Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1880-07-14
"But Is 1t Right Z"

In pleasant suburb on the sunny side of
London, there lived married couple, whose
early life had been passed in very busy dis
trict of the borough of Southwark. They
were fruiterers, and had from year to year
carried on their business without ever think
ing of the Sabbath. One great trouble had
clouded their lives. Out of large family,
only one child had survived beyond the first
two years, and little Annie would most prob
ably have lain beside her little brothers and
sisters in Norwood cemetery but that she
had been sent down to the coast of Sussex,
to an aunt that lived there, and who not only
had to rejoice over seeing the little sickly
blossom consigned to her care grow into
blooming, active, happy child, but was sue
cessful in teaching her little charge some di-
vine truths, that when received into the
mind, fill it with heavenly light. Annie was,
both in body and soul, healthy child. The
parents naturally pined after their darling,
who was likely now to be their only treasure.
Mr.. Richards, the father took house few
miles from London, and having established
his wife there, brought his little girl, now
seven years old, home to be the JOY as well
as the treasure of the dwelling On the very
first Sunday after the child's return she came
down stairs thinking that her father was
going to take her with him, as her aunt had
done, to church. lie kissed her kindly, and
TO her surprise, was going. "Where are you
going, father ?" said the child. 40 Pm 60
ing to business, child" "But it's Sunday,
father" "Yes-yes-I know that, my dear,
but I'm obliged to go. Pm very sorry, but
| must--now do not cry. | will be home
early, my child" "But is it right, father 2"
sobbed little Annie. Is it right2 Is it
right, father ?" SIS what right Z" "Why,
going to work on Sunday, father" "Right
i do not know. 1t is very hard, that
know-but | must go-I must CO." He
kissed the little girls wet cheek fondly, and
with an uncomfortable feeling that he had
never felt before, he set off toward the city.
4" Is it right, father ?"--the words kept ring
ing in his ears. lie could not silence them.
He felt that if he had told his child yes, he
would have uttered a lie-taught his inno-
cent child a wicked lesson. No, 1t was not
right. Was he then TO keep on doing wrong,
when his little child had, by her question,
convicted him 7 Was he ? For hours that
day these thoughts troubled him. "The
words ais it right, father 2" vibrated
through him, until he was brought to say
'No, IL is not right, and God helping me, l
will give up Sabbath trading-l will" lie
| got home in time TO hear little Annie say her
evening prayers Make me a good girl"
"Ah, child 70 said Mr.. Richards, interrupt
ing her, SAY also Make father good man. u
The simple words were uttered, the loving
kiss given. 1t was the fathers turn now To
wipe away the tears from his eyes. From
that day he closed his shop on Sundays
ave shall have to leave our new little coun
try dwelling" said his timid wife, No
they had not. They prospered more than
ever from that time forth. 81 like TO deal
with tradesman that keeps the Sabbath,
said one of the most respectable people OF
the district where the shop was, " for If he
viii not cheat his own conscience he will
not cheat me-" And he still lives TO testify
as he has often done, "My little girl turned
me from Sabbath breaking when she said
But is ii right, father 2"-.Seiected.