Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1880-01-14
Written for the Vermont watchman
Mistaken Missions.

Mistaken Missions.
BYMM
In the little village of Yorkville, which
lies nestled up among the hills of Maine,
live many little girls and boys in whom am
greatly interested, and l am going to tell you
something about them. Yorkville was a
small, quiet place, without much to excite
or even interest the inhabitants; but one
summer lady, who at the time of my story
was missionary in India, came to see old
friends and relatives there. She used to
gather the children of the village around her,
and tell them about the people of India, who
never heard of God and about the children
who knew almost nothing. When she was
speaking of these things, she always grew so
earnest and even enthusiastic that her face
seemed fairly illuminated. Every word she
spoke fastened itself in the memory, and all
the children wished they could go and join
her in her work among the Hindoos. This
lady stayed in the village only few days, but
left the people deeply interested and the lit
We Iolks longing 10 no something, one hau
told them they could help by sewing Tor the
heather children IL they could DO no more.
Some were strongly inclined TO form little
sewing-society, but Others laughed at It,.
don't think II would be doing much to
sew, exclaimed Helen Rivers, |, Tor one,
should not be contented to do so little; |
intend to do something great as soon as
am old enough. want to go right into the
=. Al Al Al
midst OF the heather and tell them things
that will make their eyes stick out. would
rot give a snap to SIT here and sew"
but, SAID willie Cole, throwing up MS
head and strutting ABOUT on the grass, ="
don't see why you girls can't stay at home
and sew, and let us boys 60 out there. we
can preach and teach better than girls.
"Oh know you think that sewing Is
all we are good Tor, retorted Helen, but l
guess you Will find when you get there that
women are rather necessary.
just then aquiet, brown-eyed little woman
walked towards the group, and the conten-
ton ceased. 81 can guess what all you
boys and girls are talking about" she said
with smile, "but let me say one word to
you girls. All you can do now is to sew, so
please don't talk about the future. l have
come to ask you to form little band OF
workers, and what shall we call ltI The
busy bees the cleaners or the"
"Oh the Cleaners shouted dozen
voices. So Miss Grey organized club, and
appointed meeting Tor every saturday at
Two o'clock. Helen attended regularly and
did her work well, although she had spoken
so scornfully OF It, All the little fingers
and tongues were busy from two TIL hve,
their owners never thinking about the
heavier duties IN the future amid the busy
happy scenes OF the present.
But Helen Rivers cherished In her heart
secret desire to do more for the poor Hin
docs than sew, when she should be older
She had always longed and still longs to be
real messenger of the glad tidings to land
Of darkness. She was more thoughtful than
most girls OF her age, and, though often pas
sionate and williul and naughty, she was
characterized by an earnestness OF spirit
at times, that was almost intense. Let u
follow her now as she goes home from one
of these meetings. She walks slowly home
ward, up lonely road that leads out OF
the village, and presently crosses narrow
stream. From that bit of ripping water g
path winds through the rustling pine grove
to where log cabin lies half-hidden By
group of trees. Her mother has finished
her work, and is watching at the little wicket
gate for her return. They greet eacf
other lovingly, and then Helen takes hel
mothers arm and begins the story OF the
afternoons events, repeating to her almost
every word that has been spoken at the
meeting. Sand mother" she cries out al
last, I" must do something great, something
extraordinary, for God ] can hardly wal
till | am old enough. But what do yor
think Flora and Cora jackson say they
are perfectly contented TO stay at home anC
sew, if that does as much good as we art
told it does. l don't believe it does any
great good, and wouldn't stay anyway,
and Heen's eyes sparkled aud flashed
as she tossed her head, in her almost prouC
enthusiasm.
But don't you suppose, my child, that i
may task ones patience more to stay here
if God 80 wills, than to go abroad mort
love and faith to be still than to act 7"
"Why, of course not, mother, for one mus
give up brothers and sisters and all to e
away" said the loving girl; and she kissed
her mother on each cheek. 81 shall have t,
sacrifice you and sweet Sister Christobel
and Brother Ned, don't you call that any
thing ?"
eyes, dear, il is something, but it is Otter
easier to DO great things than little ones"
THE girls only laugh when i say any
thing about it," continued Helen, hardl,
hearing her mothers last remarks but
shall show them that am in earnest"
The smile on Mrs. Rivers face was fillinl
with sorrow that was almost pain, for sh
knew too well that this first high purpos
in the Masters cause might change or b
forgotten before the time should come h
test it. But she had great confidence tina
her daughter would increase in patience an,
in gentleness as she should grow in years.
The older sister, Christobel, sat within tn
cottage patiently awaiting Helen's return
and no sooner did she hear her welcom
steps than her sad quiet face was oversprea'
with happiness. She was twenty four; younI
and yet old. She had been sick since child
hood, and the main Joy of her life was il
the health and active pursuits of her sister
She even found pleasure in the young girl
desire to 60 as missionary, for to give u
Helen to do Gods work was next to givin
herself She did not realize that she dali