Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1873-07-16

OF. CHRISTOPHER SEARCH.-AmODg all
the beautiful legends of the Middle A ges,
none is more pathetic and suggestive than
the story of St. Christopher:
Colossal in stature, unequaled in strength
there dwelt in the land of Canaan a giant
named Offero. Feeling in his heart the
want that comes in times to all hearts, he
travelled far and wide, seeking to find the
mightiest prince on earth that he might
serve him. From one to another potentate
he went, ever finding, after short period
OF labor, that his new master stood in fear
OF some other and stronger. Enlisting at
last In the service of the devil, he worked
tor him faithfully till he discovered that
the sight of cross by the wayside caused
him to tremble with fear. So he left him
and marched on, seeking but not finding the
Christ, and scorning to follow the bidding
of hermit, who desired him to fast and
pray. Then the hermit bethought him,
doubtless, that in Christ's economy there
is scope for all natur es, and to this man,
who did not comprehend fasting and pray
er nor the gentler aspects of religion, it
might be that hard work might be the
chosen means of grace. So he told him of
perious river, in fording which many
pilgrims persisted, saying, "Since thou
wilt neither fast nor pray, go to that river
and use thy strength % aid and to save
those who are about to perish. Itmay be
that this good work shall prove acceptable
to Jesus Christ whom thou desirest to
serve, and that he may manifest himself to
thee" To which Offero replied This
can do. 1t is service that pleaseth me well -
Patiently, then, by the side of the river,
by day and by night, the strong man
waited, aiding the weak, carrying the
helpless, and steadying those who were in
danger of going down with the current, till
one day our Lord, looking on him well
pleased, said, Behold this strong man,
who knoweth not yet the way to worship
me, but has found the way to serve me-"
So the legend goes on, telling of quiet
and faithful service, willingly paid, till
there comes a dark and stormy night,
when the winds moan drearily, and the
drenching rains fall. To the giant resting
In his hut, comes, faint and tremulous, the
cry of child, Carry me over, carry me
over this night" Twice and thrice came
the piteous call ere the weary Offero
answered; when, going forth from the
shelter into the tempest, he found little
child, who, borne upon his shoulder, grew
heavier and heavier, till, almost fainting,
he reached the other side. Henceforth
shalt thy name be Christopher" then said
the child, " for thou hast carried Christ"
1t were idle to try to parallel this poetic
legend exactly with the meanings of our
daily life. The heart of it is the same
that beats in the beautiful utterance of
our Savior " Inasmuch as ye did it unto
the least of these, my servants, ye did it
unto me-" Those who have found out how
to love and labor for Christ's friends, are
on the way to the knowledge of the best
Friend himself. There are those who
pltltully complain that they cannot find
the personal Jesus. They believe that he
is Redeemer, but their faith fails to
appropriate him as their own. To such,
cropping in the dark, and knowing not how
to lind rest. the story of Christopher car
rlcs precious suggestion Work for the
Master, though yet you know him not.
Dou't let enterprises languish which your
hands may help: don't let suffering souls
and bodies near you suffer for lack of your
tender ministry: give the cup of cold
water to the disciple, and you may yet
gain the disciples reward. Not that the
good work will save you, but the germ of
faith that prompts to the good work, so
tiny perhaps that you do lot recognize it,
shall be cared for by Him who sees and
blesses al who trust in Characterization
Intelli0encer,