Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1874-09-22


little ones who had gathered about tho
cen,re-table, under gas lamp. one with
her doll. and two with picture-books. and
then there was n scampering down stairs,
and n jingling OF young voices sweet ii
discordant. The mother heard only the
sound OF kisses in response. The faith.
er's voice. lately so lull Of glad welcomes
as he opened his arms for his babies, was
silent now. What change And yet
so far as every external element of hap
piness was concerned. no new condition
existed. There was no evil in the present.
Food and ramcnt, light and warmth.
health-all that they could appropriate
was in equal abundance now ns before.
II was the shadow OF some imagined
evil in the future. which might never
come, that shut the sunlight from their
hearts-which might never come, or,
coming, change to good in tho day OF It's
advent.
Mr.. Carson entered the room whore his
wife sat, bearing one child In his arms
while two clung TO him, in laughing
efforts to impede his progress. Tho old
welcoming smile was on her face, not so
bright nor SO happy. but iull OF tender
ness. How like flash its reflected rays
drank up the shadows from his eyes aud
brow. lie could not help STOPPING over
and kissing her with unwonted ietvor.
She iel il, in sweet thrill, down 10 her
heart. They were drawing closer to.
gether.
you have changed since morning" "
sad Mr.. Carson. soon after, rs the chill
lreu resumed their TOYS aud pic,ure-boOk.
laying his hand on his wiIc's head ~ he
spoke, aud looking into her calm eyes
almost wouderingly.
"llave L?"
"Yes. What has brought this change? :?
Right thinking, perhaps"
"Wnat have been your thoughts p
To-day is ours. and only To day"
"O1ly to day." said Mr.. Carson. echo.
iug the words OF his vile.
Il. it wise 10 throw aside the good
,hings OF 10 day. because in doubt as to
lhe lutufc? TO shut our windows. aud
refuse iD let to.day's sunshine enter our
dwellings,. because there are are signs OF
storm to morrow?'
"No. it is not WISE" answered the
husband.
so have thought; and, so thinking,
have becn striving 10 keep myself in
tho present. aud amid tho duties and
blessings that crowd the passing hours
All i well with III TO day has been
well with Us so far in life; aud il changes
and trials are to come. will not strength
as we need be given ?'
"Surely il will. dear wife! :" said Mr..
Carson. IL cannot express the feeling OF
relief your language gives. Yes, yes.
Let Us take. in all our to.dayS. the good
things God has provided. Hitherto they
have been in full measure. II diminished
from this time. rs To- what is external and
material. may we not have an increase OF
our internal pleasures ? do no; think
we have been great deal happier since
a better income enabled us to rent this
larger house. and to possess cos,lier
furniture"
Just tho conclusion Of my own mind"
answered the wife. al know we were As
have thought hap.
pier-in that cosey little house where the
first six years of our welded lives were
spent. Aud now that you have alluded
this humble condition. ! will say what
further has been in my thoughts. Let us
20 back 10 the same condition, and thus
reduce our expenses 10 the old rate. In
a smaller house | can get along well
enough with single servant. and not
have TO work any harder than DO now.
This will be acting right in the present
doing TO day what seemeth best-and |
think we shall find the way before us
growing smooth to our feet. though 1t
looks so rough and lhorny in prospective. "
"Coiniorter = consoler - strengthen.
er ~ said Mr.. Carson, giving way 10
gush of feeling. His voice was halt
choked and his eyes glisiened. "One
hour ago was wretched. Now | am
hopeful, resigned. peaceful. The high
mountain across my path. that seemed
impossible, has sunk TO little hill. When
our feet begin the ascent, we shall not
find the way SO very difficult and strength
will come in the hour OF need"
And il came as he had prophesied. The
lesson and the experience of that day and
evening TO Mr. and Mrs. Carson were 50
full of instruction that they could not be
forgotten. In present right thinking aud
actiug-in taking each day as it came,
and accepting the good it had to offer
they found tranquility of mind; but, in
all variations from this rule OF life-in
all weak yieldiugs 10 doubt aud fear-in
all helpless broodings over coming i'll
they were led into darkness, ,self-tormenls.
wrelchedness. One day at time-taking
and using the good it had 10 offer, and
bearing patiently its ills-this was the
better life they sought TO live; and though
tor some years a(terward, their way in
the world was through obscure places,
where the humber move, they found rs