The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1855-10-06
THE FIRST AND LAST OATH.

children gathering about bis doorstep one
summer evening, to hear his accustomed
story.
"Ye,, yes, do. Tell US grand one," re-
piled the children, leaving their play, and
standing about him. "Tell about the Revo-
lution," said one " tell fairy story, please"
said another and numerous were the stories
asked for.
perhaps you would like a story Of my
younger days." said Uncle John in the an
swer to the little folks who spoke; "would
you like that 2"
Yes, yes, by all MEANS" was the united
reply. The children all seated themselves on
the grass and doorstep. Susy Allyn, a "a
voritc Of Uncle Johns now climbed up into
his lap, her accustomed place on such occa-
sions and sometimes she did much to enter
tain her friends with her remarks on the
stories as they progressed.
The old gentleman was silent a moment
and then began:
When worked on nv fathers farm in
Vermont, a long time ago, was more quick
to move about than am now, and was called
the smartest lad in the village where | liv-
ed We tcalled it The Village tho there
we're but few houses, and what houses there
we're we're far apart. We had green which
we called The Village Green where the
boys and girls got together after school to
play. The story ! am about to tell you is Of
what happened on this green and wish a
certain one amongst you to listen attentively,
and treasure it up, and try to be benefited by
it,
1T was a very fine summers evening,
something like this; the sun was about an
hour high. We boys had just finished very
interesting game of ball, and we're about 90
ing home, when Laura Winslow, Ga great
favorite with the boys with some other girls,
came on the green. Laura told US that her
mother had given her leave to have pic MIC
party tie next day, (Which was holiday
and she invited us all to 90; and as it was
the custom for every girl to have beau, -
"You are my beau: amt you, Freddy ?"
said Susy Allyn to Freddy Summers, little
curly-headed boy who had been listening,
with eyes and mouth wide open but now, at
Susy's remark, dropping his head, while
bushes covered his fair cheeks. The remark
caused the children to laugh very heartily, to
the great discomposure of Freddy and Susy.
When they had somewhat abated their mirth,
Uncle John, who had aushed with the rest,
spoke:
"Never mind, Susy and Freddy; it is
nothing out of the way.
"As was saying, it was The custom FOR the
girls to have an escort. Laura (who was
wished for by all the lals) said that the lad
who could run the fastest and win in fair
race should carry her bundle or. in other
words, be her beau. The rule OF the race
was this they all run for the goal, and he
that wins challenges one to race with him !; If
he wins, than he challenges another but if
he does not, the winner turns challenger.
and so it goes on till the one who outruns all
wins the prize. The game wet on. One
John Reynolds kept the game soon he chal-
lengcd me- We started ] won. The bows
all shouted, and felt much elated, and gave
my challenge with much g.<'o.
II was considered the best runner in the
village. and after two challenges had no one
to compete with. All gave me the escort of
Laura, and felt very much pleased. But
my pleasure was doomed to disappointment
for James Danton, lad that had not taken
any part in the race, now came forward and
challenged me. told him he was foolish, hui
he said nothing in reply. We started let
him win the first time, intending to win thu
next two myself But found when start
ed on the third that had a capital runner tc
contend with, and | was afraid he would win
tried hard, and kept about two feet betor,
him all the way. AS we came within TIVE
rods of the goal, h: went past me with a tire
men,lOus bound. | was beaten
a shout arose from all the BOYS lips
which so vcxed me, that sworc. Yes, chill
dren, took the name of God in vain I.au
IA looked at me surprised. This only mad
me use more profane words. As it happened
We we're close to my house, and my mothe
was looking at the game. She saw the re
suit. and heard my shocking words. Sh
called me in directly. expected sever
whipping, but Judge my disappointment. Sh
placed her arm around me, and drawing m
to her side, she laid the sin before me- Sh
told me ] had sinned against God both il
: thought and deed. Yes. children, she talkc
with me long time, and felt how wicked
: boy I had been when she had done but be
e fore went out again, | asked forgiveness
t of God. The only punishment my mothe
: gave me was refusing to Jet me 90 to the pic
h mic.
:. 81 have given you now, children, histc
!. ry Of my FRS. and last oath. hope you wi
always remember it remember that whe
8 you utter an oath of any kind you offend Go
y our Savior and our Judge"
is Saying this, Unrle John bid the childre
good evening. and went into his house. TT
J. children went to their respective homes .
quietly that you might have thought it Su,
;, day.-1he Chadren's Magazine for Augua