solemn, and impressive communion SER
vice followed, and then the members went
up to partlke of the sacred emblems. But
Aun, Mary did no, 90 up as usual to partake
fthe sacred emblems. No, Aunt Mary
could not 90 up as usual. She could not
for she was not in love and charity with her
neghbors. This was noticed by many, and
particularly by the Minister, who fingered
after all had successfully approached the la
BILE and retired, repeating his invitation while
his eye was fixed upon Aunt Mary.
what can be the matterl' asked Mrs
Peabody, of Mrs. Beebc, the moment she
got outside of the church door. Aunt Ma
ny didn't 90 up
Indeed! 1t can't be possible, certain
lyr
yes, but it is. For sat just behind he,
all the time. She seemed very uneasy, aut
tho, troubled. She hardly looked up du.
ring the sermon, and hurried away, without
speaking to any one, as soon as the con.
grogaion was dismissed. What can be the
matter!
1T is strange, indeed = responded Mrs
Green, who came up while Mrs. Peabod,
was speaking.
Il took notice myself that she did not &c
up
Il wonder if she has done any lhint
wrong 2 asked a listener.
Aunt Mary do any thing wrong! Why
how you talk = Mrs. Peabody said. 'I't
as soon suspect tic Minister Of doing an,
thing wrong.
Then what can be the maiter!'
Il would give any thing to know
Something is wrong, that is certain re-
marked one of the little crowd, for tn,
group oftwo or three, had sweled to as ma
ny dozens.
Many and strange were the suggestion
made in reference to Aunt Mary's conduct
and before Sabbath evening, there was no
one Of the members that did not know an,
wonder at her strange omission.
After Aunt Mary returned from church
she felt even worse than before. A sacre,
privilege had been deliberately omitted, an,
all because she had permitted unkindness t.
| spring up betwe, n herself and neighbor.
And vet how could help il she argued