davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1875-11-24
Cnrran's Ingenuity.

A farmer, attending fair, with hundred
pounds in his pocket, took the precaution of
depositing it in the hands of the landlord of
the public house at which he stopped. Hav-
ing occasion for it shortly afterwards, he re-
sorted to mine host for payment. But the
landlord, too deep for the countryman, Won
dered what he meant and was quite sure no
such sum had ever been lodged in his hands
by the astonished rustic. After Intellectual
appeals to the recollection, and finally to the
honor of Bardolph, the farmer applied to
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1875-11-24
Treasure in Heavens Bank.

The first snow was falling, and Lottie and
Louis were watching it from the windows,
with happy eyes, The mother came and
stood beside them with an arm around each,
and thought of another little girl and boy,
who, twenty years ago, used 10 watch snow
flakes fall. Alas the SHOWS of a dozen
winters had rested upon that brothers grave,
and the SHOWS of time had begun TO fall on
the sisters head
But the mothers eye was bright, even
when she thought of the early, blessed dead.
Hers was happy home of love aud temporal
blessings. She was not afraid of the snow,
for all their household was clothed in scarlet
that is, in warm, suitable garments
just then came creeping down the walk
two little barefooted girls. One had a thin,
old shawl thrown over her head and half
barred arms the other drew her scant sleeves
down as far as she could over her red, cold
hands.
Poor little things p said mother. al
am glad they happened 70 pass just now. !
want you to look at them well, from their
poor bare feet TO their half-crowued heads.
Then think you will like to leave watching
the snow for a while and help me in some
work am going about"
1--WE are ready now, mother" said Lottie,
jumping down and stealing her hand into
her mothers.
The three went up stairs 10 the cedar
closet. Here most Of the winter clothes
were stored in the summer time.
First, we will look over this stocking
bag, said mother.
Looking over was always a delightful pro
cess with the children. Now mother laid
out various little crimson-topped socks and
outgrown stockings, and put them into the
large clothes basket on the middle of the
floor. Next, box of flannel garments was
looked over and two or three sets OF last
years robes were placed with the stockings
How you children do grow r. said mother,
with glad smile, as she looked at her
chubby pets.
All the morning they spent among the
drawers and boxes and presses, until the big
basket was heaping full Mother looked at
the pile with great satisfaction.
"Now, mean to turn every article there
to the very best account can"
Are you going TO make rag carpet
mother 2" asked Lottie. II should love to
sew the rags for you. | helped Aunt Lucy
once"
! "No; better than that" said mother.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1875-11-24
Christ the Faithful IntercessOr.

While the Earl of Essex was in the height
Of his power as Queen Elizabeth's favorite,
she one day gave him ring from her finger,
saving, should YOU ever need, send me this
ring aud your request shall be granted. Not
many years after, Essex, having fallen into
disfayor, was arrested, tried and sentenced
10 death Elizabeth remembered the ring,
and confidently expected Essex to send it TO
her, that she might redeem her promise.
Without it she could not interfere. The
time Of execution approached. The queen
was almost frantic, but supposed pride kept
the earl from asking for his life. The war
rant was signed, and Essex was beheaded,
going TO the scaffod in the belief that she
in whom he trusted had forfeited her
promise.
When, years afterward, Elizabeth learned
the truth, nothing could exceed her rage to-
ward the unfaithful messenger who had de-
stroyed one whom the queen had never ceased
to love.
Our Saviour, who cannot lie, and who
changes not the word which has gone out Of
His mouth, has given us precious promises
with ring in them" Whatsoever ye
shall ask the Father in my name, lie will
give it you" If ye shall ask anything in
my name, will do it," Hitherto have ye
asked nothing in my name ask and receive,
that your JOY may be full" Do these, and
host more like promises, mean anything
Do we believe God II we do, shall we give
our energies TO money-making for selfish
uses. to pleasure, TO dress, TO fashion and
frivolous pursuits, using most Of our time
for things which perish in the using" and
offer to the Master only the driblets ?
Something better than houses and pleasure
and Jewels and fashion is provided for those
who consecrate all, not only their gains, but
themselves, soul and body, without reserva-
ton, to the Masters use. " Eye hath not
seen, nor ear heard, neitherhath entered into
the heart of (unregenerate) man, the things
which God hath laid up for those who love
Him. Who believes God What says the
Word BY their fruits shall ye know
them" What was Christ's mission to the
world ? To save men. What was His
command to His followers every one Go
We, therefore, teach all nations" " Seek first
the kingdom of God" Lo, | am with
YOU" 1t is high time for us to wake up to
our responsibility, and listen to the word of
our Lord IF We know these things, happy
are ye if ye do them"
Essex sent the ring by an unfaithful mes
senger. We have an advocate, even Jesus
Christ, who can be trusted TO present the
petitions of His people in His own namei"
and lie says, Il know that thou nearest me
always" Shall not God be Justly angry
with us it, with such life-boats, which can
neither be sunk nor broken, we fail TO save
! men
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1875-11-24
VOL. 71.-36O6. NO. OK

in boyhood, crossed me in the way "Visit
no places where your parents may not CO."
J fled away and when awoke 10 the clear
light and recollection Of the next day, and
the illusions Of sense were gone, fell on my
knees and thanked God had not dishonored
my fathers name.
When ] look around and see how sipnallv
unsuccessful some parents are in the right
training Of their children, cannot but feel
that they have never wisely, prayerfully and
constantly studied how to discharge their
high and mighty trust
Among the playmatcs ofmy boyhood, how
many noble and generous spirits have been
wrecked here and wrecked there, for want
Of early and salutary restraints for want Of
a steady discipline Of the will, and that wise
and healthy adjustment Of the mental, moral
and social energies, without which unsus-
picious and passionate youth must become
the victim Of self-indulgence and final ruin
My poor friend George have wept over
his untimely fate-the sure result Of those
wretched principles Of action which he i'm
bibed in early life, bearing upon proud and
impetuous spirit like his.
My door opens. Shall | disturb you,
Ralph 2" speaks a weak voice " you are so
busy" Nay, come in, love and here
stands, by my side, my little wife, the Fanny
Of my boyhood yes, and a little child-angel
in her arms, our first born, our little Alice.
No earthly gift do 1 ask for thee, my pre-
cious little one, but that hy parents may i'm
itate the eXcelleucies Of mine.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1875-11-24
The Tender Mercles OF God.

What God does and what God feels must
ever be in harmony If lie does what is
kind and gracious it is because lie feels SO.
If lie feeds me and clothes me and COM
passes Inc about with blessings, it must be
because His interest in my welfare is sincere
and deep. To suppose otherwise would be
to say that while lie is speaking and acting
in one way, lie is in reality feeling in a way
totally the reverse.
This cannot be; for all is sincerity with
Him. He is not like man, covering over a
heart of coldness with the words or acts of
love. lie feels just as lie acts
Hence can find the gospel everywhere,
To be kept one moment out of he'll is Of it
self marvellous grace. But to be placed
though a sinner, in a world so fair and
sunny, so full of comforts and blessings, is
grace more marvellous still. Each rising sun
thus brings me glad tidings of the free love
of God. Each bud, each leaf, each flower,
each rain drop, preache to every eye that
looks upon them glad tidings of the abundant
grace of God For if there be no grace
for me, why am | kept here? Why am
compassed about with So many messengers
OF grace which, day after day throughout
the seasons, meet my ear and eye
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1875-11-24
A Word to Sinners.

One word 10 the unconverted sinner who
may read this. DO not allege the imPerfec-
tions of believers as hindrance in the way
cf your coming to Christ for you have
to do, first of all and at once, with the Per
feet One, Christ Himself Ii you perish, il
will be because you fabricate and excuse
which the Judge will at once detect and dis
allow. Only think of your folly the sins OF
other men made reason for your resolving
to perish We who have come to Christ
aud our friends, and millions who went be
fore us, all met with the same stumbling
block, but it did not turn us aside. Oh
that we could show you the Perfect One in
all the fullness and riches of His salvation
And make haste; for otherwise you will soor
find yourself perfect sinners-complete sin
ners in every sense-and the voice of the
Judge shall bid the heralds cease TO SOUND
the silver trumpet, and shall command tn.
gates of the City of Refuge to be closed
q lie that is unjust, let him be unjust still
and he that is filthy, let him be filthy STILL
Rev. xxi 11.-Reu. Andrep 4. Bonar. d. d
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1875-11-24
The Everlasting Gospel.

1t is "etenal redemption that is pro-
vided for us 10y the Goldman Redeemer. So
the Gospel or good news concerning this is
called everlasting" And to this the
Apostle Peter refers when, contrasting the
withering grass with the enduring word, he
says But the word Of the Lord endureth
forever and this is the word which, by the
Gospel, is preached unto you II. Peter
i:25.
1t is not the Gospel of one age, but the
Gospel Of every age--everlasting 1t is not
the Gospel of the past age, nor Of the present
age, nor Of the age to come, but the Gospel
Of all ages-everlasting
1t is not a Gospel whose good news ebbs
and flows, darkens and brightens alternately
1t abides the same-for it is good news of
the grace of Him with whom there is no
variableness, who is the same yesterday to
day, and forever Our changes cannot affect
the Gospel, just as they cannot affect Him,
or make Him less loving, less gracious, less
forgiving.
1t is Gospel that will carry us through
the gloom and WEAKNESS of our pilgrimage,
even to the end it is a Gospel that will
abide with us through eternity; for it is the
everlasting Gospel, and all its blessings are
like itself, everlasting" Everlasting life
is the sure portion OF the believing sinner
CAristidn Treasury
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1875-11-24
The Preacher and His Hymn.

A Methodist preacher, travelling in the
United States, found his way into Indiana
lie and his family suffered deep poverty A
settler who loved him, being o large land
holder, presented him with title-leed Of
very many acres. lie went home glad at
heart, in freedom, as he thought, from his
difficulties. Three months after this he
came TO his friend, the kiud-hearted settler.
He was welcomed but he soon drew out the
parchment
"IIere, sir" said he 81 want 10 give you
back your ttle-deed"
whats the matter 2" said the other
"any flaw in it 2"
"No"
"Isn't it good land 2"
Good as any in the state
ado you think repent the gift ?"
" | have not the slightest reason TO doubt
your generosity"
"Why don't you keep it, then ?"
" Well, sir" said the preacher, "you know
! am very fond of singing, and there is one
hymn in my book, the singing Of which is
one Of the greatest comforts Of my life. |
have not been able TO sing it with my whole
heart since have been here. A part of It
runs this way
80 foot of land do possess,
No cottage in tts wilderness,
= poor wayfalng man.
lodge awhile In tents below
Or gladly wander 10 and fro.
lul my C1Ha0H gain.
There my house and portion fair.
ny treasure and my heart are there,
And my abiding home
Take your title-deed," he added al
would rather sing that hymn than own
America"
lie went his way, and sang his hymn, full
filling his ministry and confiding in Him to
whose service he had sacrificed himself.
Nor did he or his family ever lack bread.
He is gone, now, TO his abiding home
Ep,rorft SH0ers
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1875-11-24
A Night Among the vikings.

The scene is laid in Gamie Norge, in Nor
way, visited by some English travellers, one
of whon thus descrihcsit | have not told you
Of the Interruption Of oar first nights repose
in our new home Nestled in elder down
and lulled by the drone of the air through the
stovepipe, had fallen asleep, while sending
home thoughts and longings over the wild wa
ters, which we were so glad to be done with.
woke suddenly. my heart beating wildly with
fright to find the room quite dark, and filed
with a sound so unearthly that for an in
stant dared not move. The cry ceased and
arose again-long, WEIRD melancholy, dis
cordant. Before it died away | was at the
window with Janet, who was equally fright
ened, and had hurried TO my room that we
might the catastrophe together Again
it came. This time louder nearer-was
taken up at some distance, and swelled into
horrid chorus, and ceased just as all the
neighboring clocks struck twelve. The
watchmen, only the watchmen," affirmed
Janet. She was right and calming our
selves to this bit of common sense, we went to
bed again, to sleep till morning. Now please
don't think | exaggerated the hideous un-
earthliness of the sound how 1t can proceed
from human lungs, am at loss to imagine.
| believe they do assist nature by using some
kind Of horn. Imagine number of don
keys, lunatic, heart-broken and gifted with
articulation, parading the streets at dead of
night to awake the inhabitants with the in
formation that the clocks are soon expected
to strike, that the wind is blowing (gener-
ally) southwest, and consequently rain pour
ing from a cloudy sky, but that otherwise
" all's well, and everybody may 60 to sloep
again-imagne all this, and you have an
idea what the Bergenese endure every hour
of every night all the year round. never
heard it without thinking of the dead carts
plying through the streets Of plague
stricken city, TO the doleful cry, Bring out
vonr dead"
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1875-11-24
y, WEDNESDAY,, NOVEMBER "a, 1875.

Maybe she's going to sell them 10 the old
china man, Lottie," said her little brother.
lie brings beautiful things in his basket
Better than that, my dears. | am going
TO Jay up treasure in heaven with them"
The children looked at each other a little
puzzled, but Iottie soon suggested, 81 think
you arc going to give them to the poor"
That's just it, Lottie, and our dear Lord
says that lie will regard all such act. Of
kindness, be they ever 80 small, as done to
Him and more than that, lie says, They
shall ir no wise lose their reward They
are treasures laid up in heaven for US. We
cannot take with us any Of our property
when We leave this world, but we may send
1t on before us by doing good to Christs
lpoor."
4 The basket Of clothing was well studied
over and sorted, aud great many widows
hearts wore made TO leap for Joy at the sight
Of parcel made up from it. Many shiyer.
ing little forms were comforted by the warm
garments, and many heartfelt prayers went
/ " 10 God for the kind givers.
1t Is better than great stores of gold 10
have the prayers Of the poor ia our favor.
They can procure for us what money could
not buy-the blessing OF God
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1875-11-24
Conversation.

Among home amusements, the best is the
good old habit Of conversation, the talking
over the events Of the day, in bright aud
quick play Of wit and fancy the story which
brings the laugh, and the speaking the good
and kind and true things, which all have in
their hearts. 1t is not so much by dwelling
upon what members of the family have in
common, as bringing each to the other
something interesting and amusing, that
home life is to be made cheerful and Joyous
Each one must do his part to make conver-
sation genial and happy. We are too ready to
converse with newspapers and books, TO seek
some companion at the store hotel or club
room, and TO forget that home is anything
more than place to sleep and eat in. The
revival of conversation, the entertainment of
one another, as roomfu of people will en-
tertan themselves, is one secret OF a happy
home. Wherever it is wanting, disease
has struck into the root of the tree there is
a want which is felt with increasing force
as time goes on. Conversation, in many
cases, is just what prevents many people
from relapsing into utter selfshness at their
iiresides. This conversation should not sim
ply occupy husband, wife, and other older
members OF the family, but extend itself TO the
children. Parents should be careful to talk
with them, to enter into their life, to share
their trifles. to assist in their studies, to
meet them in the thoughts and feelings of
their childhood. 1t is a great step in eduea-
tion, when around the evening lamp are
gathered the different members Of family,
sharing their occupation with one another
the older assisting the younger, each one
contributing TO the entertainment of the
other, and all feeling that the evening has
passed only too rapidly away. This is the
trusst and best amusement. II is the
healthy education of great and noble charac'
ters. There is the freedom, the breadth, the
joyousness OF natural life. The time spent
thus by parents, in the higher entertain
ment OF their children, bears a harvest OF
eternal blessings, and these evenings furnish
Just tho time.--C ChWchmdH.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1875-11-24
The Little Things.

The spirit that rules in a Christians heart
is the spirit Of Christ. And the spirit Of
Christ is a self-sacrifcing and self-devoted
spirit And this spirit will show itself in
little things and on humble occasions as
truly as in the most conspicuous affairs Of
life. Life is made up Of little things. How
ever long the journey it is taken step by
step. However long the story, it is written
chapter by chapter, and scene by scene.
Grand occasions Of action, and conspicuous
opportunities Of serving our fellow-men, come
to but few Of us and 10 those whom they
visit, they come but seldom II one be
called, in some great hour Of trial TO bear
witness TO the truth by going TO the martyrs
stake, it is but once in his earthly lifetime.
1t is seldom that we can give up all that is
fair and pleasant 10 us in life 10 secure the
happiness Of another
But the whole long day, and every day, is
full Of opportunities to make sacrifices for
the comfort and Advancement Of our kindred
and friends And if we have the heart to
forego our own choices and hopes for the
sake Of Frightening the way Of a companion,
and making his life sweeter and happier, it
is as much a triumph Of the martyr spirit
as though We consented TO be bound and
scourged, rather than he false to our faith
and our VOWS.
You are busy with your own thoughts or
pursuits, aud some one in the family calls
your name the call breaks in upon your
musing or your working with an unwelcome
earnestness. Now you can turn a deaf ear
to that call, or a fretful or petulant face (;
or you can yield il a cheerful attention, Civ
ing interested audience and suspendingyour
own planning and doing TO crafty and serve
your comrade. Which proceeding will love
and self-sacrifcs prompt 2 Can you doubt
You start out for walk with a friend.
lie wishes to 60 IN one direction, and you in
another. Give up your own choice for his,
without letting him know that you have suf
fered any disappointment. That is loves
victory over selfshness. The morning paper
comes in with the fresh story Of all yester-
days life. You take it eagerly in hand
and Just then you catch the glance Of another
eager eye fastened huugrily upon the unread
columns. Forego your own craving curios-
ity, to put the sheet into the hands of this
impatient spirit and you have acted out
once more the Christian spirit.
There is favorite seat in the family sit
ting-room, to which you are making your
way wearied with your walk or work, when
it occurs to you that another as languid as you
are, was, perhaps, moving toward the same
destination. Turn from your road, withol''
betraying your change of purpose, and drop
into another seat, and you have honored the
example and copied the spirit of Jesus.
In respect to all the conveniences Of home
the fayorite book, the most cheerful FIRE
side corner, the fairest fruit, the tenderest
4" cut" the most agreeable companionship--
give another the preference, and deny your
desire, and the Master will crown you as one
in whom His spirit has won its difficult vic
tories
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1875-11-24

What II thou feel many things wrong in
thyself Thou art sometimes low In spirits
thou canst not be pleased with thy conup-
tions, and thou art not pleased with thy du-
ties; thy graces are weak, thy love not as it
should be, thy best services improbable
yet these very things rightly understood, and
improved by the teaching Of the Holy Spirit,
will be the means Of establishing thy con-
science in the peace of God. They will lead
thee every day to greater dependence upon
sovereign grace, for they will leave thee
nothing to trust in but the Righteousness and
the atonement Of lmmanuel-nothing to keep
thee but His faithfulness to His word and
work, and nothing to bless thee but His
free covenant mercy. Thus they will work
together for thy good. Trials will settle
thee. Enemies viii confirm thee in peace.
Troubles will bring thee nearer to Cod
ROUdiue
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1875-11-24
Modern Longevity.


Flourens, the celebrated French physiolo-
gist, aud others, have expressed the opinion
that, constituted rs man is, his tenure of
life in this world is more than a hundred
years. Although Flourens himself did not
live much beyond threescore years and ten,
il woulCfseem he had some grounds to justify
such an assertion, from this number of cen
tcnarans we hear of on all sides. We are
not prepared TO say that human longevity
has been really increased but one thing is
certain, that within the last fifty years at
least the average duration of human life has
been considerably ON the increase; for ac.
cording 10 q statistical report recently pub
lishsd, the mean average in France, which in
1871 was thirty-one years and three months,
has attained the respectable standard of
thirty-nne years aud eight months for each
individual inhabitant. Indeed, for the last
five or six centuries, the average duration of
human life has been slowly but steadily in
creasing but this may be attributed to
combination Of circumstances First, the
intelligent extension and application Of the
principles of the healing art, including vac
cination second, the general extension OF
wealth and comforts third, better under
standing of the principles and advantages OF
public aud private hygiene fourth, the dis
semination Of elementary instruetlon.--bfH-
ISL Medical Journal.