Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1842-06-10
Il thought she did not appear well, as my

eye fell upon her occasionally, the minister
added. But she is one of the best Of wo-
men, and suppose she is undergoing some
sore temptation, out of which she will come
as gold tried in the fire.
Il don't know broke in Mrs. Tomkins,
who was among the visiters, that she is so
much better than other people. For my
part can't say that ever found her to be
any thing extra
You do not Judge of her kindly. Mrs.
Tonlkins,' said the minister gravely. Il
only wish that all my parish were as good
as she is; should feel, in that case,
| am sure, far less concern for souls than /
do.
Thus rebuked, Mrs. Tomkns contented
herself by saying, in an under tone, TO one
who sat near her
They may say what they please, but l
know enough of her to know that she is no
better than other people,.
Thus the conversation and the conf lectures
went round, while the subject of them sat in
solitude and sadness in her own chamber.
Finally, the minister said that he would call
in and have some conversation with her on
the next day, as he had no doubt that there
was some trouble on her mind, and it might
be in his power to relieve it.
Monday morning came at last, and Aunt
Mary proceeded, though with but little inter-
est IN her occupation, to do over preserves.
She found them in state that gave her little
hope of being able to restore them TO any
thing like their original flavor. But the tri-
al must be made, and so she filled her kettle
as full as requisite of a particular kind, and
hung it over slow fire. This had hardly
been done, when Hannah came in and said
'As live, Mrs. Pierce, there is the min
lister coming up the walk
And sure enough, on gancing out, she
saw the minister almost at the door step.
BLESS me = she exclaimed, and then hur-
ried into her little parlor, to await the knock
Of her unexpected vislter. AT almost any
other time, a visit from the minister would
have been delightful. But now, poor Aun
Mary felt as if she would as soon lave seen
any one else.
The knock came in moment, and after a
pause, the door was opened.
How do you do, Aunt Mary am very
glad 10 see YOU the minister said, extending
his hand.
Aunt Mary looked troubled and confused !;
but she received him in the best way she
could. Still her manner embarrassed them
both. Alter few leading observations, the
minister at length said
You seem troubled, Aunt Mary. Can
any thing that might say, relieve the pain
of mind you evidently feell
The tears came into Aunt Mary's eyes,
but she could not venture to reply. The
minister observed her emotion, and also the
meek expression of her countenance.
| Do not vex yourself unnecessarily he
said. If any thing has gone wrong with
you, deal frankly with your minister. You
know that am ever ready to counsel and
advise
Il know it, Aunt Mary said, and her
voice trembed-'And need much your d.
rection. Yet hardly know how TO tell you
my troubles. One thing. however, is GER
tain, that have done wrong. But how to
mend that wrong know not, while there ex-
20, -" """'''inuncss on my part TO correct
'You must shun evil as SIM the minister
remarked, in a serious tone.
Il know that, and it is for that reason that
| am troubled ; have unkind thoughts, and
kind thoughts away
, For moment the minister sat silent, and
, then looking up with smile, said
Come, Aunt Mary, be open and frank
r Tell me all the particulars of your troubles,
! and then am sure l can help you
Aunt Mary, in turn, sat silent and thought
full for short period, and then raising her
= head, she proceeded to relate her troubles
She told him how much she had been tried
. year after year, during the preserving season
D by the neighbors who had borrowed the pre-
serving kettle. ltwas the best in the village
and she took pride in it, but she could have
: no satisfaction in its possession. 1t was al.
ways going, and never returned in good or.
r der. She then frankly related how she had
a been tried by Mrs. Tomkins, and how near.
: ly all OF her preserves were spoiled, because
t she could not get home her kettle. How the
: unkind feelings that had suddenly sprung ur
e between them in consequence had troubled
her, and even caused her to abstain, under
J. Conscientious scruples, from the communion
v The minister's heart felt lighter in his DO.
som, as she concluded her simple narrative
o and smiling cncouragingly, he said
Don't let 1t trouble you, Aunt Mary; j
o will all come right again. You have Ger.
'ainly been treated very badly, and l dom
y wonder, at all, that your feelings were tried.
d But what shall do 2 asked Aunt Mary
Y eagerly. Il feel very much troubled ant
am very anxious to have all unkindness don,
away
DO you think you can forgive Mrs. Tom
: kins =
C %, yes. She has not acted kindly, bu.
: can forgive her from my heart
Then you might call over and see her
IS and explain the whole matter to her. | an
sure that all difficulties will end there
IT i will 20 this day. Aunt Mary SAID, reso
d lutely, under the impulse which her minis
ter's advice had given her.
!. Then all will he we'll again. he said, en-
d couragngly.
d The minister sat short time longer, AM
o then went away. He had no sooner gone
Than Aunt Mary put on her things, and wen