Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1877-11-21
VOL. 73.-371O. NO. 6.


that might die and Join my loved ones.
But God knew was unworthy Of that bliss
as yet He knew | had worshiped them,
and now he showed me my sin--showed me
now plainly those who think only of their
o,cn happiness-who live only for their o,yn
idols, as had done, can never have THAT
true and abiding happiness which is the
ioretaste OF heaven-'the peace that passeth
I'll understanding So when ! began slowly
TO realize that God had taken my idols unto
himself to make me seek that Joy, rose up
Ind went about my duty-the work that
God placed nearest my hand-feeling sure
that if did that faithfully. instead of cry
ing, in my selfshness, after nv own happ-
ness, God would bless me as his own rich
mercy and goodness should devise. And %
we're my prayers answered so was my work
'lessed, and happiness which is ever the
reward of duty performed in a cheerful and
rusting spirit, has been mine. And can
iook back now with gratitude to God, that
he took me out of my selfish Joy, and gave
ne work that must do for Christ's sake. TO
receive Christ's reward. For | know that
in his own good time he will restore me to
my loved ones again. So, my young friend.
must you rouse yourself from this grieving.
God has given you wealth, health and time,
hlh Nn' Nbllu HAS iffu Ol dl IUpSf lTOH
your hands--rouse up and be worker in
the vineyard where God has placed you
Make many hearts happier and better and
purer for your having lived and verify say
unto you, happiness and joy and communion
With Christ's Spirit, shall be your reward"
The entrance of Mrs. Reveers now, asking
Mrs. harrington Z" if she would like to take
, short ride with her." interrupted them,
Ind Clara was left to think over what she
had heard. while the two elderly friends
vent to enjoy pleasant ride And she did
ponder upon the conversation till she began
10 see herself in the true light and she re-
solved to try and set herself to a more cheer
ful and healthful frame of mind. But /
ear her resolution would not have amounted
o much had not Mrs. Farrington's visit
xtended to several days for what she re-
olved almost every day to do after listen
ng to such words of gentle reproof would
ne forgotten at night when alone in her
room. and the old habit of complaining
houghts would rush over her. This Mrs.
Harrington gradually found out, and she
Questioned Mrs. Reveers if there were no
Door children in the town or village, that she
'ould get Clara interested in; and learning
hat there We're, she at last got Clara to go
With her to look them up and see in what
manner she could benefit them. This in
Iced, seemed to be the right track, for
Clara, stimulated by Mrs. Farringtons be-
1evolent zeal, soon had several proteges to
look alter. lhe heart OF young man who
vas striving TO get an education was made
Ilad by her promise OF help Tor the illness
II ms parents mad taken up his hard earn-
ing that ne had been counting on 10 carry
forward his studies. This was but one OF
many instances where she opened the way,
in few days, Tor an active oenevolence and
a source OF renewed happiness to herself
Tor ere Mrs. harrington returned TO her
home, Clara began to realize the truth that
she must
"Cherish some flower, be it ever so lowly,
Work for some good be it ever so slowly
Labor all labor is noble and holy
II she would know what true happiness was
Once convinced OF this, and her whole ma
,ure responded to the call to live Tor the
good OF others. But sun she mad many,
many dark hours Tor old haoits are ever
hard to be broken up yet cheerful letters
came constantly from MIS- harrington, ana
he sought by dally prayer 10 consecrate
'erSelt to the work OF following the saviour
steps. The long cold winter drew on and
wore away, ana whlle her own heart grew
lighter and more cheerful, her mothers IKE
wise was blessed oy CARA new WORK ana
never were the poor OF the town, and the
'lck and the unfortunate, 50 well cared ior'
ohe chlliy day late III March, as she re-
turned IRON one OF her benevolent visits,
'he SAID 10 her mother, Dear mother, l
lhink am beginning 10 taste llttle oil TINS
true happiness oil which Mrs harrington Is
Cne greatest poSsessor Oh any one Vi our
friends and y now grateful am 10 you
md her for pointing out the way in which
| may have more and more of it,
But trust my daughters gratitude does
not extend to us alone"
may. mother for daily bless God for
not only the friends he has given me, but
or the wealth. too, which / feel he has
!iven me in trust to bless Others with and
most fervently do ask him to guide me in
the use | make of it," "And he will, my
daughter; for now that you have learned
that life's highest and pure~t Joy is found
N putting aside all selfish craving for
mes ocn happiness. and working for the
good of others, think God will lead you,
- he has ever led all willing disciples of
| mis- Son. to the right paths. Oftentimes
| these paths NAV lie IN the shadow, and over
stony rocks of trial aud disappointment and
! earthly loss: but we know that they lead on
to the glorious land beyond, where our Mas
ter waits to welcome us (as We prove faith
full to the work he has lett us) to the diviner
10y of heaven aud reunion with our loved
ones there"
Yes. dear mother and now pray that
NAV live to walk in those paths cheerfully
aud trustingly. Only few weeks or months
ago asked for death, but now
'Iask not that for me the plan
OF good and i'll be set aside
But that the common lot OF man
be hooiy oorne ana s'orli'eu'
yeeie all ,L 'i" '5I 80. I sl
neyolent work, Many were the llVes that
she brlghtehed ana maze Purer ana more
noble. Many were the hearts That loved aud