Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1868-10-21

"N'' '''e "'if P''i '''' ''''H WI '' ''''' '""''
Without, the eye beheld winter scene.
Branches OF trees hecked with frozen snow,
that shone in the late afternoon sunbeams
like brilliant Jewels. Drifts Of the weeN-old
snow yet rested m the burrows OF the stubble
field and the cold, keen wind whirled the
brown leaves OF last years foliage IN heaps
around the clumps OF shrubbery.
Within my mother and sisters were group
ed around the cheerful fire only Florence,
Just returned from an excursion on the lee,
sat by the window gazing out upon the brown
earth, and leaiiess trees, and sulhed patches
Of snow. She made lovely picture herself,
in her gaily trimmed skating costume, her
fair face glowing from the exercise she had
taken, and her blue, dreamy eyes full Of
thought and expression.
Had you pleasant time on the river,
dear " presently asked our mother.
o, very! she replied. " Annie's cou-
sins We're there-lust returned from Europe
and Asa. They've been all over Palestine,
and to India and Chlna-yisited Delhi and
Calcutta and Benaresi and ever so many ci-
ties Of China-besides going to Rangoon and
Amherst, in Further India. Only think
five years OF travel and enjoyment, with
every facility for such full enjoyment, too.
Olive brought Annie a fine hcrbarium
filled IN Palestine, with flowers and leaves
from all the noted places in Bible history
Fred has an entire box filled with curiosties
from India and China
Florence turned again to the window, while
the rest Of us talked Of our friends arrival,
and Of their prOtracted tour in foreign lands
o, WELL sang Minnie, gaily, " # we
were only rich enough, we too would gang
a-saiiing, a-sailing round the world =
Florence smiled-and added, in her decid-
ed way" shall 90. If not IN the body,
then ont Of the body The first petition |
shall offer in heaven, will be that | may re-
visit thi, beautiful earth and explore it to
my hearts content"
o, | shouldn't =" said Minnie Ii |
mag, ! want to talk to Jesus all alone, a lit
tie while He could answer some questions
Wat no one eise can ever make me under
stand"
4" My greatest pleasure said Lenora, tax
ing up the theme " would be to make friend
of some wise cherub' and learn, and learn'
and learn all the hidden mysteries OF knoWl-
edge the sealed wonders Of science, the inf
mite riches Of wisdom. To acquire knowledge
forever and forever D. that will be ENJOY
ment !"
/ Lenora was our scholar; the student aud
bookworm OF the family
Then said !, " since you each take tor
granted that our Father will make 1t His
/ pleasure to give US all our hearts desire when
He gives us the kingdom, l may as well do
Likewise. When | get home to heaven
hopeto be filled with heavenly harmony-to
enjoy to the uttermost The music OF the ce-
estial choir l sometimes seem almost to
reach the infinite, even now, in the enjoyment
Of the harmonies OF music. What must the
Song Of Moses be and the grand lie Deun'
Of the Redeemed !!
" Now, mamma suggested Florence " II
is your turn. We long to hear what you
shall most crave IN the better land
| shall never forget the sweet expression
on my mothers gentle face, as she raised her
eyes from her work, and repeated, IN her
calm voice, the words OF the sacred Psalmist
=" | shall be satisfied when | awake with
Thy Likeness"
A hush fell on our little circle The sun
set glow spread over the wall ana slowly iad-
ed away. Twilight crept over the fields, and
hipht came down and pressed her sable cheek