The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1847-04-17

regular business of saying over the whole ev-
cry Sunday Notwithstanding with his hands
folded in fTont,and his checked apron smooth
ed down, occasionally giving glance over
his shoulder to see It papu was attending
Being Oft very benevolent turn of mind, he
mude several efforts to teach Bose the cate
chism, in which he succeeded us well as
could be expected. In short, without further
detail, Master Edward babe fair TO he liter
airy wonder. But alas! for poor little Ed
ward his merry dance was soon over. "A
day came when he sckened. Aunt Betsey
tried her whole herbnruln, but in vain; he
grew rapidly worse aud worse. Ills father
sickened in heart, but said nothing; he stayed
by his bed side, day and night, trying all
mcansro save him, with affecting pertinnclly.
"Can't yoU think ofanythmg more, doctor"
said he TO the physician, when everything
had been tried in vain. "Nothng," answer
ed the physician. A slight conyulsiOn pass
ed over my unce's face. "Then the Lords
will be done" said he. Just at that moment
ray of the setting sun pierced the checked
curtains and cleaned like an angels smile u
cross the face of the little sufferer lie a.
woke from disturbed sleep. ooh, dear! on,
| am so sickn' he gasped teeby His inther
raised him in his arms; he breathed easier,
and looked up witha grateful smile. just
then his old playmate, the cut, crossed the
floor "I'hcre goes pussey," said he; "oh,
dear, | shall never play with pussey any
more" At that moment ii deadly change
passed over his face; he looked up to his ia
Their with an implorng expression, and put
out his hands. There was one moment OF
agony, and the sweet features settled with n
smile Of peace, and "mortnlity was swallow
ed up in life" My uncle laid him down, and
4 al
was too much for his principles, too much
for his pride, and he lifted up his voice and
wcpt!
Thenext morning was the Sabbath, the flu
neral day. and it rose with breath all incense
and with check all bloom. Uncle Abel was
calm and collected ms ever; but in his face
there was II sorrow stricken expression that
could not he mistaken. ! remember him at
family prayers bending oyerthe great bible,
aud beginning the psalm, "Lord, thou hast
been our dwelling place in all generations"
Apparentlyhe was touched by the melancholy
and splendor ofthe poetry; for after reading
n few verses he stopped. There was II dead
silence. interrupted only by the tick of the
clock. He cleared his voice repeatedly and
tried TO 90 on but in vain. Vie closed his
book and knGIt TO prayer. The energy OF
sorrow broke through his formal reverence,
and his language flowed forth with deep
and sorrowfll pathos which have never
forgotten. The God so much rcverenced,
so much feared, seemed to draw near to him
as a friend and comforter to be his refuge
and strength, "a very present help in time
ot'troublc.' My uncle arose: saw him walk
toward the room ofthe departed one; fol-
flowed and stood with him over the dead
He uncovered his face. 1t was set with the
seal of death, but OH how surprisingly love
" was the impression The brilliancy ofIie
was gone: but the face was touched with the
mysterious triumphant brightness which
seemed like the dnwning ofheaNcn. My I'm
Gle looked long and steadily. lie felt the
beauty ufwhal he gaZcd on; his heart was
sodened, but he had no words for his feelings.
He left the room unconsciouSly, and STOOD
at the front door. The bells were ringing
for church; the morning was bright, and birds
were singing merrily, and the little pet SPUR
rel oflittle Edward was frolicking about the
door, My uncle watched him as he ran, first
up one tree and then another. then over the
fence; whsking his brush and chatterng as
ifnolhing was the matter. With IL deep sigh
Uncle Abel broke forth, elbow happy that
creature is, well, the Lords will be done"
That day the dust was committed to the dust
amid the lamentations otall who had known
little Edward. Years have passed since then,
and my uncle has long been gathered to his
fathers, but his Just and upright spirit has en-
tered the liberty ofthe sons of God. Yes the
good man may have opinions which the pdIo-
sophcal scorn, weakness at which the thought
less smile, but death shall change him into
all that is enlightened, wise and refined. ole
shall shine as the brightness oithe firmament.
aud the stars forever and ever"