Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1878-05-31

I
him by name. At last the little fellow
sickened and died. The mother, overcome
by her grief, was very i'll for long time
On her recovery it was impossible for her
TO go near the door when Poll was swing
ing in his outdoor cage without her feel
ings being narrowed by his calling, almost
in her own tone of voice, "Geor-die !,
| Geor-die ~
In 1905 there was powerful religious
awakening in Providence, Mr.. Dods, his
wife, and eldest daughter were at that
lime brought under the influence of di-
vine truth, and received into the fellow
ship OF the First Baptist Church. Con-
version in those days meant great deai
and was followed by marked results The
atmosphere of the home became so wholly
religious that even the house-dog Tiger
went regularly to church with his master.
and when at one time the good man was
very seriously i'll and the family were
kept at home by care and anxiety, Tiger
could be seen. at the first sound of the old
Baptist bell, making his way to church
and to the family pew, where he quietly
remained until the service was over. This
was SO well known in the town that when
n Frenchman, on some business errand,
inquired in his broken way for the man
who had lone very religious dog" he WAS
immediately directed 10 Mr. D0ds.
1t was not strange that so intelligent 4
bird as Poll should be impressed by these
strong religious influences. and after n
few years became so accustomed to the
evening iseryice and fraternal greetings
as 10 really give evidence of being good
Christian parrot, speaking in the confer
encc and prayer-meetings whenever an
| opportunity offered. He was often BAN
| ished TO some room remote from the
meeting. but when forgotten, or for pre-
vious good conduct allowed TO remain,
| would startle all presently his testimony.
On one occasion, a very animated sermon
was scarcely brought TO close when
Poll was pleased 10 say very graciously,
That's a pretty good discourse :"
A striking incident in Polls experience
about this time brought out the TACT that
early influences often determine the char
acter OF those which will continue to act
with more or less force. Poor Poll was
overcome by sudden temptation, and it
occurred in moment OF great hilarity.
The older members of the household hav-
ing gone abroad TO spend the dav, the
two youngest daughters were housekeep-
ers. The day was lovely, and the girls,
contrary 10 orders. ventured to take Poll
from his accustomed place in the sunny
corner OF the sitting-room Cor keeping
room, as it was then called), placing him
in his out door nook, in the sweet-briar
brush under the windows. 1t being Polls
first Spring airing, he was wild with de-
light, jumping about in great glee, until
The nail, probably weakened by the Win
ter storms. gave way, and the cage fell
TO the ground with great force. The
children, loving the bird very dearly. and
conscious OF their disobedience, quickly
ran TO the rescue, calling to Poll to tell
them il he was killed. On raising the
cage the frightened bird shook himself
vehemently, and jumping upon the perch
exclaimed in his gruflest tones, Poll
thought he was going to the devil" Years
had gone by since Poll had used word
of the kind, and the children, whose tears
were turned to merry laughter, always
affirmed that they had evidence OF his
penitence in the fact that he was never
known TO repeat the offence.
POlly's religion did not save him from
his invCierate habit of tale-bearing. As
the daughters grew up to womanhood
there could be no courting done in that
chimney corner. for Poll would tell.
When the second daughter was about TO
be married considerable anxiety was ex-
pressed in reference 10 keeping the ap-
preaching marriage from gossiping
neighbor until the bans were published
on the following Sabbath Poll heard all
the talk between the young couple during
that twilight hour Before the Sabbath
tnhh l.I 30. 81.
ily. As soon as she entered the sitting
room Poll began to makc n great comm0-
ton in his cage, swinging and dancing at
fearful rate. until he attracted her notice,
when in a singing tone he repeated over
and oyer again, George and Rose goin.
to be married, 10 be married, TO he mar
ried"
But Poll. as he advanced in years, grew
more thoughtful. After the removal OF
the family TO the home on Transit-street
he was more than ever before associated
with its religious lie. All Father Dods'
daughters were singers-what blessing
| to the household, The eldest daughter
frequently led the singing at these social
meetings. A Methodist sister sometimes
| shared this honor with her An English
minister. who was often a guest at the
house. took the first opportunity. at the
| close of one Of the meetings, to say to
this daughter. sally. Sally, don't let that
Methodist body beat you" Poll was an
unobserved listener. At the next weekly
meeting, rs soon As the hymn was read,
and the good sister was about to COM
mence to sing in her spirited way, Poll
electrified the large worshiping company
by repeating in his loudest, clearest tones
the admonition he had so recently heard,
"Sally, Sally, don't let that Methodist
body beat YOU ~ We omit the scene at
the close OF the meeting. Poor Poll was
in disgrace. Poll was opposed to long
meetings, and more than once called on
different brethren to close the meeting.
On particular occasion he seemed to
| soon tire Of the regular exercises, and
called out, "Brother Bushcc, close the
meeting by prayer" The brother thus
abruptly called upon was sitting with
closed eyes waiting Tor an opportunity to
exhort. Sadly embarrassed, and wonder
ing at the sudden terminal ion OF the meet
ing, he arose and offered an appropriate
closing prayer
Poll was removed from the room by II
member of the iamily much to the chagrin
of the young people, who believed he
should be allowed full liberty to exercise
his gifts. Poll must have had some idea
of this principal. Tor at another time he
gave life and spirit to dull meeting by
saying in quick. energetic tones, "Brcth-
rem, there is liberty!7
His power Of speech was clear and
strong, and as he advanced in years, SEN
tentious. 1t was not strange thing Tor
age. as well rs youth. to receive words of
caution or reproof. One bright Summer
afternoon Mrs. Dods was engaged in
making copperpatc curtains for the win
dows; several Of the good sisters of the
First Church were assisting in the work.
There was pleasant converse, with long
and earnest discussion, as to the best
method of draping the curtains. There
was a good deal of measuring and puzZ-