Grand River times. [volume] (Grand Haven, Mich.) 1851-18??, 1852-06-02
THE GOLD REPEATER.

watch. All thought /, when one can see for
himself what time it is he has sure pledge of
increasing years. Indeed, still think that at
that time of life, when first the realities of exist
ence dawn upon us, every one should be taught
to have a due regard to time, for time is the
most precious gift, if rightly husbanded, and a
watch in the pocket, will aid much in accustom-
ing one to the careful improvement of it, and to
punctuality.
AS Christmas day drew near, desired moth
ing more earnestly than a present of watch, yet
breathed the wish to no one, not even to my
light hearted sister Minna But if watch was
alluded TO, | trembled with anxiety if any one
casually inquired what time it was, was like
one possessed. That must have betrayed me,
for hear what befell me-
| One noon as | entered the room and was Just
on the threshold, heard my father say to my
mother" Wife, hide Adams gold repeater, quick
ly." Then he wrapped something in paper,
and concealed it. | affected to hear and see
nothing. Now, however, when walked in the
street, fancied every one saw the golden future
awaiting me. 1t grieved me that men should
wear their watches hidden in their pocket, and
not outside, and SO easily does vanity mislead
one that really thought it would be far more
benevolent to wear them so, that poor people
c0ud see Inc hours ana minutes.
A man may wear his watch in his pocket, but
it must be set by the clock on the church tow
er, and the clock on the church tower must be
regulated by the sun, whose course God has fix
ed from eternity, and man can do nothing more
than make figures on the sun dial which, as the
shadows fall shall indicate the position of the
great, universal light. Here also is represent
alton of the inner life, but did not then think
of this, my thoughts were entirely different.
stood long before the watch-case. Iplaced
my pen-knife for while in my right vest pock-
et reserving my left for something better A
mans watch must be where his heart is, tho't
!, then there will be ticking within and without.
l could not refrain from telling my compan-
ions what made me so happy, but did not make
mas eve, they would open their eyes and ears
when they heard something which could speak
and show for itself. Then ran off before they
could ask me what it was.
Christmas eve came, and the festal tapers
were lighted. When the folding doors were
opened, we children, rushed in, and then stop
ped mute with wonder. My heart beat violent
ly; there, indeed, lay watch for me on the ta-
bic, but alas! it was sver My JOY was damp
ened but calmed myself, and said T" silver is
much winter and thicker, and it ticks loudly
| pressed the handle with all my might, but it
did not strike. A fearful sorrow came on me-
st is good for nothing" said l. laid the
watch down, and hastily leaving the room ran
to my chamber, and wept and lamented as if my
heart would break. Then l thought would
kill myself since had no gold repeater, and
wept again over my young lfe,now that must
die since my hopes were not all satisfied. My
mother soon came with light, and when bla-
med her for the unu:terabe sorrow that had
felt from the deception, she pressed her lips to-
gether, and looked upon me with those true,
loving eyes, which see ever beaming upon me,
although death has long since closed them.
She told me of my error-that would have
been delighted with simple watch, if had nev-
er heard of gold repeater-that my father had
teased me, to give me a lesson to be happy with
less than expected. | should not be migrate
full to God or man. So she spoke in her mild,
earnest tone, and as l had exhausted the foun-
tain of my tears, | went down to the parlor. /
was no longer sad, nor yet joyous, and it was a
capital time-keeper now possessed.
When laid on my bed, the wicked spirit
came again, and resolved to open the window
and throw away my watch but it was cold and
lay still. How often are evil deeds restrained
by trihing circumstances. And how little rea-
son have we to pride ourselves upon our viz
tues!
Overpowered with weeping and excitement
was soon fast asleep, and rejoiced the next NOR
ming to hear how Justify my watch licked For
eight days, avoided all my companions, and they
soon forgot my boastings. wore the watch
without showing it to any one, and was greatly
pleased with it. 1t is now forty years since that
time, and still wear the watch, nor does it lose
q minute.
Since then have understood my mothers
words, or found myself the point of my story.
If | see a man satisfied with nothing he has, be-
cause he expected something better, | think he
acas hoping for a gold repeater" When under
take some business, and it vexes me that it did
not turn out as expected, say to myself, "are
you thinking still of gold repeater" If see a
man aiming at rank, or some other high thing,
and only increasing his sorrow by being obliged
TO remain in subordinate position, say "don't
STRIFE TO make your aoatch strike; be content aoid
a good time keeper" If / observe youthful
pair, who had looked forward to life as perpet-
ual marriage feast and will be satisfied with
nothing, when the air is not breathing music, but
becomes an every day atmosphere, still think,
" oh could they not forget the gold repeater"
In short, in a thousand instances, | have found
instruction from this story Most men are dis
satisfied and unhappy, because things do not turn
out as they expected they would. There is no