Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1877-03-14
Faith---A Story for Children.

1t is very important that every little boy
and girl should understand what faith, or
trust in God, means. 1t is important, be-
cause they may be called to die at any time
and then they ought to hear the voice of
Jesus, the blessed Saviour, calling to them
though they cannot see Him. The follow
ing story will help each one to trust in God
and believe in Jesus: 1t was dark night !;
a high wind was blowing without, while all
the family of Mr.. ii. were lying quietly in
their beds, breathing calmly in the soundest
slumber All at once Mr. H. was aroused
by the terrible cry of " fire " He was not
sufficiently awakened at first to understand
the cause; but the sound grew nearer and
nearer, and soon many were gathered under
his window "Fire fire your house is on
fire " they shouted, as they pounded heavily
upon the doors. Throwing few clothes
around him, Mr.. II. rushed to the door and
what was his surprise and fear to see his
own dwelling was in flames He hastily re.
turned, called up his wife, and taking the
babe and the next older child, they quickly
sought shelter in an adjoining house. His
eldest son, about ten years of age, slept in
chamber in another part of the house near
the room of the servant-inaid who lived in
the family. Immediately the father has
tened to rescue him, feeling but little anxiety
for his property, if his family only might be
saved. On his way he met the maid.
"Where is Charles ?" said Mr.. H., surprised
to see her alone. "Crying in his room," an
swered the affrighted girl. 81 but just es-
capped, and the stairs are now in flames"
The fire had broken out in that part of the
house, and the flames were now spreading
with fearful rapidity. Almost distracted,
Mr.. III. rushed out, and fastened to the part
of the house beneath the window of his sons
sleeping room. The window was thrown
up. The terrified boy was standing there,
crying out in agony, " Father, father how
shall get out 7" He could see by the glare
of the fire in the room; but he could see no
one beneath hint was so dark-athough
he heard many voices. "Ilere | am, nv
son." cried out the deeply-moved father.
of the window, and drop yourself down.
out of the window; and clinging with the
grasp of a drowning person, he hung tremb-
ling, and afraid to let CO. " Let 90, my son."
cried the father. 81 can't see you, father"
"But / am here, my son." 81 am afraid,
father, that | shall fall" "Let go, you
need not fear" again shouted the father.
The flames began to approach the window
the easement grew hot-if he stayed there
he would be burned. He recolected that
his father was strong that he loved him,
and would not tell him to do anything that
would injure him. He drew his breath, I'M
clasped his fingers, and in moment was in
his fathers arms, overpowered and weeping
for joy at his wonderful escape. Now no.
tice, my little friends, that Charles first felt
his hopeless situation. He could not escape
any other way save by the window. He
could not see his father but he heard his
voice. In the second place, he thought with
his mind that his father was strong and able
to catch him. And thirdly, he believed or
trusted with his heart that his father would
save him, and then dropped, trembling, into
his arms. So when we feel that we are sin
ners, there is one way to escape punishment.
We cannot save ourselves We do not see
Jesus, but we hear His voice in the Bible,
and know He is here. We believe His
Word we fear no longer; Jesus will not
deceive us, and we fall into His arms
Christian Observer.