davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1881-06-15
Hunt the Ring.

A circle is made, and piece of taps string
is obtained sutfi ,iently long to reach all
around the inside. A ring is then slipped
on to it, and the ends are tied together.
Each OF the players takes hold of the tape
or string with both hands, aud the person
whom lot or choice has marked out for the
victim, standing in the middle of the circle,
is next made to turn around three times
(without shutting his eyes or submitting to
any other Disadvantage, and is then let
loose to hunt for the ring. Tae object of
the rest of the players is, of course, to pre-
vent his catching it; aud they pass it from
one to another, covering it with their hands
as rapidly as possible. Ii a constant back
ward and forward motion of the hand is
kept up, it will be found extremely diffi,u
to discover where it is, so as to stop it be-
fore it disappears. As in the fairy tale, it
will often be seen to CLEAN, but only to dis
appear when an effort is made to grasp it 4;
and the victims only chance is the greatest
possible rapidity in opening aud shutting
every hand round the circle, to each OF
which he has immediate access as soon as
he has touched it. 1t is unfair to pass the
ring from under hand after it has been
touched aud before it has been opened, and
the player in whose possession it is finally
found becomes in turn the victim.-Selected.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1881-06-15
A Hope which is a Certainty.

Let us not fling away the treasures of our
hearts desires upon trifes and earth. Let
US not set our hopes on that which is not"
nor paint that misty wall that rings round
our present with evanescent colors like the
landscapes of a dream. We may have a
hope which is certainty, as sure as a his
tory, as vivid as present fact. Let us love
and trust to him who has been manifested
to save US from our sins, and in whom we
behold all the grace and truth of God. If
our eyes have learned to behold and our
hearts to love him whom we have not seen,
amid all the bewildering glares and false ap-
pearances of the present, our hopes will
happily discern him aud be at rest amid the
splendors of that solemn hour when he shall
come in his glory to render to every man ac-
cording to his works. With that hope, the
future, near or far has no fears hidden in
its depths. Without it, there is no real an
chorage for our trembling hearts, and moth
ing to hold by when the storm comes. The
alternative is before each of having nc
"hope "-or-" looking for that blessed
hope" God help all to believe that Christ
has come for mel Then | shall be glad wher
/ think that Christ will come again to re
ceive me unto himself Alexander Nc
Ldren DID,
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1881-06-15
A Novel Complaint.

We have no doubt many think so, but who
would have thought that anybody could
have the "cheek to write to a religious
paper (as the Christian at Work says one of
its correspondents writes) complaining of a
minister, that he visited the poor too much
The editor says; We didn't believe there
were such cases, and supposed the boot to
be on the other foot, so to speak. But no ;
here comes the statement duly vouched for
that Brooklyn minister was charged by
two of his officers with visiting the poor of
his church too much Fact We can tell
those church officers how they can cure that
fault of their minister in visiting the poor
too much-they can cure it by visiting the
poor themselves. We wish there were more
church officers to stand up and make just
such charges against thousand ministers.
1t would be sure sign of coming revival"
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1881-06-15
The Wardrobe.

The market is full of cheap and pretty
goods for women and girls it is not neces-
sary for wife and mother to incur the
charge of extravaganza and turn her hus-
bands purse inside out that she and her
family may have something to wear"
Care and good judgment in purchasing will
help out small amount of cash wonder
fully. Some inexpensive adornments, such
as are suggested in the following from the
Christian Union, will make mothers and
daughters as presentable as their neighbors
of far ampler means "There was time
when good taste vigorously demanded real
laces or none; but now, so beautiful are the
limitations, or machine m ade, that it is no
longer violation of taste or the rules OF
good dressing to wear them. Placed side by
side with the real, they are less ethereal and
perfect, nor will they endure as wsll but
for ordinary uses they are quite lovely
enough, and enter very largely into beautiful
toilets to-day. The Spanish lace which is
so much used for trimmings, fichus, etc., is
altogether imitation, and yet perfectly en-
regle and so also the French aud Italian
limitations of black thread. OF course they
will not last, but are good enough for the
purpose Of an ephemeral fashion such as the
fichu. The same rule applies to laces as to
other art products. Money spent in the real
is permanent investment, and happy are
they who can afford it but they who can
not may wear the imitation 1st as they
may adorn their houses with Parian copies
of the antique"
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1881-06-15
God or MammOns

There is nothing more deceitful than the
idea of gaining the esteem and good opinion
Of the world by familiarizing ourselves and
mixing often with it. The more the world
sees us, except in our public duties, the more
will il either hate or despise us. II hates us
from the instant IL feels that we will not put
up with its manners. Let us very rarely
have anything to do with it, and we shall
appear in its eyes with greater dignity and
be treated with greater respect. Let us at
tend to every due and proper call which the
world may Justly require of us, as well as to
all the demands of charity and good works,
but let us always conduct ourselves as the
ambassadors of Jesus Christ, as in some
sense filling his place. 1t is then only that
our character, under the grace and provi-
dence of God, will be to us safeguard
against every temptation. But if we seek
the world for the sake of the world we must
conform TO its taste and its manners. We
should be badly received upon the present
ground were we to carry there that holy
gravity which should never forsake us. We
should derange its pleasures, disconcert its
assemblies and its liberty of speech. We
should be an intolerable burden to it, Our
presence alone would be horrible, and it
would say of us as the enemies of holiness
say of the righteous man in the Wisdom Of
Solomon, " He is grievous to us to behold -
There is no alternative. We must die to the
world or partake of its spirit. We cannot
serve God aud mammon.-Dr. Coke.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1881-06-15
Huffy People.

One Of the oldest things TO witness, if not
One OF the most disagreeable TO encounter is
the faculty some people have of taking Of
fence when no offence is meant-taking
huff" az the phrase goes, with reason or
without-making themselves and everyone
else uncomfortable for nothing deeper than
a mood, or more than a fancy. Huffy peo-
pie are to be met with Of all ages and in
every station, neither years nor condition
bringing, necessarily, wisdom or unsuspi-
ciousness. But we are bound to say that the
larger proportion will be generally found
among women and chiefly among those who
are unhappy in their circumstances, not to
speak of their tempers. Hufhness, which
seems TO be self-assertion in what may be
called the negative term, and which the pos
SCISSORS thereof classify as high spirit Of
sensitiveness, according as they are passion
ate or sullen, is in reality the product Of self
distrust. The person who has self-respect
and nothing to fear, who is Of an assured
social status and happy private condition, is
never apt to take offence. Many and great
are the dangers OF action with huffy people
and you are sure TO founder into the bog
with them, while you are innocently think
ing you are walking on the solidest esplanade.
The dangers of speech are just as manifold.
The dangers of jesting are, above all, great.
1t may be laid down as an absolute rule,
which has no exception anywhere, that no
huffy person can bear joke good-humoredly,
or take it as it is meant. If you attempt the
very simplest form of chatting, you will soon
be made to find out your mistake; and not
unfrequently the whole harmony of an even
ing has been set wrong because thin
skinned huffy person has taken pleasant
Jest as a personal affront, aud either blazed
out or gloomed sullenly, according to his or
her individual disposition, aud direction of
the wind at the time.--Househoh.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1881-06-15
Sabbath Rest.

wish all tired people did but know the
infinite rest there is in fencing off the six
days from the seventh; in anchoring the
business ships of your daily life as the Sat
urday draws to its close, leaving them to
ride peacefully upon the flow or the ebb un-
til Monday morning comes again. Oh, the
delight, the lull of feeling "No need to
settle this question, no need to think of this
piece of work for whole, long, sweet thirty
six hours" Why do you take Sunday.pa-
pers, to keep your nerves astir with business
on the Lords own day of rest Why do
you add up and consult and consider in the
pause of the sermon or make opportunity
for business whisper in the porch aud on
the way home Why do you let the per-
plexities of servants, of means, of plans,
rufile your spirit on the one great day of
freedom Do you not kaow that even a
debtor may walk abroad on Sunday withou
fear of a prison, and house doors may stand
open and no sheriff can enter Shall it be
worse with your mind than with your body?
Sleep, sleep to-day, tormenting cares,
OF earth and folly born"
1t is the high court of the Prince of Peace
From Tired Church Member.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1881-06-15

A Vicious SOCIAL SYsTEM.-There are
great many people in this country who are
admirers Of the British social system, and
would like to see it introduced more COM
pletely into New England. The tendency is
really in that direction, and will be more
and more so as wealth accumulates, unless
strongly resisted by the people. A recent Lon
don letter writer who has been observing the
state of society in that country, says: An
American cannot live in the United King
dom long without being profoundly i'm
pressed with the fact that it is q country
where vast numbers of people are daily
without enough to eat, and not from any
fault of their own, but because of vicious
social system, which permits the absorption
of riches and comforts by a single class.
Hunger is the demon that stalks abroad and
prompts two-thirds of the vice in London.
1t is hunger that even contributes the most
powerful influence to make the wretche
people drink; for those who are always
poorly nourished aud badly sheltered find a
certain rude joy in the exhilaration of stim-
ulants which it is impossible for them to re-
sist when it tempts them" This state OF
things already exists in the large towns Of
America when the periodical " hard times, u
produced by the operations of our financiers,
come around.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1881-06-15
Enjoying June.

"Do you enjoy good health ?" asked
friend of waggish old doctor.
" Yes" was the quick reply, "who don't"
But however it may be with good health,
there can be no doubt that great many
people don't half enjoy good weather. A
few persons whose taste or calling lies in
that direction,-poets, artists, idlers and
writers on seasonable topics for the press,
give their minds up to it; but the mass
of people use the word with difference.
The weather is "good" when the housewife
can dry her Mondays washing; when the
farmer can secure his hay or plow out his
corn; when my lady can go down town with
out her waterproof; when the excursion
doesn't have to be postponed. But weather
that is good simply to live in and be happy,
is not much thought Of. And yet these per-
feet June days have no higher or more use
full purpose than to be reflected in our mood
to make us glad that we live, to delight
our souls through their servants, the senses,
and to give US genuine thrill OF gratitude
to the maker of so much sweetness and
beauty. There is little chance for moral
discord in one who is in tune with June.
The fresh verdure of the fields, the vir-
ginal fair foliage of the trees, the flower
blooms aud fragrance, the soft air and lovely
sky, and all that the poet meant in the line,
"Now, if ever, come perfect days." are first
Of all ours to enjoy. "Lst us cultivate the
beautiful" said one who understood the
philosophy of life, for the useful will take
care of tself."-GoLden Rule.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1881-06-15
The Name Protestant.

At diet of the princes of the empire
held in Spires, in Germany, in the year 1929,
it was decreed by the majority there present
that in those places where the edict of
Worms had been received it would be law
full for no one to change his religion that
in those places where the new religion Chat
is, the Lutheran,) was exercised, it should be
maintained till the meeting of council, if
the ancient (the Popish) religion could not
be restored without danger Of hurting the
public peace; but that the mass should not
be abolished, nor the Catholics hindered
from the free exercise Of their religion, nor
any one Of them be allowed to embrace
Lutheranism that the Sacramentarians
should be banished from the empire that
the Anabaptists should be punished with
death; and that no preacher should explain
the Gospel in any other sense than what was
approved by the church. Six princes of the
empire introduced their protest against this
Decree namely John, elector of Saxony
George, margrave of Brandenburgh; Ernest
and Francis, dukes of Brunswick and Lu-
nenburgh; Phillip, landgrave of Hesse
Wolfgang, prince of Anhalt. To these were
joined several OF the free cities of Germany
and from this protest the Lutherans first
obtained the name of Protestants, which
was afterwards given in common to all who
separated themselves from the tyrannical
and idolatrous practices of the Church OF
Rav,a
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1881-06-15
Mrs. Garfield on WOman's Work.

A late number of The Student, little
paper published by the students Of Hiram
College, contains an article of more than or
dinary interest on the above subject. 1t
quotes an extract from letter written by
Mrs. Garfield to her husband, over ten years
ago, and intended for no eyes but his. 1t
fell into the hands of President Hinsdale,
who made use of it in lecture TO the stu
dents, and as it showed the qualities Of Mrs.
Garfeld's mind, and her opinions upon the
subject of woman's work, he gave it TO the
students. The extract is as follows
am glad TO tell that, out of all the toll and
disappointments of the summer Just ended,
have risen up TO victory the silence of
thought since you have been away has won
for my spirit a triumph. | read something
like this the other day There is no healthy
thought without labor, and thought makes
the labor happy Perhaps this is the way
| have been able TO climb up higher. 1t
came to me one morning when ! was max
ing bread. said to myself Here am,
compelled by an inevitable necessity to
make our bread this summer. Why not
consider it pleasant occupation, and make
il so by trying to see what perfect bread
eau makeY 1t seemed like an inspiration
and the whole OF life grew brighter. The
very sunshine seemed flowing down through
my spirit into the white loaves and now |
believe my table is furnished with better
bread than ever beforehand this truth, old
as creation, seems just now to have become
fully mine, that need not be the shirking
slave TO toll, but its regal master, making
whatever do yield me its best fruits. You
have been king of your work so long that
maybe you win laugh at me for having lived
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1881-06-15
The Education OF Girls.

The first mistake in the education OF girls,
and the one fraught with the saddest re-
suits, is made when they are allowed to
leave childhood too soon. To keep them
little girls as long as possible, aud make
them, first of all, what George Macdonald
calls "blessed little animals" is the first
step in the right direction. The second
mistake is permitting growing girls to sit
in the house and study, when their tran
sparent cheeks tell of an@nia aud lowered
vitality. The third mistake is making the
school-life of girls final, when it ought to be
simple preparation for the intellectual life
of the adult woman. A fourth mistake is
withholding knowledge of the laws to
which woman is subject in her physical and
her mental life, her place in nature and the
potential character OF her mental status and
habits.-Pepular Science Monthly.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1881-06-15

AT farmers meeting in Williamstown,
Massachusetts, ga veteran farmer, Hiram
Nash, created some CONSERVATION by assert
ing that farming was the poorest pursuit on
earth for a man to follow, though there was
a farmer present who is worth $4,000, every
dollar of which he has made from his farm.
Mr.. Nash persisted in questioning every one
as to the actual profits netted from the farm.
His statement was that there was not farm
in the valley which netted three per cent on
the money invested, and that those who had
accumulated little money had done so by
taking it out of their own bone and muscle,
and there were none present who could sue
cessfully cope with the old gentleman" So
says the Springfield Republican. We believe
Mr.. Nash to be correct as regards all farm
ing now done in New England by the old
methods OF our fathers. There is no money
in that way of farming. But with better
stock, better kept more care in saving and
sense in using manures; better tillage
more care in the choice of crops and seed
more skill in preparing farm products for
market the use of machinery, and hard
study as well as hard work, we believe es
tates OF 100000 made by farming in life
time need not be uncommon, nor need they
all be taken out of the farmers " own bone
and muscle"
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1881-06-15
" DO Your Best.

"When l was little boy" said gentle
man, one evening, Z" l paid visit to my
grandfather, venerable old man, whose
black velvet cap and tassel, blue breeches
and huge silver knee-buckles, filed me with
great awe. When | went to bid him good
bye, he drew me between his knees, and,
placing his hand on my head, said, :" Grand
child, have one thing to say to you; will
you remember it?" stared into his face,
and nodded for was afraid to promise
aloud. WELL" he continued, whatever
you do, do the best you can" This, in
fact, was my graudfather's legacy to me !;
and it has proved better than gold. never
forgot his words and l believe have tried
to act upon them. After reaching home my
uncle gave Marcus and me some wedding to
do in the garden. 1t was Wednesday after
noon, and we had laid our plans for some
thing else. Marcus, fretted and ill-humored
at his disappointment, did not more than
half do his work and began pretty much
like him, until grandfather's advice came
into my mind, aud ! determined to follow
it. In word, | "did my best" And
when my uncle came out, shall never for
get his look of appreciation as his eyes
glanced over my beds, or the fourpence he
slipped into my hands afterwards as he said
my work was well done. Ali | was a
glad and thankful boy; while poor Marcus
was sent to drudge over his beds all the
afternoon. At fifteen l was sent to the
academy, where | had partly to earn my
own way through the course. The lessons
came hard at first, for | was not fond of
study; but grandfather's advice was my
motto, and | tried to do my best. As a
consequence of this, though l was small of
my age. aud not very strong, my mother had
three offers for me before the year was out ;
and one from the best merchant of the vii
lage, "a place" in whose store was consid-
cred very desirable. When | Joined the
church, tried to do the Lords work as well
as did my own; and often, when | have
been tempted to leave the Sabbath-school,
or let hindrance keep me from the prayer
meeting, or get discouraged in any good
thing, my grandfather's last words, 4" Do the
best you can," have given me fresh courage,
and would try. Here, then, was the key
TO this mans character. lie is considered
one of the best business men, one Of the
best citizens, one of the best officers of the
church, one of the best friends of the poor,
one OF the best neighbors, fathers. Husbands
friends; in word, he is universally beloved
aud respected. And what is the secret OF it
all 2 He always tried to do the best he
could. Let every boy and girl take this fol
their motto. Acted upon, it will do won.
ders for you. 1t will bring out powers aud
capabilities which will surprise and delight
yourselves aud friends.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1881-06-15
Ghe yumf Girrlf.
OUR LOST.


They quite leave u.s. friends will have passed
Through the shadows OF death to the sunlight above;
A thousand sweet memories are holding them fast
To the places they blessed with their presence and love-
The which they left and the books which they read
Speak mutely, though still with eloquence rare,
And the song that they sang the dear words that they said
Yet llnger and sigh In the desoate air.
And oft when alone, and as oft In the throng,
Or when evil allures US, or sin draweth nigh,
whisper comes gently, NAY, do not the wrong"
And we feel that our weakness IA pitied on high.
In the dew-threaded morn and the opaline eve,
When the children are merry crimsoned with sleep,
We are comforted even as lonely we grieve
For the thought Of their rapture forbds US to weep.
We toll at our tasks in the burden and heat
OF lifes passionate They folded In peace
1t Ia well. We rejoice that their heaven Ia sweet,
And one day for us all the bitter will cease.
We, too, will go o'er the river of rest
As the strong and the lovely before us have gone;
our sun will go down in the beautiful west,
To rise In the glory that circles the throne
Until then bound by our love and our faith
To the saints who walking in paradise fair;
They have passed beyond sight at the touching Of DEATH
But they live, like ourselves, in Gods infinite care.