Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1846-04-09

lloluP ClDiuellCb, Wltll TWO noble Gins stan
ding on each side, whose broad and lofty branches
had well nigh concealed it from the view of the
passing traveller The Jessamine and Clematis
cung gracefully to its sides, while the white and
danask roseb bushes, with the sweet-brar sent their
fragrance into the little parlor window which they
beautifully shaded with their many intertwinings.
In front Of the cottage, and neatly fenced from the
road, was "the flower garden" the pride and de-
light of them all, from father down to little Hattie
sweet prattler Of three years. 1t had been cult
waited with the greatest care, and did indeed merit
well the praises that were showered upon it. though
they fell from partial lips From the stately Dab
liza, rearing its proud head far above its sisters to
the sweet little Heart's-E Ease, more beautiful in its
humllity-all bore evidence to the refined taste of
our little gardeners Back of the house was a well
OF excellent watcr and on its curb stood "tho old
oaken bucket" the pure contents of which were
seized by the eager hands of boyhood, after long
ramble through the fields on a warm summer after
noon and we doubt whether, in after life, they ey
or hailed the most tempting glass with half the
pleasure. flourishing grapevine had wound its
tendrlls round the whitc-washcd porch, and this
with two old ounce trees, which stood at the side
were nourshed with unwearied care in order that
jar OF preserves and glass of wine may be in
readiness for Mrs. Stuart's morning call on a sick
nelghbor A large piece Of well-ulled land yield
ed them an abundant supply of vegetables for their
own use, together with two or three bushels of po-
tatoes for " old John and Betsey," worthy couple
who had long been the grateful recipients of their
bounty.
The family consisted of four children two sons
and two daughters-Adelade and Hattie, to whom
we have already alluded-Henry, bright lad of
ten years, who dearly loved "fun'-whose whole
soul was in his play and Asahel, an energetic, no.
bic boy Of twelve possessed of a character com
posed Of many worthy traits yet under the influence
of one fault the increasing strength of which had
caused his parents much anXiety-SelfShneSs. In
early infancy this propensity was displayed-he
would snatch the largest half of every thing brought
within his reach-and, in spite Of every counter
acting influence, it had grown with his growth and
strengthened with his strength, until there seemed
FAR prospect that one, so promising in every 9TH
or respect, would at last make shipwreck Of his
own happiness in his endeavor to secure it, without
any regard to that of others. Mr.. and Mrs Stuart
were fully convinced Of this, and with untiriKg care
mad they used every means in their power to make
him sensible of the fault Every Indictment to be-
nevolence was placed before him. and with what
intense interest did these fond parents watch the
effect they produced on the mind of their beloved
BOY How many earnest prayers have winged
their way from the depths of mothers heart, to
the throne OF an aIl-powerful God, that he would
smile on their endeavors, and they might learn,
from sweet experience the truth of that precious
truth, in due time ye shall reap, if we faint not"
Come, boys" said Mr. Stuart one bright morn
ing IN May, atsay you to game of football ~
"Capital capital p exclaimed thew both. and
their eyes danced with pleasure at the thought
How they enjoyed the sport, especially when faith
err took part in it For an hour AFTER the air rang
with their joyous shouts.
"Oh, father! don't give upyet," exclaimed Hen
Try, as Mr. Stuart turned to his gardening-"l let us
have one or two knocks more"
"ihat must do for the present, think, my son
besides, have something to say to vou-I have
been tllnIZlnp of nlnrlino off ofl
your own, to cultivate just as you please-the
ayails to be your own of course; how should you
like the plan?"
g Iiurra |" cried Asahel, that will be finc,,when
shall we begin ?"
4" As soon as you please, my son, but it was not
solely for your own qualification that made this
proposal you know that our good minister has
long been IN the habit Of going round to take col
lection for the poor of his parish, after the harvest
has been gathered that they may share in the COM
ing festivties-and Deacon Brown is trying to pro-
cure library for the Sabbath School, now | shall
expect each of you to give according as God has
prospered you"
"Why, father" interrupted Asahel, "if we have
got to give to every one, shall have precious lit
tie left for ourselves"
Col to, did you say, my son-you know shall
not compel you to give anything God loves the
cheerful giver'-I shall leave it entirely with you,
to give or not, just as you please"-and shade of
SOIIOW IeSleu OIL Ills as lie
bent his dark eyes inenty on his son; "yet," con-
tinued he, Gas you so unhesitatingly accepted my
otter-as you will doubtless be quite willing for
the warm sun to shine on, and the rain to water
your garden, and will very readily accept an album
dant crop, should it be offered to you, supposed-
But, papa" said Asshel, again inerrupting him,
all this is sort of natural"
81 perfectly agree with you in its being sort of
NATURAL yet, if after having done all that we could
for our children's happiness, were never to re-
celve one expression of gratitude, -never hear the
sweet words thank you, ma thank you, pa we
should not feel quite willing to call it NATURAL"
Observing that the boys were silent, and think
ing best not to say more just them he left them and
returned to the house,
"How many societies did father say we must
give to !" asked Asahel, turning to his brother.
SONY two" replied Henry, g and am sure it is
pleasure to give to our minister, he looks so
pleased besides, who would hesitate to share
plum pudding with such a generous, open-hearted
little fellow as Charlie Robbins ?"
80 yes, very good little fellow, but what shall
you give, Hen ?'
81 don't know; ninepence, may be- not less, GER
tainly."
I" Ninepence well | shan't give but fourpence, |
know" And he looked not very willing to part
with this trihe.
Time passed on, and well paid the persevering
industry of our young friends. The products OF
cuSi illllS pdICA VI BIOuIu beGn llledSuT-
ed and sent to market by old John, and the returns
amounting to one dollar thirty-seven cents each re-
ceved IN ample season for the calls of benevolence
The cool winds of a November morning were play
1 ing their wild antics among the eafless branches
of the old oaken trees, and the Stuarts had gath
cred around social fire, when loud, quick rap at
the door startled them.
"Good morning, good morning." said DIR. Marsh
as he entered the little parlor before his summons
had been answered.
The old gentleman was not little eccentric in
his ways, and never lost any time when on his Wis
its of mercy. "Always ready" said he, as he
caught glimpse of Adde'S purse on the table
proyingly on her head. Then offering a request
that the Lord would incline the hearts, and oper
the hands Of all, to give to the needy, he placed
his large wooden box on the table
Mr.. and Mrs. Stuart placed in their mite-Ade
aide her shilling, and Henry walked briskly "
with his ninepence. As Asahel observed this he
thrust back the fourpence he had intended to give