Orleans County monitor. [volume] (Barton, Vt.) 1872-1953, 1877-07-30

THE CHRISTIANS HOPE.

A few years ago you might have seen
at the corner Of one of the great London
thOroughfares an old man, who day after
day sat patiently behind his little stall
Of wares, though often exposed to the
most inclement weather from which his
worn and shabby garments would i'll
protect him. His long white locks be-
tokened age, and the lines and burrows
on his care-worn face revealed the strug-
gle Of that brave soul with deep sorrow
and bereavment For many years he
had been alone; one by one his little
children had been taken from him, and
the faithful mother and devoted wife
soon followed them. His loving heart
was indeed stricken, but not dismayed.
Though years of wasting disease, power
ty and want had tried him sorely, he
was never heard to murmur or complain !;
for deep in his heart there dwelt the
abiding peace of God which passeth all
understanding, and which the world can
neither give nor take away. As morn
ing after morning l would pass this no.
bic old man on my way to the city. 1
noticed that he was invariably surround
ed by group of eager boys, whose rag
ged clothes, bare feet, and hungry looks
betrayed too well, alas, how early they
had learned by bitter experience the re-
ality Of misery and want. From his
own well-worn Bible he read the old,
old story, and with deep earnestness he
told them of that loving Saviour, who,
though rich, for their sakes became poor,
that in Him the weary might find rest
and peace, the homeless an everlasting
home, and the sorrowful and afflicted
eternal joy. But one morning l found
that street corner deserted and upon in-
quiry learned that the man was very
sick and nigh unto death. 1t was nc
easy task to discover his abode amidst
that confused labyrinth of narrow crowd
ed streets and alleys in one of the most
degraded districts of London. But at
last 1 reached the house in by-street,
if possible more gloomy and repulsive
than the rest. With difficulty picked
my way up the dark and rickety stairs
to the garnet floor, but as 1 opened thu
door scene presented itself which nj
words Of mine can properly describe
though time can never efface it from m,
memory. The old man lay upon heal
of straw, his only bed, while the younj
lads pressed nearer to their believe,
friend to listen to his last words of Low
ing sympathy and encouragement. Hi
face was radiant with perfect joy, a
with an effort he raised his head iron
his pillow, and giving them look o
melting tenderness he exclaimed "
have fought good fight, l have fnishe,
my course, have kept the faith hence
forth there is laid up for me crown {
glory" A heavenly messenger had con
to that man who all his life had sat O
the lowest place, and said, Friend, com
up higher, for the Master is come an
calleth for thee" What matters it tn;
no grand funeral procession proclaims
the world his departure What thong
no illustrious record of his deeds h;
been written to perpetuate his nan
among the great ones of the earth
What though no marble tablet mari
the place where his last remains ha1
been laid ! One word at the entran,
to the eternal city Outweighs the whole
"Well done we'll done enter thou in
the joy of the Lord P'-Ohristian Unio