The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1845-01-27
Youths Department,
blowers for Children

seemed TO look into the very depths Of his soul Al
last, he in site Of the Father House. The light
Of blazing fire streaming through tho shutters
and the sound Of tho blind mans flute flowed through
the evening air, like angels voice. Wolrgang
sped hafopen shutter, and crePt timidly up, and
looked in well he could through tho frosty win
dow pane, The children all around the flute
player and two Of tho very little dancing,
The teacher stood among them, aud played with
ianets. Presently, tho Mother came in. lie could
not hear what she said, but they all began to jump
and caper, and he guessed she had called them to
come and look At their Chr-tmos-tree.
'lie guessed right They all ran after the good
Mother and Gertrude, as she passed the window,
saw face peeping in. Sho started at first, but I'M.
mediaely rose the joyous cry, 'Wogang is come :
WolrgNng is at the window' clio has done very
wrong 70 stay so long in the city, and give much
uneasness' said the teacher; but we will welcome
him home. Let Gertrude go out and invite him in,
Tor she first led him to the Fnther-Iouse. The lit
tie girl went out, much satisfied with her mission
She did not come back soon, and Heinrich sent
for her. Presently they returned, and Gertrude said,
'Wolfgnng will not come in. Ilo says ho wants to
the Mother. When asked him about my bask-
ct no did nothing but cry Tho Mother immediate
~ out, saying, 'Wnt little for the Christmas
tree, my children. | will bring Wolrgang in
When the rcpNntant child saw the kind friend
ing toward him, he dropped on his knees trembling
and weeping, and said, oh, Mother have spent all
their money, and drank gin, and doubled up my fist
10 Eight; and dare not go in to hear them sing the
Christmas hymn This is sad, indeed, my child
replied the mother; 'bu you repent, and repentance
always brings peace. Come in, and tell the whole
story frankly As they oil sent baskets by YOU they
all have a right TO know what you have done with
the money u cannot, cannot, said Worgang;
'they will never forgive me. They have already for
given much !And therefore forgive MORE
said the Mother 'come with me- She put his arm
within hers s led him in. But he shrank behind her,
abnshed, and stood gazing on the floor, until she
whispered in his ear MY son, Is it not right con-
Tess what you have done?'
Then, with many tears, Wolfgang told how he
went away with good resolutions; how boys,
as bad he to be, tempted him, and how he had
boon weak enough to yield though he knew it was
wrong. q have given them all your money said he,
'but will not buy my Gute and will work every
minute ocmy play hours, till | enough to pay
you
When he had finished his story, the Father said
well, my children, what ought to DO done to Wolf
ganga. There silence for II moment. Then
little Gertrude said, The Chrst-chld would forgive
him and shall we forgive nim2' asked the Moth
They all held up their hands. 'And now said
the Father I'VE will go to tho Christmas tree, and
sing the Christmas hymn. Come, Woifgang, we are
glad to have your voice tonight The once rude |
boy was now gentle lamb. lie covered his |
face with his hands, aud said ooh, Father, am not
worthy to sing the Christmas hymn Then sing it |
that you may become worthy, my SON. replied the |
good teacher
'rhe Mother opened the wide doors of the dining |
room and there stood the Christmas-tree in blaze
of light, with ribbons and wreaths, and the smiling
angel image. Some Of the children nestled close to
the mothers side, and privately put little presents in
her hand, and sad Please, mother hang those on the
tree for WoIfgang.' And the Mother smiled and |
blessed them for their love.
'When they sang the Christmas hymn that night, |
Wofgang's clear voice sounded distinct and strong; |
but when they to the that told how Jesus
forgave all injury, and turned good for evil, his
voice quvered, and SILENT
Few persons could be induced to trust boy, how
affectionaely they might treat him in other re-
spects who had thus abused the confidence reposed
IN him. Most people woald say. He can never |
be reformed his evil habits too strongly fixed
er 10 be eradlcated' Not so, however, reasoned |
the teachers. They saw that to con6de in him was
the only means of Strengthening him in his vrtuous
resolutions, while the opposite course would leave
him to sink in hopeless degradation How well they
Judged let the conclusion OF the story show for ITSELF
'When they about TO part FOR the the night
the Father said, NOW, my children, have some
thing to propose to you In few days. we must
send some more baskets to Hamburger Let US send
them by Wolfgang that he may see we trust him
entirely lie must learn TO meet temptation and re-
sst it. ooh, yes, will trust him! we will trust
himn shouted many voices
Tho offender dropped on his knees, but the teach
said, Not to me my child; not to me- Kneel be-
fore your Father in Heaven, who makcth his sun TO
shine alike on the evil and the good.' He kissed
his forehead, and the mother led him to a room apart,
There she laid his head her bosom, and talked to
him afeconately of his mother, and of his little
sister that died. She told him tina, through tempta
ton, and struggle, bad men become good, and good
men had become angels. She read to him some of
the blessed words of Jesus and they knet down and
prayed together for forgiveness and strength In those
sacred honrs of love and nraver ihc angals mama