Indiana American. [volume] (Brookville, Ind.) 1833-1861, 1855-03-09
5u Emussting Storg.
From the Gospel Messenger.
THE TWO FIRESIDES.
A HOLIDAY STORY.

/ IL was " CotQ DtCtmotI nl2nt. III
q well furnished parlor, gathered O.
round q blazing fire. sat mother with
her FIVE children. The former was
busily plying her needle. and the lat
ter were engaged, some in reading,
some in arranging their now supply
Of toys, with which father and mother,
in the character Of Santa Claus, had
supplied them on Christmas.
1t is q bleak, cold night, said DR.,
Warton, as he entered the room, and
without divesting himself Of his over
coat and 'mufIlers,' drew up a chair
near the fire.
And now you come homo for all
night. l hope, said Mary, the eldest Of
the FIVE.
Il am not sure Of that said the
father, drawing nearer the fire.
No indeed, you are not replied
Mary. Father, l wish you were not
a Doctor
AND why so?''asked The father.
Because you never haze a moment
that you can call your own. You
have to ride all day, and you may
be called to 90 away at any time OF
the night, no matter what the wealth
er is
Yes, but father is paid for it, said
master Johnny.
Not always said Mary. there are
many poor people who never pay any
thing for fathers visits.
But continued Johnny. father
don't get up in the night or travel bad
roads for them
Johnny said DR. Warton, solemn
ly, did you ever know me to neglect to
turn up a muddy lane in cold or rainy
times; or refuse TO get up at night,
however dark or cold, when poor
family, who had nothing to pay, de-
sired my services?"
Master Johnny was little discon-
|certed at this grave reply ofhis faith
er; for. young as he was, he prided
himselften knowing something about
business, and the way to get rich.
Il can't say he answered; but /
only thought that they who do not ex-
|pect to pay physician, have no right
to ask him to put himself to much
trouble on their account
Perhaps they have noright in one
sense Of the word replied DR. Warton,
but should be sorry to think that
the instruction Master johnny has
learned in Mr. Pliers Office has made
him forget his catechism, and the in
structions he has received at Sunday
school. Come, Willie. tell me why
we keep Christmas
This was addressed to a chubby liz.
tie boy, about eight years old named
Willie.
Because replied Willy, Christ was
born on that day
And what did Christ do for us?'
He died for us that we might b,
saved
That is right, continued the doc.
tor; and what must we do tobe saved?
Repent and believe replied littl'
Ellen.
And what else?'
Follow his example,
Right, Ellen. and now tell me wha
was his example?'
Going about doing good said FL
len.
| And now tell me children said d
I Warton, looking full in the face Of Mas
ter Jonn. did our Saviour go abou
doing good only to those who had mo
rey to pay him?'
mo, SIR said all the children a
once.
And now, children, said DR.. War
ton, Il have something to tell you.'
Those who had been reading close,
their books, the little ones left thei
play things and gathered round thei
father.-Mrs Warton smiled TO see tn
interest manifested in the children
Icountenances, and Ellen turned to he
little sister Of four years old, and bad
her hush. for father was going to tel
a story.
"A very short story, my children,
said the doctor, for it is bleak col,
; night. The snow is deep, and tn
raw wind IS piling it in drifts on tn,
sidewalk. There is no moon, and th'
street lamps burn dim to night. Their
: are no sleishbells jingling. the sound
in the street are the moaning wind ant
the creakhg signs. Young peopl
: and old, low to hover round thei
,, comfortable iresides, as you ARE do
ing, for it is dismal night without.
Il am glad we have warm hous
to shelter us 'o-night said little John
ny.
And well you may be glad. said hi
$ father, and not glad only, but trul
: thankful. l know Of one poor famil
which is now shivering with the col