The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1864-05-20
d" God F'eedeth Them.''


children. Their rude, unfinished cottage was
several miles from any other dwelling, and
seven from the nearest settlement, or village.
The mother, who had been relgiously edu-
Gated, and vas most respectfully connected,
stroye to make tile best of her situation but
the father was miserable drunkard. 70
many Of the good woman's friends, it was a
matter Of surprise that she should consent
to live in such lonely and out of the way !"
place. but those who possessed her confidence,
knew she cherished hopes that her husband,
being 50 far removed from temptation, might
become sober and industrious. Her hopes
alas, were vain. A distance of seven miles
is nothing to man thirsting for strong
drink, and the poor woman, with hopes
crushed, struggled on in destitution and lone
iiness, suffering more than pen can tell.
1t vas mid-winter, and a great depth Of
snow already covered the ground, with vio-
lent s'or,I evidently approaching. The last
handful of meal had been cooked for break
fast, ard the hesotted father started for the
village. 20 apply TO town authorities for pro-
visions. With almos. agonizi,g pleadings,
did the poor wife stand at the door, and en-
treat him not to taste anything Intoxicating,
lest their little ones might perish for want Of
food. He promised well, ana no doubt sim
cerely, but when he came to the little shop
at The entrance OF the village, appetite too
long rndulged, oyercame all good desires
He entered, and need not tell how soon
his sa1Ses were stupefed, and his suffering
family forgotten.
Meanwhile the storm commenced, and the
hungry children watched at the one window
Ct their wretched abode, and wished father
would come" An ear or two of corr that
had been saved for seed, was parched ard
ea'en-the last eatable thing the house con-
tanned. Night closed in fearfully dark, and
snowy and cold. There was, however, a
lal'ge lot Of wood in the corner, ard that was
something to H. thankful for. The poor lit
Tie children were very hungry, and it was
hard 10 go to bed without one mouthful Of
supper. but they PRAYED to God, and their
l.ear mother did what she could to cause
them to forget their hunger, by telling store.
and singing to them. She dared MT prom
iSe food on the morrow, for her own heart
misgaye her, bat she assured them that their
Fa..er in heaven had not forgotten them. Il
their earthly parent hal, and they must en-
dure patiently whatever they might have 10
sut.rr
All night the wind howlcd, and the SNOW
came down as It OILY comes in moun,ainou,
regions. and when morning dawned, the little
; hut Was nearly buried in snow. How the
poor mother dreaded the awakening of the
starving children. What a day of intense
. suffering il was The mother forgetting her
own hunger in her distress for her precious
, babes. Again ard again did she look into
: the deep chest, her only closet, wishing that
, she might find one little crust Alas, moth
e ing-nothing but little salt.
= Night came again, and after reading about
= Jesus fasting forty days and forty nights, tn,
1 starving family raised their fearful petition.
i TO lin who never slumbefs nor sleeps. Tn,
: cn;lIren we're snusIy tucked in bed, and tn,
y weary mother had told story after story
o dropping her voice lower AID lower, unit
K she was quite silent, hoping the dear itt!
S ones were asieep.
y Mamma" said the eldest, if old Mutf,
,. was here We could eat her, couldn't we?'
If Eat ny dear kitty Muffy.." exclaimed tn
q youngest, why Johnny, then she'd be dead
!, You wouIdst Kill Mutfy pussy, would yor
e Johnny:'
n The poor boy evidently had struggle be
: tween .oye and hunger, for he vas silent
st moment, then choking out the words: " o.
0I little sissy. its an awfW thing to Sta-arre!
ip he burst into violent fit of crying; the OF.
h er two Joined him, and the three. mingle
- their cries together. the mother wept toc
E. though silently. She was shocked to hes
her litte son speak of eating their little pc
II though she had many times in the da
Il thought Of the same horrible expedient. Bl
ly puss was not there, she disappeared the da
lr before, and had not since been seen. II
he children had long cry, and their moth,
SIS talked and sang, until at last they slept; al
then she fell upon her knees in very graf
he tude for that great blessing, and she prayt
Id that they might awaken in His blessed kin
as dom. if they must perish for lack Of food
by She had a sweet season communing with J
IT. sus, nor did she forget to plead forgivene
oy for the unfortunate author of her suffering
re- She arose with peaceful spirit, and imm
of diateIy sought her own pillow She had ne
on er before had such alsustaining faith, and
a long while she mused upon Gods goodnt
until consciousness was gently giving pla
u TO sleep.
la She was startled by strange noise abo
zen her-thump-chunk-it sounded on the loo
fo- boards overhead, near the chimney. Tn
TAX steathy step to the top of the ladder
'ho downtown it came, nearer, nearer, to
led bed, to its very side; then something hea
Oil dropped on the floor, and a proud, chez
tender m-e-ow-ww, broke the stiffness of ,