Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1859-03-18
l1outb's Department.
REMEMBER THE SABBATH

hurry, Annie called. eyes, Charlie and
the next minute she came running down stairs,
her sweet face rosy and smiling, and her curls
floating loosely from under the present hat
she wore Annie was a dear little girl, my
only sister, and loved her very much; she
was about two years younger than myself,
and / was about twelve. Annie was a gontle,
thoughtful child, never so gay and giddy as
myself; but, indeed. in those days ! cared
more for play than almost anything clse.-
| We'll. | took the Bibles and hymn books to
carry for Annie, and we were just about start
| ing for Sabbath School. when mother opened
the parlor door and called TO us-l can almost
/ hear her sweet voice yet-"Charlie, Annie, as
you go along. have this in mind, Remember
/ the Sabbath day and keep it holy
eyes, mother" we both answered but as
we were walking down the road for our house
was in the country said to my sister. Mother
tells ms that nearly every Sabbath just those
very words do wonder why =
because, Charlie, she is so afraid we will
forget this is the Lords day; I'm sure it
makes her sorry when we do, for it is wicked,
and God will be angry with us.
j "Well now, Annie, just you see. will
keep this day holy; when we get to the school
house am going right in; ! won't stop a
m mute with the boys on the steps, oh | shall
be so good :" so spoke, and so meant to do,
but had not then learned that resolutions
made in our own strength are weak and fleet
ing. 1t was a beautiful day, and going through
the woods. in that CHEEKY sunshine, forgot
my mothers counsel | forgot to keep tho
Sabbath day holy, and needless of Annie s
pleading looks ! darted off on a chase after
two squirrels they soon got beyond my reach
and ! came back to Annies side, but 1t wa
only to pick up the crimson leaves which lag
in our path, and shower them over her.
"Now, Charlie, you have forgotten wha
mother said to YOU
; interrupted her roughly; "do let m
alone am older than you are, and can &c
1 along without your preaching;' so the gent
little child walked along in silence by my side
and saw she was troubled. Soon we cam
in sight of the creek; it was swollen and high
p by reason of the many heavy rains the wee
: before. and the water was but little belo'
/, the great logs which served as a bridge for th
i country people Now our way was not ac
r cross this creek the path which led TO tn
d school-house only led by it. and if had heed
, ed my mothers counsels and Gods commands
would have gone right on with Annie, an
- not stopped by the water. But was sim
pie, foolish child and therefore obeyed tn
r. promptings of my own wicked heart
"Oh, the creek why, Annie it is just lik
p a river. haven't been down here since th
C rain :" and without needing my sister, VIII
r begged me not to stop, l ran upon the logs
"Whew but the water does sweep along
= must send some boats down and | picke
/ up couple Of chips and flung them in
h You are doing very wrong, Charlie, you al
,r PLAYING on Gods day. and he will be angr
a with YOU for it. and mother will be sorry
! please come off those logs, and let us 60
Sabbath School
l. in a minute. Annie, | will just throw on
{, more chip, but threw another, and another
e; and Annie stood on the bank, yainly pleadin
y with me to leave my sport.
"Just come on the logs, Annie, and see Il
water"
"Oh. no. ! am afraid; and thenitis wrong.
"You little coward, what are YOU afraid of
Just give,me your hand oh, come, Annie
p, please do. and then will go right straigt
|; with YOU to the sabbath School indeed
!, will"
Annie hositated 'come now, what can
:, the harm in Just throwing some chips in tn
water. But will stop if YOU come for III
- tie bit. and will then 90 to the school /; an
5, | urged Annie until she unwillingly yieldec
g and holding by my hand, she slowly came
l. the middle of the rude log bridge but sb
t. seemed to take very little pleasure in lookin
at my boats
Throw one yourself Annie"
81 can't indeed. Charlie, we are broakin
y the Sabbath | am so unhappy; let me 90
the log; my head is getting giddy, too; pleas
+ take me to the bank again but only laughe
. at her; then, while still fingered at my fool
ish sport. Annie left me and walked along th
log. Then heard great splash and scream
"Oh. Charlie Charhe!' | saw that was alon
; on the log, and l knew that Annie had falle
into the water soon she rose, her little hand
streached out toward me- When | saw her
d ! sprang like a mad boy in the creek, but tn
waters were strong and high, and they sweI
me away from my sister. Annies hat, vii
its brigth pink ribbons, foated away from he
head, and when she rose again, saw her Ion
yellow curs hanging waldly about her
knew a little about swimming, but what coul
so young boy as | do in that terrible swoi
T. len creek ! struck out toward Annie, an
Il when she came up again, caught her, and sh
:, clung to me tightly. But with her weight
II was not strong enough to swim. | could NJ
l. fight against the waters, they were too might
j., for me. Then knew we must both die, an
e / gave one wild scream; but as we sank,
p family saw two figures rushing down upon III
log. and after this knew no more.
/ seemed to awake as from an ugly dream
y and there was at home, in my mother's'room
and a great many people about me l saw m
- mother. pale, and frightened-looIing' sittin
5 beside me. DR.. May was talking to my ip
I. ther, and when opened my eyes they bot
J. spoke to me, but could not hear their word
- distinctly, there seemed such a ringing in m
S ears. A little pale figure lay quietly besid
i me | knew it was my sister, but whethC
- living or dead | could not tell and when,
n last, could speak, moaned out her namt
= "Annie;" / could not say another word.
"She is safe, Charlie You are both spare
to me- God in heaven, thank thee for thi
mercy and my poor mother leaned her hea
down upon the pillow, and cried heartily.
m Annie was living, then, and with this know
t. edge, fell into deey sleep and when a
hour after, we both awoke, and Annie saw mt
II she threw her dear arms around my neck an
both of US burst out a crying; we were to
weak to say any thing to each other. The neN
day, when mother sat beside us with her work
Il ! I I N l.. -.l i.,I l.,,