Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1880-06-23
Beautiful Words.

have no doubt that many Of my young
readers often come across some curiosity,
new toy, or other object of interest, which
they carefully guard, and keep ready to
bring forward at a moments notice when
papa returns after long journey, or when
he enters his home at the close of the day.
have seen many little ones eagerly run
to meet dear parent, and exclaim, while
exhibiting their treasures, =" See papa, or see
mamma, what have got Isn't it bean
tiful ?"
could give you accounts Of many such
greetings which have witnessed, but shall
only tell you now what one little girl, named
Alice, had to show her papa
Evening had come, and she listened for
the sound of her fathers approaching foot
steps. He entered, and almost before he
could find seat in the family sittng-room,
his darling was asking 10 sit on his knee that
she might show him something; and
without waiting for formal invitation, she
made ready to jump into his lap. Her words
we're Listen 10 this, pa isn't it beauti-
full Z"
II was not a picture or toy which she
had to exhibit, or tell him about but she
repeated words which she found that day in
her Sunday school paper-which she held in
her hand-printed in large letters. They
were the words of an ancient writer, and
they pictured to her mind a scene and place
which the Psalmist David described in the
most beautiful poetry. Her father was all
attention-for he loved his child very much
and she began to read in clear, childish
voice, this beautiful twenty-third Psalm
The Lord is my Shepherd, shall not want.
lie maketh me to lie down in green pastures;
| he eadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul he leadeth in the paths
of righteousness for his names sake.
| Yea, though walk through the valley Of the
shadow Of death, will fear no evil, for thou art
with me, thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest table before me in the pres
ence Of mine enemies thou anontest my head
with oil my cup runneth over.
| Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all
the days OF my life and will dwell in the house
Of the Lord forever.
Occasionally she would stop to hear what
her father had to say, and often she ex-
claimed, /" Isn't it beautiful Z" She seemed
10 realize what rich blessings were bestowed
by the GOOD Shepherd" and those who
loved him might dwell in peace and safety.
She had home in the country and she
knew full well what was meant by "green
pastures and still waters"
She was looking forward to change, in a
few weeks, from her city home to the dear
home which she loved so much where sweet
flowers had been wont to bloom and the
birds sang merrily among the trees.
The spring and summer came, and with
them the birds and flowers but Alice's
voice was hushed-hushed on earth that she
might sing with the angels in heaven.
Who of us can estimate or understand
what heaven is to one like Alice, who saw
so much beauty, so much to make her glad
in that Psalm which some older ones have
not learned to love and interpret in its full
est sense? When we read that the Saviour
will "gather the lambs in his BOSOM" We
think of that dear child, who no doubt could
tell us-if permitted to return to earth
more OF heavenly beauty, love and glory
than we could even think or dream.
While we think of these things let us an
swer this question truly: Which are happier
here on earth, those who love the "Good
Shepherd" and desire to be one whom he
calls "by name," or those who try to forget
him, and care not for his holy word?-Se
| {ected