Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1875-02-17
4 Baby's Baptismal Journey.
nj Sry. > .. WILLIAM


When was pastor of the Red River col
ony of Minnesota, became much interested
in bright young Englishman who had ac-
cepted Uncle Sans free offer Of farm, and
made a new home in the beautiful wilder
ness, twenty-five miles north Of my home at
Glyndon. His brave little wife was the
daughter Of an English Congregational cler-
gyman. lie had roved away from 6 iuxu-
rious London home but her love and courage
were equal TO the task Of sharing his fortunes
on the fertile prairies of the famous Red
River valley. God soon put a little girl babe
in their arms. The mothers heart then
longed for church, n minister, a little gath
ering of Christian friends, and 10 present
her infant for the sweet ordinance OF bap-
tism, as she had seen it administered in the
dear old home across the sea. But how
could she go 1t was cold winter The
railroad was building by their door almost,
but the cars were not running yet, and work
was Suspended for the winter. There was
no stage, no wagon road even, nor sleigh
track over the snowy wilds; for they had
pushed out far beyond others, and were
"pioneers." A few brave young men from
England and from Canada were about them
in their little log claim cabins" but their
supplies" were all in for the winter, and
spring. But the mothers heart pushed on
the fathers hands until he made way. On
the great farm sled he built snug little
house, Just big enough for two persons and
a very small fraction. ! don't know Just
how TO describe it 10 you, children. 1t
would have been a small bath-house for two
boys. A small farmer would have q much
bigger smoke-honse for his hams. Two
| Newfoundland dogs would have crowded 1T.
But the fond parents made it answer for
them and their darling. 1t had one seat,
some dainty little boxes for "baby clothes"
and the oldest little stove you ever saw,
with its tiny stove-pipe sticking out Of the
roof, and basket full of dry wood. p, And
when the mother and child were wrapped in
warm robes, the faithful man yoksd four
noble oxen to the sled, aud they started
For the sake of travelled road, aad TO be
near houses at night, they went a rounda-
bout way nearly seventy miles. The third
night they got lost. The puzzled oxen went
round and round in one snowy track, and
the brave man, with no fences and no
landmarks, could not guide them, and so
"camped" until morning. The oxen lay
close by them in the soft snow. The driver
slept under the blankets and robes. Father
and mother nestled close with the dear babe
| III tHc Htllc hc llttit otoNt
blazed 10 keep Jack Frost away from such
treasures. Gods angels kept guard No
storm fend swept down on them, and morn
ing sunshine showed them Glyndon and a
welcome near at hand. When they told me
SO fair and brave little traveller wanted 10
see me, went quickly. A special service
was soon arranged, and warm hearts wei
coined the strangers. The long white dress
was so pretty, more than half believe it
was brought all the way from London on
purpose. am sure drew the little snow
bird close TO my heart as | baptized her
" Sarah Marsh T, in the name of the
Father, and Of the Son, and Of the Holy
Ghost. Amen" After few days rest. the
precious load was started homsward. Many
hands waved farewell to the brave yoyagsrs.
The pretty baby smiled. The mother looked
satisfied and happy to go back to the wilder
ness for, after ALL it was "lIome, sweet
home" The sparks few from the little
stove as the sleek oxen logged along But
we we're all glad that party of stalwart
men with horses had an errand that way,
and so promised TO see the brave adyepturers
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