Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1875-08-18
Christianity In Il Car.

1t was one Of those dull, cold, East-windy
days, of which We have had so many this
year, and most people looked cross. | think
they felt cross, too. The cars left Boston
full of uncomfortable men and women. who
would have scattered discomfort in every
town ON the road, if they had been leii to
their own devices. yet very little thing
made them comparatively amiable.
just as We were well started, the sun shone
out in a subdued and watery manner, bright
enough to annoy those in range Of its beams,
and not bright enough to give much pleasure.
There was a hasty slamming down Of blinds
aud much impatient fumbling with the
catches, which did not move readily; and
the cross people grew more cross.
\ pretty, young girl sat between me and
the window, who appeared TO understand
the puzzle, and found no difficulty with her
blind. In the seat before us discouraged-
looking, middle-aged man was working de-
iectedly at his, with an expression that said,
That's always the way; everything is
against me. know it won't come down.
but it's very uncomfortable" The pretty
girl modestly rose, pressed finger on the
right place, and the blind began to fall.
lie looked around with dull eyes which
frightened as he saw the good will in hers
she looked so glad TO be of service, that he
evidently began TO doubt whether the whole
world was against him, and his " Thank
you came in much heartier tone than was
common with HIM pleasant smile passed
over his face as he subsided into his seat.
BY this time the young man in front had
reached over his wife and found the perverse
fastening it did not yield, and he grew i'm
patient, his face redeemed, and he pushed
with all his strength but all was in vain, till
his neighbor, who apparently expected to
offer favor as little as to receive one, rose
and showed him the secret The young
man gave n careless nod of thanks, and his
wife looked relieved.
In the seat before them a weary woman
had hestated TO disturb her sleeping child
by moving to touch the blind, but as the
slant rays grew more annoying, she gently
reached up to the catch, and found that 1t
would not move readily. Evidently she was
not used 10 discomfort, and used TO bearing
it brayely not willing to wake the little
one, she gently sheltered herself as much as
possible, and tried TO think of something
pleasant. The man behind her was not in
the habit of showing attention TO women,
unless they were young and pretty he
would never. have thought of helping her, II
ne nau not lelt lnc convenience VI ptilS
himself helped; as it was he dropped the
blind hurriedly, and buried himself in his
paper too quickly to see the grateful glance
that thanked him. lie lost something
really fine for that woman was, obviously,
one who appreciated service for itself and
for its meanings, and her lock showed that
the whole day had been frightened for her
by the little kindness.
BY this time almost every one In the car
had noticed how the favor was going around
and had felt frightened and refreshed by
noticing it. The spirit of the girl who was un'
selhshly glad to serve another, the true spirit
of Christianity, in however small thing il
may appear, diifused itself among the cross
wearied people; they looked to see If they
could make their neighbors more comfort
able, they put up packages, opened or shut
windows, began TO think Of something be
sides themselves, and they reached theiI
homes feeling much more amiable than
when they started. | think the smile OF
God rested on that girl, and | hope that
some of us found lesson in the little Incl
dent that will be good for us. Perhaps II
will be good for you who read, too.--Sua'
! day Sehoo! Times