Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1870-04-26
For Christ's Sake.

1t was quite an annoyance to a fashion
able family in our church, that two old
ladies, who adhered to very ancient mode
of dress, occupied the pew before them ev-
cry Sunday. They wore narrow black
silk dresses, wide collars, and old fashion
ed bonnets. The children had drawn sew
eral caricatures Of their neighbors in the
hymn books. These thoughtless young
people did notnotice the sweet peace which
Illuminated the faces of the two old ladies,
while they ''worahipped the Lord in the
beauty Of holiness" When we were sent
out on a collecting tour for the missionary
society, we presented the book very gladly
to the rich lady who dressed so beautifully.
She received Us in an elegant drawing
room, but cloud Swallowed her face on
learning our errand. After making many
excuses about her want of faith in such far
off missions, and her preference for home
charities, and the times which limited her
half collar. At an unpretending little
house we stopped rather unwillingly. Here
lived those shabby old ladies who looked
50 antiquated; it was almost useless to So
licit their aid. The room was plainly furn-
| ished, with well worn furniture and home
made carpet; there were no pictures on
/ the walls, no books visible, except an old
/ family bible which looked as if it was al
ways open. AT the sight of the little sub
/ scription book, it was Unnecessary to men
ton our object; the younger sister went to
some distant bureau drawer, and brought
back an old leather purse. 1t was full of
bright gold pieces. With a radiant face
she gave ten shining eagles into our hands,
saved by self denial and numberless econo-
mics, by sales of fruit and eggs-by con-
slant remembrance of the injunction, Lay
up for yourselves treasures in heaven. y
We had been disposed sometimes to laugh
at the two old ladies, but never again did
we think of them without reverence and
love. When we were preparing to send a
present to the hospital, chaise stopped at
the door, and the two old ladies appeared
bearing goody store. The old chaise
was filled with cups of jelly and bottles OF
clrrant wine, with soft linen and warm
blankets. They had brought enough to fill
a generous box. 1t was easy to see why
the dear old people wore the same dresses
year after year, and carried such faded
parasols. We heard of very poor family
and went to ascertain what they especially
needed; we had been anticipated by the
same charitable hands. There was the
willow basket, familiar in all the houses oil
our poor, which had brought bread and
meat, and cordials for the sick With oui
two old ladies, it seemed very true that
giving does not impoverish > their cruise
Of oil was never empty. Again we called
ut the old house to beg something for tn,
soldiers tracts and books still one goc
coin remained to send US on our way re-
joicing. They were quilting in the kitch
en-; this must be designed for themselves
but they asked Us to walk into the parlor
and see a few articles they were about t.
send to home missionary family FO
many months they had been sewing anC
knitting, until a table was covered will
garments for the unknown brother in Christ
That was a sacred house it reminded u
Of the one where Jesus used to resort. W
never failed to find gold in the worn purse
food for the hungry, wine and soup for tn
sick, whenever we applied to the womel
who were ''poor, yet making many rich.
When jewels and costly dress will hav
lost their charms, when the white robe q
! Christ's giving will be the only one desir
ed our two old fashioned ladies will fin
their gold and silver boarded for his sake
safe for them, and all their charities, give
! 50 noiselessly that the left hand did nc
. know what the right hand did, repaid
thousand fold.-Spriaqfed Republican.