davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1875-11-03
Individual RespOnsibility.

God deals with us singly, and we must
deal with God singly We have little con-
cern with what others do, but everything
with what we do ourselves Let us live and
think aud speak and act as if we and God
were alone, and as if the whole weight and
responsibility of His work upon earth Law
upon us, as lie upon US it does. to the full
reach of our power to bear it. We are re-
sponsible for our own souls, and for the souls
Of others. constantly feel in what very
different state the church and the world
would be, if every man who is called Chris
tian had his heart on fire with divine love.
and, like the Christians of apostolic davs,
went everywhere preaching the word. / do
not mean the speaking in public to many,
which must ever be the gift and calling Of
few, but mean the frank candid, spontane-
Gus, unaffected speech, with which one who
loves Christ may tell another Of the beauty
of his Master Were every Christian thus
sot 10 work, and an agency which holds at
once in its hands all the avenues and nflu.
ences Of our vast social life What q bless
ing might be expected from above, if
every man did what he might do for Christ
| use the phrase advisedly, because am sure
that God puts it in our power TO do what God
means us to do. He that does nothing in
vain. but in His exact economy never wastes
a drop Of water or a dead leaf, has not given
time, talent, money, position and influence,
20 be thrown away. We only need the zeal
1.-The hcayen-given fire Of the Spirit-the all
constraining, all-subduing lore qf Christ
Times Of BleSsigg
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1875-11-03
Wanted---A Big Gun.

There are hundreds Of churches in the
land now suffering from the above want.
Their minister is only an ordinary mortal,
and they want an extraordinary one. lie
is considerably above the average of the
members in mental gifts and social graces.
lie is well educated, reads well, speaks and
even sings we'll lie is a prayerful man; q
man of God, without irreverence. lie
breaches the truth simply, faithfully and
earnestly. His ministry has been greatly
blessed in the conversion of men. lie at
tracts little children as his Master did. lie
comforts the afflicted, visits the sick, wei
comes the stranger, is acceptable to the
young. But, alas he is not a big gun
And so, as the church, which has been
built by his instrumentality is taking on
airs, he must soon expect his walking pa
pers.
The idea of having big gun in the pull
pit originated with Bombastes Captandum,
NJ c., who is fresh from the nations capi-
tall where he has enjoyed remarkable means
Of grace where the Rev. Spreadeagle min
isters TO the largest congregation in the
world where the galleries have TO be braoed
every time he is TO preach, and policemen
| have to be detailed to keep the crowds from
actually demolishing the Protestant cathe-
dral in which he presdes.
The cry for big gun was quickly taken
mn by several wordly-mnded church mem
| bers. who are satellites of Hon, Mr., Cap
thndum, and who want some one to initiate
his port and swell in the pulpit. The pres
ent incumbent never hourishes his arms,
never stalks back and forth on the platform,
neyer stands on tip-toe But with the Rev.
DIR. Columbiad man of caliber, man who
can be charged with patent ammunition,
and can send bombs at will-in short, a
piece of ordnance which combines all the
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1875-11-03
After the Battle.

"Chaplain,r said young soldier. with o
pcrplexed look in his pure, finely intelligent
face. chaplain. it is a hard thing to live a
Christian life in camp. Every night when
kneel down in the barracks to pray, the
BOYS raise a great laugh and sometimes
throw things at me. so | get no peace
What ought | to do Y'
The chaplain was am easy-going man,
holding his position for pay, with but little
conscience for his duties and responsible
ties.
"Why, my dear fellow. would 20 to bed
without kneelinc down Ia be insulted, and
then would lit up my heart secretly to
God"
The Young man seemed 10 wish to press
the subject further, but hesitated. The
answer was mot satisfactory 1t did not
meet his clear views Of duty 1t was evil
dent that a conflict was going on in his
mind. He turned away slowly, saying, 81
will try it, chaplain" 4 week passed and
the two men met again. Well, said the
chaplain, referring to the subject Of the last
interview. " how have YOU succeeded 2"
81 tried your plan for few days, but it
gave me no comfort. It seemed like refus-
ing to perform a duty, and, therefore, like
DENYING Christ. | feel that my religion is
worth more to me than anything else, and
that more depends upon it, Christ is really
dearer to me than any earthly thing.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1875-11-03

Scoding is mostly a habit There is not
much meaning TO it. 1t is often the result
Of nervousness and an irritable condition of
both mind and body. A person is tired or
annoyed at some trivial cause, and forthwith
commences finding fault with everything
and everybody in reach. Scoldng is habit
very easily formed. 1t is astonishing how
soon one who indulges in it at all becomes
addicted to it and confirmed in it. II is an
unreasoning and unreasonable habit. Per-
sons who once get in the way Of scolding, al
ways find something to scold about. If there
is nothing else, they fall to scolding at the
mere absence Of anything to scold at. Il is
an extremely disagreeable habit. 1t is con-
tagious. Once introduced into family, it
is pretty certain, in a short time, TO affect all
the members People in the country more
readily fall into the habit of scolding than
people in town. Women contract the habit
more frequently than men. This may be
because they live more constantly in the
house, in a confined and heated atmosphere,
very trying to the nervous system and the
health in general and it may be, partly,
that their nature. are more susceptible and
their sensitiveness more easily wounded.
The proper remedy for the habit, if formed,
is to experience an endowment Of that divine
love shed abroad in the renewed heart by the
Holy Ghost, the characteristics Of which are
that it is not easily provoked" "thinketh
no evil and beareth all things"
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1875-11-03
A WoOing Not Long Doing.

1t is told that Abernethy, while attending
a lady'for several weeks, observed those adj
mirablc qualities in her daughter which he
truly esteemed to be calculated to render the
marriage state happy. Accordingly, on Sat
urday, when taking leave of his patient, he
addressed her to the following purport -
You are now so well that | need not see
you after Monday next, when shall come
and pay You my farewell visit But in the
meantime ! wish you and your daughter
seriously TO consider the proposal am about
TO make. 1t is abrupt aud unceremonious.
| am aware; but the excessive occupation OF
my time by my professional duties affords
me no leisure to accomplish what | desire
by the more ordinary course of attention
and solicitation. My annual receipts amount
to -, and ! can settle - on my wife
my character Is generally known to the pub
lie, so that you may readily ascertain what
it is. have seen in your daughter a tender
and affectionate child and gentle and lady
like member of family such a person
must be all that husband covets, and |
offer my hand aud fortune for her accept
ance. On Monday, when | call, shall ex-
pect your determination for | really have
no time for the routine Of courtship." In
this humor the lady was wooed and won
and we believe we may add, the union was
felictous in every respect.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1875-11-03
The Sinners Plea.

1t is this name-the name Of Him who is
full of grace and truth-that is the begin
ming as well as the ending of a sinners con-
fidence and joy. To 90 to God with this one
name as my plea, is all / need to seonre O
large and loving answer.
Why then, am hesitatmg? Whence so
many doubts ? How is there so little conf
dence in this heart OF mine, when bow the
knee before the God and Father Of our Lord
Jesus Christ 1t is because ! falter in pro-
nouncing the name lie loves so well, and dc.
lights to honor so much. Ii doubt or dis
trust. it must be because | have not fully
understood the infinite value of the name,
and Gods willingness 10 give effect to that
name in the case Of every sinner who will
but consent to employ it as a substitute. for
his own. SO that as soon as learn the value
of His name, and consent to exchange it for
my own, become " accepted In the Beloved
and can not but rejoice in that name. My
joy comes from what | have found in that
name. have found in it a substitute for
my own. have found in it well of holy
love. And because of these things, 4" | rejoice
all the day" When begin to exchange
that name for my cwn again, Immediately
doubling and disquetude onsue But so
long as | set aside my own, aud employ that
name alone, my joy abounds and my feet
stand immovably on the rock which no
storm can shake.-H Bonar, u. D.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1875-11-03
Joining the Church.

lie must do it if he would obey Christ's
command. Your Christian character will be
incomplete without this for if you are un-
willing to acknowledge Christ, he will never
acknowledge you.
Let me say, however, in behalf of many
ministers and churches, that in some cases
we request persons who desire to unite with
us to wait for a while. The reason is sim
ply this that both they and we may be sat
isfed. Where they have been eherishing
this desire only for short time, it is often
better for them and for us that they should
wait This does not show any lack Of con-
iidence in them, but desire for their own
good and the good of the church. We long to
see them in the church if they are Christians,
and not otherwise. Both they and we can
only know their Christianity by their lives,
and TO see these we must take time.
If any who read these words be so re-
quested, let them not be discouraged, but
only strive the more TO make their lives ex-
emplify the profession they desire to make,
and place the greater trust in those who
have the oversight and desire the prosperity
of the flock of Cod" More Light"
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1875-11-03

And what doth the Lord require OF thee,
but only love But how great thing is
love Love brought Him down hither to
us and love will carry US up to God. Love
made Him like 10 man and love is able to
make thee like TO God. Oh, the power of
heavenly love How shall we get il planted in
our hearts ? how, but by love The fire.
quent meditation of this admirable love of
God in his Son, Jesus Christ, will not suffer
us not TO love Him with all our heart, soul,
and strength. Let us resolve, then, that the
remembrance of His love shall lie perpetu-
ally in our heart. What more welcome
thought can there be TO thee every morning
when thou awakest than this--i am the be-
loved of the King Of glory 7 With what
canst thou open thy soul more cheerfully 7
What will brighten it, and chase away the
darkness of melancholy, sorrow sadness,
cares, and fears, like to this Let the morn
ing light bring Jesus ever along with it to
thy mind, and enkindle in thee a new devo-
tion to IIm.-Bishop Patrick
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1875-11-03
Cheerful Homes,

Frugal wives, good housewives, always
look as neat Mt breakfast as circumstances
will permit. And the circumstances usually
beyond her control" if any, are her hus-
band and her sons. The amount of litter, OF
things lost, broken, or misplaced which can
be maintained by two or three, or six or ten
boys and men, is something wonderful and
the marvel is, not that here and there q
mother comes to the breakfast table with a
stitch dropped, or string or ribbon unad
jnsted, but that the wearicd woman can get
there at all.
II his wife is required to keep order, the
husband and sons should avoid the making
of disorder. If they want hot coifee-and
cold Is disappointing they must come down
in season for breakfast. Aud il man de
sires that his wife should look pleasant and
act pleasantly, he should find some time 10
permit her to speak, and speak himself to
her, between dinner one day and breakfast
the next. There are some men, aud boys
too, for whom home has no attraction in the
evening. There are some persons who seem
TO regard home as only place to cat and
sleep in. The mother Of such sons cannot
be expected TO look cheerful at breakfast.
philadelphia Ledger.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1875-11-03
A Story ut the Wrong Time.

"Will you be mine forever | hope
will you marry me 2" he stammered out,
newer in his life having propounded ques-
tion so difficult to articnlate.
" Dear please let me think about it. |
will give you an answer next Sunday even
ing | can't answer now"
This was Wednesday night.
$50 you want 10 take four days in which
to decide, do you ?" asked the journalist, all
the assurance of his guild returning 10 bear
him up in the emergency.
"Oh yes, four days murmured the girl.
= 1t is only little WHILE
A happy thought struck the young man.
lie was much given TO illustration by anec-
dote. Why should he not illustrate the
present case 7 So he said;
Darling you remind me of an old Dutch
Judge down in one of the Mohawk counties
Of New York"
allow, in the name of goodness do re-
mind you of an old Dutch Judge ?" inquired
the astonshed girl, opening her gentle brown
eyes in wonder.
Well" began the wretch, coolly "a
good many years ago the Wings Of Schenec-
tady county ~ Y, elected TO the office of
county Judge and surrogate an old Mohawk
Dutch farmer, who knew no more about law
than a street car mule does about love. The
first case that came before him was a suit
for damages involved in the opening of the
road through a mans farm, that was tried
before him without jury. After he had
heard all the testimony and arguments of
the attorneys, he elevated his two hundred
and seventy pounds Of solemnity TO per-
pendicular position, and made the following
speech
" Shentlenens-I hai listened to de teshdi-
mony unit der arguments Won der counsel,
nit great deal of batience unit much adj
DENTON, unit | haf pegome broioultly im-
Dressed nit der great imbordance of dot
case II is a case yich inyolis many nish
boints Of jurisbrudence, unit vich requires a
great teal of teliberashun. Derfore, in view
Of great inheritance of dot case, unit in or
der dot der deliberashun may be opserfed
by dis court, shall dhake four days in vieh
to decide dot case, but shall effentually flint
shudgnent for der blaintiff."
Somehow this beautiful Illustration did
not seem 10 produce favorable effect. The
young lady's dignity seemed to rise as the
story progressed, until, when she heard the
last OF it, and the beauty of it dawned upon
her mind, she quickly responded;
81 don't think | shall require the four
days can decide now, and | shall find
Judgment in the case for the defendant. |
don't believe that any man who is in earnest
would tell such story as that under any
circumstances"
Then she glanced at the watch, and re-
marked she had not thought il was so late.
The young man put on his hat and overcoat
and walked down the front steps murmur-
ing to himself that he was always putting his
foot in it.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1875-11-03
VOL. 71.-36O3. NO. 3.

Uncle Barnabas,' said 7, as the train
reached the city, how shall ! find where
Mrs. Prudence lives ?"
"Oh, III 60 there with you," said he.
Are you very well acquainted with her p
| ventured 10 ask.
"Oh, very we'll indeed replied Uncle
Barnabas. nodding his head approvingly.
We took carriage at the depot and drove
through so many streets that my head spun
around and around like a tee-totum, before
we stopped at a pretty, brown stone mansion
lit looked like palace TO my unaccustomed
eyes-and Uncle Barnabas helped me out.
" Here is where Mrs Prudence lives" said
he, with a chuckle.
neat little maid. with frilled white
apron and rosc-colored ribbons in her hair
opened the door with a courtesy. and was
conducted into an elegant apartment all
gliding, eXotics and blue satin damask, when
q plump old lady, dressed in black silk. with
the loveliest Nalenciennes lace at throat and
wrists, came smilingly forward like a sixty
ysars-old sunbeam
So you've come back, Bamabas, have
YOU" said she. " And brought one Of the
dear girls with you. Come and kiss me my
dear"
Yes, Susy, kiss your aunt" said Uncle
Barnabas, lingering his hat one way and his
gloves another as he sat complacently down
on the sofa.
my aunt ?" | echoed
"Why,of course said the plump old lady.
Don't you know ? I'm your Aunt Pru-
dence"
Z" But | thought, gasped I, in bewilder-
ment, that was coming 10 a situation ."
"Well, so you are" retortcd Uncle Bar
nabas. Tho situation of adopted daughter
in my family. twenty-five dollars month
pocket money--the care Of Aunt Prudence's
cat and canary And to make yourself gen.
erallv useful !"
"Oh uncle" cried |, Eleanor would
have been so glad to come if she had known
it,"
Fiddlestrings and little fishes 4" illogic-
ally responded my Uncle Barnabas I've
no patience with girl that's too fine to
work. Eleanor had the situation offered
her and She chose to decline. You decided
to come and here you stay Ring the bell,
Prue, and order tea, for I'm rs hungry as a
hunter and dare say little Susy here would
relish q cup of tea
And this was the way drifted into my
luxurious home. Eleanor in the country
cottage, cnvics me bitterly, for she has all
the tastes which wealth and metropolitan
home can crafty. But Uncle Barnabas will
not hear of my exchanging with her.
No, no says he. "The girl I've got is
the girl mean to keep. Miss Eleanor is too
fine a lady to suit me-"
But he lets me send them liberal presents
every month, and so | am happy.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1875-11-03

A BEAUTIFUL Plant" The climbing
fern" says an enthusiastic lady writer eek
GELS all other plants J have ever seen, in it's
loveliness and adaptation for ornamenting
parlors. Its fronds are so deeply serrated
that they produce n most perfect effect when
suspended from the walls, enwrcathing pic
lures, windows and mirrors and its fruit or
seed vessels are exquisite In their light tra-
ceries. It drapes the walls as with living
green, and keeps its bright color until the
warm sun fades it to light brown. Mingled
with the bright crimson and yellow leaves
Of the sumach aud maple, the contrast is
beautiful; or when twined over the frame
of mirror, and its long vines are reflected
on its surface, seemingly doubling their
number the effect is exceedingly lovely.
Enter room thus adorned, and you can
hardly conceive yourself that the vines are
not growing In some hidden receptacle, so
bright are their hues, so fresh their appear
ance."
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1875-11-03
The Minimum Christian.

The minimum Christian And who is
he The Christian who is going TO heaven
at the cheapest rate possible. The Christian
who intends TO get all the world he can, and
not meet the worldling's doom. The Chris
tian who aims TO have as little religion as
he may without lacking il altogether.
The minimum Christian goes 10 church
in the mornings and in the afternoon also,
unless it rains, or is too warm, or too cold
or he Is too sleepy, or has the headache from
eating too much dinner lie listens most re-
spectfully to the preacher and joins in the
prayer and praise. lie applies the truth
very ously--sometimes to himself, often
to his neighbors.
The minimum Christian is very friendly
to all good works. lie wishes them well,
but it is not in his power TO do much for
them. The Sabbath-school he looks upon AZ
an admirable institution, especially for the
neglected and the ignorant II is not con
venient, however, for him 10 take a class.
Ills business engagements are so pressing
during the week, that he needs Sunday as a
day of rest nor docs he think himself quail
fed to act as teacher. There are so many
persons better prepared for this important
duty, that he must beg to be excused lie is
very friendly 10 Home and Foreign Missions
and colportage, and gives his mite. He
thinks there are too many appeals = but he
gives, If not enough to save his reputation,
pretty near il at all events, he aims at IT,
The minimum Christian is not clear on a
number Of points. The opera and dancing,
the theatre and card playing, and large
fashionable parties, give him much trouble.
lie cannot see the harm in this or that or
the other popular amusement. There is
nothing in the Bible against it, lie does
not see but that a man may bea a Christian
and dance or 60 TO the opera. He knows
several excellent persons who do Why
should not he ? lie stands so close to the
dividing line between the people Of God and
the people of the world, that it is hard to
say on which side Of it he is actually to be
found.
All, my brother, are you making this at
tempt Beware lest you find at last that
in trying to get into heaven with little re-
ligion, you miss it altogether; lest, without
gaining the whole world, you lose your own
soul l-PresJyierian at Work.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1875-11-03
MONTPELIER w. WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER B 1875.

modern improvements-al this will be
changed.
To be sure, this call for biggun is likely
to sunder the most sacred Of ties to part
pastor from those whom he has led to the
Lamb Of God whom he has comforted at
the open grave whom he has stirred up to
newness Of life. But as Mr.. Captandum
has spoken the word, and as his satellites
have uttered the same sound, let the Rev.
DIR, Columbiad be forthcoming. For him
the people must have, and no other. Mean
time, watch and see how soon this big gun
in the pulpit win blast the spiritual pros
perity of the church how soon, too, he will
be fishing for a new pulpit in which to be
mountcd-1drance.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1875-11-03
Seleff ,1lisfrHany.
DYING SUMMER.

on iawny Hills ln faded spicndor drcii.
of rusty purple and of tarnishci gold.
Now like some Eastern monarch sad and old,
The discfownel summer leth down io ra.ti
nouuful mist hang DER the mellow plain.
Der watcry meads that slide down plnr-clad heights
Aud wine red woods whore song no more delights,
But only wounded birds ciy OFT In pain
pallid glory unrer IN the sky
Faint scents Of wlldng flowers float In The air.
An natures voices munnur IN dcpai
Wa. summer crowned 20 late-su soon to deq'
But with a royal smile, she whispers, " Cease,
II nic s Joy and triumph, death peace"
SfHdfV Mfyrfia
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1875-11-03

mert, affirm that the evil effects Of It's abol-
ton wero clearly perceptiblc. It's use is as
salntary as its abuse is brutal. Its abolition
IN school is as unwise az would be its aboli-
ton In the family; while its abuse in school
has been far less common than its abuse in
the family, since the superior cultivation and
control Of the teacher more than offsets the
superior affection Of tho parent, and is
therefor, safer guaranty against passion
and irresponsibility.-7 independents