Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1877-02-07
At Midnight.

There was great hush upon the earth.
1t seemed as if everything and everyone
stood still to listen. And yet the people
were not listening. but praying; for always
when a year passes away, the multitudes of
those who fear they need help and mercy OF
the Lord Jesus Christ take the opportunity
of pleading with Him for them.
The sound of the organ had quite died
away, the preachers voice was silent, and all
the congregation knelt as if in the presence
of God. Not sound was heard, excepting
now and then sigh which came from some
heart that was burdened with sin and sor-
row and no one moved lest the spell should
be broken.
What were the people asking for ? No one
knew but themselves and God. Most likely
their desires were for more holiness. more
love, more Christ-likeness The minister
had earnestly recommended the last few
moments of the passing year i'll silent prayer
aud ntercession and especially to resolve
then, in those silent seconds, TO give up any
sin of which they were conscious, with full
determination to live better and truer lives
than before.
1--WE are in Gods presence" he said.
Let no one try to deceive Him, WHO can
read the thoughts of the heart"
Among those who bowed their heads was
girl who was thirteen years old, and whose
face bore witness to her earnestness. Her
lips moved, and her eyes filled with tears ;
and then, lust as the time had almost gone,
she buried her face in her hands and almost
groaned.
"One, two, three ~
The great clock struck the hour, and the
| sound of the first stroke almost made the
| people start and SILVER. But as soon as the
| twelfth stroke had rung out on the air. the
merry bells poured forth such showers OF
JOYOUS music, that the world awoke to enjoy
| them.
Friends, wish you happy New-Year
| MAY He who led His flock in olden times
guide and bless you still until time is ovei
and eternity has begun" So said the min
lister, and then everybody wished everybody
else Good morning." and soon the streets
were filled with people, all going in home
ward direction.
Among the rest was our young friend
She fastened by the side of her father, fol
she longed to gain her own room, and lose
herself again in thought. She wished PEG
pie had not so pertinaciously uttered thei
congratulations but had allowed her to pur
sue her course; and she was both glad anC
grateful when at last the door of her hom
closed, and she found herself within.
" hope you have not taken cold Ethel
Let me see if you are warm, and have beel
really well wrapped up. You must TAX
something before you go up stairs" said he
mother, tendery.
ooh, | am quite comfortable, mamm
dear, and should be very glad if might re
tire at once" the girl replied.
Really? But you must first drink
cup of coffee, and then you shall GO
There was no help for it, and she stage
few minutes, then gladly entered her owl
room and closed the door
." have promised, and must do it. o.
God, give me strength; !" so she cried an
she fell upon her knees, and lifted up he
eyes to heaven.
Then thought came into her mind whic
drove the color from her face, and made he
heart beat quickly.
Why not do it at once 1t will be as har
tomorrow. had better not lose time"
She opened the door, and went down stail
again. Her father and mother had not yt
retired, and they looked surprised to see he
"Why Ethel? What is the matter ?"
Mamma, must tell you something, b
cause have promised God that | would.
| nave Deen WICKED ana uecellluli anu u
not deserve to he forgiven"
Ilush Ethel, do not distress yourself W
have always found you dutiul and lovin
child; and you know we rejoice in the goo
abilities which"
"Oh, mamma, pray do not talk so, or
will be harder than ever to tell you. hay
been deceiving you both, You have though
me clever, and let You think So You hay
admired the pieces that have shown yo
3 and have allowed YOU to think they WEI
my own but-how shall | ever tell you
they were not mine, but some that
copied and altered from book. hay
known that | was wrong, but you We're
proud of me, and your tenderness and lo'
made me so happy, that | could not bear
undeceive YOU But never saw my condu
, in its true light until i'll the silence of
night knelt to ask God to bless me tn
year"
Ethel's sobs almost choked her. and 81
could not go on. Her father and moth
d stood looking at her in amazement. The
could scarcely believe that which she to
them, and yet they feared that it must
true, for she appeared so covered with h
S initiation and shame.
Presently her father spoke: L" am vel
disappointed, Ethel, but ! would rather ha'
II truthful daughter than clever one"
Then the mother took the girl in her arm
o "You will have greater probability of
a happy new year than if you had not to
the TRUTH" she said,
Scan you ever forgive me, mother?
did not intend to deceive you at first, b.
= always when the opportunity for confessir
K has come | have been afraid. Mother,
want to begin this year more humbly al
truthfully than the last. Do you think &c
will have mercy ?"
S 81 will give you New Years text" "
e the reply. eff we confess our sins, He
faithful and Just to forgive us our sins, al
. to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." -
London Christian WOrid.