Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1859-12-24

passed his third year and arrived at the dignity
of going to school. He went illustriously
through the spelling book, attacked the cate
chism, went from "man's chief end" to the "com-
mandments" in fortnight, came home inordi-
nately merry to tell his father he had got to
"Amen." After this he made regular busi-
ness of saying over the whole every Sunday
evening, standing with his hands folded in front,
and his checked apron smoothed down, occa-
sionaly giving glance over his shoulder to see
if papa was attending. Being of very benev-
olent turn of mind, he made several efforts to
teach Rose the catechism in which he succeed
ed as well as could be expected In short with
out further detail, Master Edward bade fair to
become a literary wonder. But alas for poor
little Edward, his merry dance was soon over.
A day came when he sickcned. Aunt Detsey
tried her whole herbarium, but in vain; he grew
rapidly worse and worse. His father sickened
in heart but said nothing; he staid by his bed
side day and night, trying all means to save
with affecting pertinacity. Cant you think of
anything more, doctor?" said he to the physi
clan, when everything had been tried in vain.
"Nothing" answered the physician. A slight
convusion passed over my uncles face. "Then
the Lords will be done ~ said he. Just at that
moment ray of the setting sun pierced the
checked curtains, and cleaned like an angels
smile across the face of the little sufferer. He
awoke from disturbed sleep. "Oh, dear, oh,
| am so sick" he gasped feebly. His father
raised him in his arms he breathcd easier and
looked up with grateful smile.
Just then, his old playmate, the cat crossed
the floor. "There goes pussy" said he, "Oh,
dear, never shall play with pussy any more"
AT that moment a deadly change passed over
his face, he looked up to his father with an i'm
ploring expression and put out his hands,
| Vbprp VI m of NJ and the sweet
features settled with smile Of peace, and NOR
tality was swallowed up in life. My uncle laid
him down, and looked one moment at his beau
tiful FACET was too much for his pride, and he
lifted up his voice and wept.
The next morning was the Sabbath, the fun
eral day. and it rose with breath all incense, and
with cheek all bloom. Uncle Abel was calm
and collected as ever; but in his face there was
a sorrow-stricken expression that could not be
mistaken. / remember him at family prayers,
bending over the great Bible and beginning the
psalm, "Lord, thou hast been our dwelling-place
in all generations" Apparently he was touch
ed by the melancholy and splendor of the poe
try for after reading few verses, lie stopped.
There was dead silence, interrupted only by
the tick of the clock. He cleared his voice re-
peatedly, and tried to 60 on, but in vain. lie
closed the book and knelt in PRAYER. The en-
ergy of sorrow broke through his formal rever-
ence, and his language flowed firth with deep
and sorrowful pathos, which | have never for
gotten. The God so much reve-enced, so much
feared, seemed to draw near TO him as friend
and comforter, to be his refuge and strength
"a very present help in time of trouble" My
uncle arose. saw him walk towards the room
of the departed one-I followed and stood witt
him over the dead He uncovered his face
1t was set with the seal of DEATH but oh, how
surprisingly lovely was the impression! The
brilliancy of life was gone; but the face was
! touched with the mysterious, triumphant bright
| ness which seems like the dawning of heaven
| My uncle looked long and steadily. He fell
; the beauty of what he gazed on; his heart was
| soitened, but he had no words for his feelings
; He left the room unconsciously, and stood a
the front door. The bells were ringing fol
church; the morning was bright and birds wert
singing merrily, and the little pet squirrel o
l little Edward was frolicking about the door.
, Ny uncle watched him as he ran, first up on,
: tree, then another then over the fence, whisk
5 ing his brush, and chatlering as if nothing wa
the matter. With deep sigh Uncle Abe
$ broke forth, allow happy that creature is well
D the Lords will be done" That day the dus
was committed to the Gust amidst the lamenta
= tons of all who had Known little Edward
e Years have passed since then and my uncle ha
S long been gathered to his fathers, but his jus
G and upright spirit has entered the liberty of tn
, sons of God. Yes, the good man may hav
e opinions which the philosophical scorn, weak
= ness at which the thoughtess smile, but dealt
a shall change him into all that is enlightened
d wise and refined. ale shall shine as the bright
e ness of the armament and as the stars foreye
, and ever"