Fremont journal. [volume] (Fremont, Sandusky County [Ohio]) 1853-1866, 1862-06-06

parsonage 70 New York city, reiroshes
bis readers with tbe following exhibition Of
practical Christianity which came undor
bis observations
NY journey 70 Boston vas as monoton-
ous a. possible, and The two hours deten-
iion there was not particularly exhilerating.
There was no timo 20 visit places ofinterest.
and / fell TOO misanthropie and gloomy for
social intercourse, although other gentle
mon wore waiting like myself. Moro than
once determined TO 60 homo 10 tho return
train, but was ashamed 10 do that after
Mnry's generous solf-sacri6ce. We were
half way to Stoniugton before l began To-
rouse up and look about me. / was awak-
cned by the cries Of child, and Isaw that
the scat Ia front Of me was occupied by q
young woman, plainly, bat deccntly dress
scd, but with an expression Of anxiety upon
her face that Instantly attracted me. She
had baby in her arms, and another just
big enough to walk, on the seat by her.
Ho was bright liitN fellow, with great,
flashing black eyes, and thick coils Of chest
nut curls clustering all over bis head; but
he did not seem to be well, and frettedcon-
tiDually for the soothing attention that he
saw bestowed upon the more helpless babe
in his mothers arms. There were several
bundles and carpet-bag piled one above
another on she seat next TO the window,
and the littlc boy in bis resilessncs, often
displaced them, and they came rolling down
upon the hooF. would like to see the
man who would not have succumbed and
DE- kof<
plice,ion Of miseries.
The young mother bore up bravely.-
While hushing the baby and lulling il with
a sweet lullaby to temporary quiet, she con-
triyed also 10 coax the little boys curly
head 70 = pillew on her knee, and thus
doubly burdened, found means to divert his
attention With cheap picture book.
But the weather outside grew dark and
unpleasant. Thick clouds were closely
gathering their forces. and the wall Of tho
wind was often heard above tho noise of
the engine. The anxious expression Of the
mothers face deepened as she watched the
omnious signs that foretold of stormy
night upon the Sound. There was aquick,
tremulous motion Of her lip at times, rs if
she were repressing the inclination to have
a "hearty cry" over her troubles.
/ had just thought of what should have
occurred to me a long time before, that il
was possible for me 10 relieve her Of part
Of her burden, and was trying to drive my
self out Of my selfish isolation by calling
up all the good Samaritan thoughts that l
had ever used in my sermons on practical
beneyoleuce, when an accession Of passen-
gers at a way-station obliged me to resign
my seat to lady, who actually thanked
me for the ciyility.
Left again TO myself leaning against the |
door of the car, resumed the thread Of
contemplation that had of late become hab-
itusl, and was soon lost in the old, weary
labyrinth, Of conjectures in regard TO the
state Of my parish, its spiritual deadness,
and the measures to be used to awaken any
interest in religious things. l grew more
and more sad and desponding as / medi-
tated, and my cogitations were as fruitless
as ever. did not again think Of the ba-
bies and their mother till We were about
leaving the cars at Stonington. Happen
ing then to glance down the car before got
ting out, I saw her looking about her in evi. |
dent perplexity. The heavy rain was al
ready pouring down, aud the darkness out |
side was not very attractive even TO unen-
numbered travellers.
lam ashamed to own that did not offer
my assistance, Mary says she will never
believe it---thas it is impossible for human
nature 10 be so boorish, but the humiliating
truth must be told. My own wretchedness
and my sense Of utter uselessuess in my
profession made me almost indifferent for
the time TO claims Of humanity. Still
was sensible Of feeling of surprise, which
gradually became indignation, as saw one
lady after another unconcerned pass BY, and
other gentlemen as heartless as myself, ig-
noripg her silent appeal to our sympathy.
The car was emptied at last, though still
stood in the door, hoping to see another
do the Christians duty that was so Felue-
tant 10 perform. could not leave her to
her fate as the rest had done.
Just'then some one entered the door at
the other end, and saw the young woman
look eagerly ronnd. She had again failed
in the efforts to arrange babies and bundles
for transportation to the boat. The new
conner was a stout looking, elderly map,
plain and almost shabbily dressed, with
great shock ofred bair nearly lifting his
hat of his head, and round Fat face deep
ly marked with smallpox. He was whist |
ling lively air, which seemed 70 breathe |
a Whimsical sort Of defiance 70 the discom-
forts Of the bleak, dark night, but be stop
ped at once whea be saw the helpless
group before him.
"GoiBg aboard, nla'ami'
"Yes, SIR, as soon as can"
"Good; so am /. Let me carry this
youngster for you. I've got one at home
just bis size. JehosaphatI how nat'ral it !
sosmsg said the man. as be Iiftad the boy
up 70 his shoulder. TIE child siopped cry
ing and laughed gleefally. aAnd those !
bundles. they are yours, ma'amf"
afcs sir. Thank you, l can carry those
very we'll can. indeed"
= s'FhaE depends" He had already gath |
sFed ihem 10 bis aFns, and wrapped her
Ihin shawl moro closely around the BABY
ANow we're ready. Keep close behiad me,
pas'asn. 4 i 8 few sfeps.n
As she9 passed nsa IN tho door, I seemed
= awake from a horid dream. Ny auxi-
ety and morbid neloncholy vanished. II
suppose they eonld not stay 10 tbe atnios-
phera Of that mnn's blunt cordial Einaeess.
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