Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1850-12-19
Alisrfllaneolls.
TING CHILD's FAITH.
A TRUE STORY.
BY MRS. MARY ARTHUR.

'-SG''>S "SsS A"a '" yCs q sag sOSstuk
Of discomfort, from the chi.liness, mingled
with his fancies.
His mothers wheel kept on-as it always
did in the winters long evening-with a
low humming sound, that had till now been
very cheerful aud pleasant to little Frantz !;
but somehow, he forgot to notice it this
night. Poor Frantz ;-he scarcely looked
like himself, for his head was bent down,
and his eyes seemed to be looking straight
through the floor, so fixed and intent did his
gaze seem.
Often and often did the mothers eye turn
to her little boy, for never before had the
joy-speaking eye of Frantz been SO long
bent to the earth; but still the mother said
no word. till at last, deep sigh came from
the parted lips of Frantz then his mother
laid her hand softly upon his; yet even that
gentle touch started Frantz, so lost was he
in thought and when he quickly lifted his
face, and saw the questioning look of his
mother, his pent-up thoughts burst out at
once.
oh, mother in week it will be Christ
masday can 1 not have Chr.stmas-,ree 2
The mothers face looked sad, but only
for moment: she knew that the earnest
wish of little Frantz was not likely to be
realized; but she knew, too, that it was
best for her boy to learn to bear cheerfully
any crossing of his desires which must be
and she spoke more soothingly and gently
than usual, as she said
And what makes my little Frantz Sc,
his heart on that now? He has never had
Christmas-tree before!
oh, that is it, exclaimed Frantz;
never had one. Ever since | was baby
mother, have heard of the good Christ
child, who brings beautiful gifts to others
Why does he not bring them to met An
l worse than all the rest, mother 2
Mono, Frantz;' SO spoke the mother
hastily-for in her heart arose a picture o
the gentleness, the self-denying fortitude o
her little boy, in the midst OF trouble; hi.
patience in sickness, his industry in health
his anxious care to help her in all that hi
, little hands could do. Mono! my Frants
it is not that
well, mother-butis there any reason
Oh you do not know how have dreame'
, and dreamed of beautiful tree that
should have this Christmas; it was full @
golden fruit and lighted tapers, und unde
it were Land gifts for you, dear mother;
new Bible, with large print; and purs
of money; SO that you might not have
work SO hard, dear mother; and warn
al clothes, that would never let you get cold
And oh as / came along the street to-da
Il and saw the windows shining with tnei
loads of beautiful toys, and gifts Of all sorts
- and saw the boys and girls running AM
n shouting, and telling how they would nc
care for any thing else, when the Chr's
masday was once come, and they woul
have their loaded tree-then, mother, a
the dreams have had, since l can first RI
member, came back all you have told IN
rs of the good Chrisi-child and of his love fc
children; and half felt, mother, as If
y was left out, and not loved among the rest
;, Dear Frantz,' said the mother, 1t Wa
sad sad thought. Do not let it come IL
!. to your heart again. Oh the Christ-chIi
is always good-altogether loving, eve
>; when his love is shown in such ways th'
we do do not clearly see it at once. Com
n closer to me, Frantz.'
Frantz saw in his mothers face look I
such deep tenderness, that his soul gre
full. He took his own little seat, and 81
" close beside her, and leaned his head
gainst her knee, and the mother said, gel
uy-
The Christ-child has given you beaui
If. full gifts, my Frantz; he has given you LIT
'n and warm, earnest heart; he has give
:, you mother, who loves you SO dearly
" home TO shelter you he gives US the lig
=. of day. and all the glorious things 1t reveal
and the stiler beauty of the night; and
gives US, more than all, hope OF heave
and knowledge of the path to 1t. Are n
these great gifts, Frantz 2
Frantz lifted his face he did not spea
but his eyes were full of tears, and his m
Their knew that his heart said
Yes
So she went on:
These are the gifts we most need
make US happy; others may be good for
but the Christ-child knows better than '
do what we need. If it were good for U
he would give us all we wish for; but tn
we might not make a good use of his gif
or we might grow proud Of them, or be
wrapped up in the gifts as to forget the Vi
er. An! my Frantz, let US only ask
what is best for US to have, and he will g.
it; he loves to give, aud only refuses VIII
will hurt u.s.
Again little Frantz had bent his head
his hand, but now it was not sadness, Oh
thought, that was in his face; and he as
ed
How can we know what is bcst-wf
to ask fort
IF it is not given, think that 1t IS bt
withheld. aud be patient; if j. as given,
thankful, and use the gift arlght. 81
Frantzp
And the mother arose, and took from
closet a small sum of money.
This she continaed, is all have;
any of this is spent for TOYS or play, l sh
not have any to buy shoes for you nor
me, and by this l know the Christ-ch
deems it best for me to be content WI
what is most necessary, and to give up I
pleasure of buying you beautiful gold
fruit and colored tapers.'
Gould not do without shoesF ask
Frantz. 1 would 60 SO many errands
the old cobbler. that he would mend my {
ones; and Oh ! if that would make
right :.
sAnd Lshould do without shoes r