Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1860-12-20

W" AhV0ilSeHCc anu purify Vi tnOuPuC'
and he thought he had neuer seen her look more
lovely. But uncle Charles chanced to pass
that way, and noticing the dangerous attention
OF Gerald-dangerous to his plans at least
left the room, and soon returned with a gentle
man that he introduced by the name of Clyde,
to Euloeen and Mrs. Hamilton Gerald was
acquainted with him.)
Mr.. Clyde was fine young man, much re-
sembling Gerald in looks and appearance. Ho
was an agreeable companion, for his mind was
well stored with useful and instructive know
edge, and though he was thirty years of age,
yet he still remained single. 1t was said that
some early disappointment had cast dark
shadow over his life, and made him distrustfuI
of the fairer sex. But he Joined in the CONVEX
sation, which soon turned upon the changes Of
the past year.
" 1t is probable that few of Earth's dwellers
have realized the hopes with which they enter
ed the old year." remarked Mrs. Hamilton
while those who entered it with sad or sorrow
ing hearts, nearly devoid of any hopes, what
ever, are now perhaps the most hopeful"
Truly spoken, - responded Mr. Clyde, as she
paused. "We little know how changed have
become the prospects, present joys and hopes
of all, since the commencement of the old
year. TO all there have probably como hours
of happiness and joy, mingled with those Of
sorrow and dependency. 10 some it has
brought the eagerly sought praise, honor and
distinction of the world and to others-and
perhaps with rs warm and ruthlovng hearts,
it has brought its cold and heartess deser-
ton, or the bitter revilings. To some it has
brought the wealth of the world, with all its
luxuries; while to others came want, wretch
odness and destitution, Of which the Joyous
ones Of earth can form no conccpton.''
4" Yet may we not think, said uncle Charles,
" that He who hath an ear open to every call Of
suffering Humanity, was near those wretched
ones, silently strengthening them, when the sad
spirit would else have prayed Tor that rest be-
You'd the tomb ?"
" Yes, replied Mr.. Clyde, " we nast think
GO dct tee+7e" cint He is God q mercy
and compassion, and though we see those who
entered !ho year, with life and animation bound
ing in each vein, with joy throbbing In every
pnlsation of the heart, and every secret cham
: Der of the soul was radiant with affections he
ly light and sunny dreams; even though we see
those now chained upon beds of sickness, await
ing, it may be, only for release, by the sever
ing of the mystic chain which binds the immoY-
tai in its house Of clay. Even though we look
in vain for those who stood among US twelve
months ago,-those whose spirits glowed with
lofty aspirations, with ardent longings after
truth and the Imperishablc, and with an ear
nest love for all mental, moral and spiritual
J worth though we look in VAN for them be-
cause they have passed to the bright Summer
pure the sanctfcd and reedoemed ones of earth,
> we will not doubt His wisdom and goodness
All, yes, we know that God was near to tho
grief stricken mourners in those sad hours"
His voice trombled with emotion, and his ey9
grew humid with tears as he concluded.
Gerald, knowing that he referred to an idol
lied and talented brother who had died in the
: past year, and wishing to turn his thoughts
from him, here remarked
" But ought we not, while reviewing ths
. years changes, to ask ourselves whether va
= have rightly improved its blessings? Have We
made that progress in knowledge, virtue and
Christian holiness, have we extended the hand
; of charity, the smile of sympathy and brother
: y love to the sorrowing and down-troddcn, as
) we ought to have done?''
" Yes, it is we'll to ask ourselves such ques-
II tions," answered Mrs. Hamilton " and if We
find any misgvings for duties laid by, for time
misspent, if we remember any unkind act,
r unjust uspicion, any want of sympathy for the
destitute and lonely, n0,c, as the New Year has
dawncd upon us, shall we not dcide to make
, new resolutions for the future? Let US resolve
: to enjoy life's blessings as they come, with
than kiul hearts; resolve to resist temptation,
} and uobly struggle with the sad bereavments
and changes that may be ours let us remove
far from us all that can darken the under
standing on dim the moral sense, while we strive
to cultivate in our souls all that can dignity,
=, elevate and benefit our race let us strive for
the advancement of truth, the improvement Of
. humanity, and the promotion of Christian be-
nevolence, and the further diffusion of tha
=, light which is from Heaven, and never faileth,
a but which entereth and reacheth beyond the
- yeil even to the Home Of the Blessed, reveal