Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1876-11-15
Silenced Forever.

One Of the oldest members of our church
is Martin Iovett, the farmer from Gray Hill.
Although the farthest of Of the flock, no
one is more puuctually present; no storm
or heat keeps him from meeting. lie never
speaks" because Of a slight impedimcnt
in his speech, of which he is too painfully
conscious but his fine rugged old face is so
alive with interest that his silence is more
eloquent than words. His conscience often
trouble him for not adding his testimony
when others are speaking for Christ, and as
often his courage fails. Last Sabbath, how
ever. was the fftieth anniversary of the
time when he publicly professed Christ, the
golden wedding of his soul TO the church of
God. Martin was unusually happy and sol
emn all day. Bessie" said he, as his aged
fingers adjusted the old-fashioned tie, pre-
paratory for the evening meeting. can
keep silent no longer, The Lord has done
too much for us these fifty years it seems
as If must publicly testify of his good
ness tonight. win my slow tongue make
the young folks smile, and do more harm
than good ~ Now 10 Besse's ears her nus
bands labored utterance is music itself.
What was there in it TO provoke mirth she
said, aud encouraged him to speak. " Per
haps what YOU may say may bring some
soul 10 Christ" she added and knew that
he had quite decided, when he went 10y him
self to pray. lie came out with a peace
upon his face that made it like the face Of
an angel 10 his Wife who knew what a pure
life he bad led. She longed to 20 with him
that night, when his lips should be unsealed,
but could only pray that they might be
touched with a coal from the altar" as she
moved feebly about the house. She watched
him drive away, at the ancient window from
whence She had gazed many years before a
blooming bride. lie looks just like a min
ster'--her love casting a halo over him.
" do hope the way will be made easy"
That night, to eyerybody's surprise, Old
Martin Lovett rose in meeting. At first his
voice seemed 10 have lett him entirely, then
utterance came, and he spoke hesitatngly
but 10 the point, and with deep feeling. lie
said that although he had been SO long si-
lent because Of his inhrnity. his heart had
burned within him 10 testify for Christ
After fifty years connection with those who
loved the Master, he felt that he must rise,
aud tell them how the Lord had blessed him.
There were few dry eyes IN the room as his
faltering tongue broke the silence. Many OF
the giddy ones looked as if an arrow of con
viction had pierced their souls, and none
thought OF smiling at his popularity except
two girls. Before the first sentence had
passed his lipe they nudged each other, and
smiled, as il at some rare joke. The aged
man saw their mirth, and be knew ts cause.
For an instant it seemed as if he could not
proceed. His silent prayer for help surely
was heard for he was enabled 10 continue,
strangely borne above the sting of their
smiles. But aiterwards-his testimony hav-
ing been given with the power of iuspira-
tion-the bitterness of ridicule returned to
the old disciple. lie sank into his seat full
of anguish that be had ventured to speak.
We shall never hear Martin Loyett's eefce
again in the place OF prayer +" it is sileneed
by those thoughiless girls; silenced until be
reaches the land where the tongue of the
dumb shall sing ~ C0Hgrega'ioHaiid.