Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1863-05-15

"You shock ne" said Mrs. Andrews.
Excuse me, but you are profane."
81 trust not. For true religion-for
the holy things of the church, trust
that have the most profound reverence
But let me prove what / say, that even
church going may become evil
81 am all attention" said the incredu-
lous Mrs. Andrews.
"You can bear plain speaking"
"Mer' The church member looked
surprised.
Yes, you"
Certainly I can. But why do you
ask ?"
"TO put you on your guard,-nothing
more"
"Don't fear but what | can bear all
the plain speaking you may venture up
on. As to church going being evil, am
ready to prove the negative against any
allegations you can advance. So speak
on"
After a slight pause, TO collect her
thoughts, the lady said
"There has been a protracted meet
ing in Mr.. BIS church"
al know it. And a blessed time it
was"
"You attended ?"
Yes, every day and greatly was my
soul refreshed and strengthened"
"Did you see Mrs. Eldridge there p
b" Mrs. Eldridge ? No indeed, except
on Sunday. She's too worldly-minded
for that"
She has a pew in your church"
Yes; and comes every Sunday morn
ing because it is fashionable aud respect
able to go TO church. As for her re-
ligion, il isn't worth much, and will hard
ly stand her at the last day"
Why Mrs. Andrews You shock
me Have you seen into her heart Do
you know her purposes Judge not |
that ye be not judged, is the divine in
junction."
"a tree is known by its fruit" said
Mrs. Andrews, who felt the rebuke, and |
slightly colored.
"True; and by their fruits shall ye
know them," replied the lady. "But
come, there are too many aroun ! us here
for this earnest conversation. We will
take a quarter of an hour to ourselves in
one of the less crowded rooms. No one
will observe our absence, and you will
be freed from the annoyance of these
dances"
The Two ladies quietly retired from the
drawing-rooms. AS soon as they were
more alone, the last speaker resumed.
= By their fruits We shall know them.
Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs
of thistles Let me relate what l saw
and heard in the family of two ladies
during this protracted meeting. One of
these ladies was Mrs. Eldridge, was
passing in her neighborhood about four
o o'clock, and as | owed her call, thought
The opportunity good one for returning
it. On entering, my ears caught the
blended music of piano, and children's
happy voices. From the front parlor,
through the partly opened door, a sight,
beautiful to my eyes, was revealed. Mrs.
was seated at the instrument,
her sweet babe asleep on one arm, while,
with a single hand, she was touching the
notes of familiar air, TO which four
children were dancing. A more inno-
cent, loving, happy group have never
seen. For nearly ten minutes l gazed
upon them unobseryed, so interested
hat forgot the questionable propriety
'f my conduct. and during that time, not
IN unkind word was uttered by one of
he children, nor did anything occur to
mar the harmony of the scene. 1t was
! sight on which angels could have
ooked, nay did look with pleasure; for
whenever hearts are turned to good
Elections, angels are present. The mu-
ic was suspended, and The dancing
eased, as presented myself The mo-
her greeted me with happy smile, and
ach of the children spoke to her visitor
With an air at once polite and respect.
al.
"'Pve turned nurse for the afternoon
ou see, said Mrs. Eldridge, cheerfully.
It's Alice's day to go out, and never
Ike to trust our little ones with the
who isn't over fond of i,
hildren. We generally have a good
me on these occasions, for / give up to
hem entirely. They've read, and play
d, and told stories, until tired, and now /
have just brighten ed them up, body and i
lind, with a dance"
And bright and happy they all look |
q. 8