Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1860-01-26

The mother was better, and moved about in the
discharge of her household duties, with cheer
fulness. The little table that stood between the
windows was moved out and covered with a
clean white cloth Then from the cupboard in
the corner were brought cups and saucers,
knives, forks and plates, and lastly, the silver
teapot relic OF better days-was brought
and set upon the table.
The storm continued without, and the three
congenial spirits sat down to the warm supper
with thankful hearts. Each seemed to enjoy
the society of the others, and the meal was
pleasant one to all three.
After supper, as the rain did not cease, it was
arranged that Leon should stay all night. They
gathered around the cheerful fire, and after
talking for some time on general topics, Leon
told them the circumstances of his leaving
home, togo out into the great world to seek his
fortune. He told them of his poor mother and
sister at home, and a prayerof the g souls sim
cere desire, }" went up from that group of pure
hearts, for their welfare.
" If all would only be Christians" said the
mother musinglyy.
" But all Christians are not good, " ventured
Leon.
"AH Christians are, said the mother fer
vently. Many that claim the name, know
nothing about Christianity But, young man,
take my advice: become Christian, Chris
tian in spirit; not in form, merely, but in COM
munion and oneness with Jesus. O, if you
could see my experienced ! have spent fifty
years in sin, and though was then surrounded
with wealth. and blest with health, am hap,
pier now What comforter has Jesus sent !
Yes, though poor and sick, and mourning for
loved ones gone before, am alled with happi-
ness. If if could make yoa feel as do, oh,
what blessing! No, the world can give tinsel
Jesus Christ only can give peace. l feel a
great interest in your welfare Perhaps l shall
ney,r see you again. You aFe seeking happi-
ness you will never find II in wealth--you
will never find it in fame aal will never find
it in this or any other world, bat in one aoay.--
Holiness is che only way 70 iAppinoss. Christ
is the only source Let US pray"
They all kneeled, and from the mothers lips
went up a petition more pure more fervent,
more heartfelt, more earnest and more accept
able than the lip service of the proudest mon
arch of the earth.
The next morning, Leon arose with the first
tints of daylight, but early as it was, he found
his kind entertainers up, and nice warm break
fast steaming on the table,
We thought you would like to 60 early
and arose accordingly. l hope you have rested
well,' said his companion Of the day before.
Finely. 1 shall never forget your kind
ness
"For the very good reason that there's none
to forget "
" No thanks, Mr.. Howard, for the payment
of debt, said the mother, q" which, after all,
we shall be unable to pay"
! - AhoHo d Cool, i"clnS oil GulS morning,
and hope you will make as good progress as
yes terday,' said the other
" And find as good entertainers at night y
said Leon.
Better, doubtless. The spirit is willing,
but the flesh is weak"
Breakfast is ready, - said the mother.
The breakfast was plain, substantial meal,
well adapted to Icons travelling requirements,
and was partaken of in the same thankful spir-
it as was the supper the night before
1t was bright summer morning. and the
world was full of gladness, as Leon pursued his
journey, with heart strong for the battle oi
life, ncrved and encouraged by the words he
had listened to, and the scenes he had witnessed
He felt that there lodS Comforter IN life, ever
for the poor and friendless; and he went to hi
task with strong spirit, and brave heart
His course wound along the banks Of a large
river, which ran through deep, picturesque
valley of woodland and meadow It was a
stream somewhat differing from others in thu
vicinity-lts course being through series 0
large ponds, between which it foamed rapidly
over its rocky bed, or madly leaped down deel
gorges, and frightful precipices.. What will
the eyer-varying landscape, and with watching
the happy husbandmen aboring in the fields
listening moawhinle to the merry songsters tha
made the old forests which here and there
skrted the road for distance, vocal with mu
sic, Leon managed to pass the time very pleas
anty until noon.