Grand River times. [volume] (Grand Haven, Mich.) 1851-18??, 1851-11-19
GRAND HAVEN, MICHIGAN WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 49, 1851.

richly furnished room in which she sat, God
has given me many bessings-and surrounded
me not only with comforts, but with luxuries
He has given me health and many facilities for
acquiring knowledge. am now young, with
wealth at my disposal: and what wish may
do! If, like Helen, l should mingle in the gay
etes of the fashionable and pleasure seeking,
might appear like them-happy for season, but
would it not be Oniy for O. season? What would
there be left upon which reflection might feed,
but the fragments of wasted moments, spent in
trifling amusements. When look upon nature
and view her perfections; when scent the fra
GRANGE of the new blown rose, and my eye is de-
lighted with its beauty; when my ear catches
the music of the birds, mingled with the noise
of the WATERFALL can but see in all these un-
ion of the joyons with the beautiful--the mu-
steal and harmonious with the useful. | am then
led to ask--Who is the author of all this !-and
an answer comes from my y'innermost thoughts,
and tells ME 6" 1t is God!" | inquire still fur
ther--does he not desire that men should unite
the beautiful with the useful--the orderly with
the harmonious? And am answered, "Yes."
But when look for this arrangement in mans
social intercourse, see it not. | am compelled
then to believe that there is higher and better
system of social life, which lies hidden far off in
the futufe--a system, however, which we may
all, even now, aim to unfold and practice; a
system which seeks to relieve the oppressed,
to enlighten the ignorant, and to reclaim the Vi
cious."
Her reflections were here interrupted by the
clock, which chimed out the hour of seven.
"Now," thought she, half, aloud, " is the time
for this days duties to close, "and in what man.
ner can it better be done than in carrying out
my design!'
She hastily rose and after filling basket with
dainties which her own hands had prepared, and
adding supply of medicines and cordials she
threw on her bonnet and shawl and sailed forth.
She walked fast. After the turn of one or two
corners, she soon found herself at the door of
a very small, rather old looking house. Knock
ing gently at the door it was opened by pale,
sweet looking girl, apparently about seven years
of age.
"Ma, the kind lady has come again." said she
as she ran towards the window near which sat
lady, too feeble to rise 10 welcome her guest
But the low grateful tones of her voice told her
thankfuness.
Mary loved to do deeds worthy of gratitude,
but she cared little about the expression of it,
especially when directed to herself. She blush
ed at the mere enconum upon her good deeds,
WIllCu JuOuHU SucUJ ullu SLlll, Udu HcFcTluclcSS
been treasured up in many grateful heart; for
she truly had sought to do good to many, and
these acts were to her like bright sunbeams on
her path, which reflected beauty and happiness
upon all around.
After sitting few moments she emptied her
neatly filled basket, and quietly resumed her
seat. The little girl, almost frantic with Joy to
think that Mary was once more with them, drew
hastily together the folds of the faded curtain,
lighted a small lamp and then going to the win
dow, took down small cage wherein sat perch
ed snow white dove. She whispered some
thing in an under tone to her mother, and then
approached Mary, while smile of child-like
simplicity played around her features, begged
her to take it.
ayes, accept it." said the mother; ." it was
once the favorite of better days, but it gives us
a sad pleasure now to give it to one who has
been so kind to us" and she hastily brushed n
tear from her eye.
Mary thanked them tenderly for their gift, i'm
printed kiss on the little girls cheek, drew co-
er together the folds of her shawl, and amid ex-
pressions of sincere gratitude bade them good
night.
When returned and seated in her own apart
ment, she felt truly that her time had not been
msspent.
She was awakened early next morning by
servant who came to tell her that Mr.. Ellis had
returned. With happy smile, as the sun DART
ed his bright beams through the curtain win
dows, she led Helen into the breakfast room
where sat waiting her father and grand father.
God bless you, my dear childrenl' said Mr..
Ellis as he rose and extended his hand to them.
When the first greeting was over, they all sat
down and partook of their morning repast. AT
ter the cloth was removed, Mr. Ellis drew forth
the same Identical pearl, and holding it up that
it might catch the suns rich light, said:
"Allow me to present this gift to the one who
has spent her time most usefully, for only to
such is given happiness" And he looked inqui-
ringly upon Helen; but cloud had suddenly
gathered upon her brow, and she turned impa-
tiently to Mary.
Mr.. Ellis eyes followed hers, and caught the
calm, quiet gaze of the eldest sister. Just then
a fluttering noise was heard, and snow-white
dove rested upon the shoulder of Mary for a
moment--then rising, nestled gently to her bo-
som and folded its wings upon her heart
"Give the pearl to her" cried Helen, for she
has truly sought to make life useful, and to do
good to all; while /, ever since your absence,
have thought only of my own selfish gratifica-
tion."
Mr.. Ellis placed the pearl in the hand of Ma
ry and said
&C Nav IL he INTO Won no nm amblem Of the