davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1881-11-02
The Central Cross.

In the palace of Justice at Rome they
take you sometimes in chamber with
strangely painted ffescoes on the ceiling
around the walls and upon the floor, in all
kinds of grotesque forms. You cannot re-
duce them to harmony, you cannot make out
the perspective; it is all a bewildering maze
of confusion. But there is one spot on the
floor of that room, and one only, standing
upon which, every line falling into harmony,
the perspective is perfect, the picture flashes
out upon you, instinct with meaning in
every line and panel. You can see at that
point, and that only, the design of the ar
tist that painted it. / believe that this
world is Just as bewildering a maze looked
at from every point except one look
back upon the records of history | look
upon the speculatious of science; l endeavor
to gaze into the future of this worlds ca
reer wherever turn am opposed by the
mysteries that hem me in and crush me
down, until l take my stand at the foot Of
the cross. Then darkness and discord be-
come light and harmony; the mystery is
| solved, the night that shuts me in becomes
radiant with the divine light and glory. At
the foot of the cross art, science, literature,
history, becomes at once to me divine, a
glorious aud blessed thing. Aud so
claim for my Lord his rightful dominion
over all the works of his hands We will
gather all the beauties of art, all the treas
ures of music, all that is brightest aud best
in this world, and we will lay them down al
his feet for Worthy is the Lamb that wa'
slain to receive might and majesty, anc
riches and power, and honor and glory" Hii
is the sceptre, his is the right, his this uni
versal world.-Dr Manning.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1881-11-02
Fruit Hedges.

A writer in the Gardeners Chronicle makes
the sensible suggestion that division lines
between town residences, which are now Of
ten merely low hedge, might as well be
made of currents, gooseberries or raspber-
ries, as of fruitless thorns or evergreens. A
wire stretched at two to three feet above the
surface would mark the exact division be-
tween meum and tuum, and in the case of
raspberres would serve for both sides to at
tach the tips of their canes to, so as to be
neatly held up. With due attention to
pruning out Immediately after fruiting, ty-
ing up the shoots for next years bearing,
and to the equal necessity of hoeing and
mulching, such a division hedge could be
made to look quite neat, as well as TO afford
liberal supply of homegrown, welgrown
and enjoyable berries.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1881-11-02
Not Alone.

We do not labor alone. However feeble
our hands, that mighty hand is laid on
them, to direct their movements and to lend
strength to their weakness. 1t is not our
speech which will secure results, but his
presence with our words which shall bring
it about, that even through them great
number shall believe and turn to the Lord.
There is our encouragement when we are
respondent. There is our rebuke when we
are self-confdent. There is our stimulus
when we are indolent. There is our quiet
ness when we are impatient If ever we
are tempted to think our task heavy, let us
not forget that he who set it helps us to do
it, and from his throne shares in all our
tolls, the Lord still, as of old, working with
us. If ever we feel that our strength is
nothing, and that we stand solitary against
many foes, let us fall back upon the peace
giving thought, that one man against the
world, with Christ to help him, is always il
tho majority, aud let us leave issues of our
work in his hands, whose hands will guard
the seed sown in weakness, whose smile viii
bless the springing thereof.-A. Maclaren
| ID. ID.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1881-11-02
The Don,e Gnrle.



DR.. HOLLANDS rRisurE TO MS FATHER
II shall ever win the home in heaven
For whose sweet rest humbly hope and pray,
In the great company Of the forgiven
shall be sure TO find old Daniel Gray.
knew him well; In truth, few knew him better;
For my young eyes oft read for him the Word
And saw how meekly from the crystal letter
He drank the life Of his beloved Lord.
Old Daniel Gray was not man who lifted
On ready words his freight Of gratitude,
Nor was he called among the gifted
In the prayer-meetings Of his neighborhood'
He had a few old-fashioned words and phrases,
Linked In with sacred texts and Sunday rhymes
And suppose that in his prayers and graces
I've heard them all at least a thousand times.
l see him now-his form, his face, his motions,
His homespun habit. and bis silver hair,
And hear the language OF his trite devouons,
Rising behind the straight backed kitchen chair.
I can remember how the sentence sounded
"Help us, oh Lord, TO pray and not to faint"
And how the " conquering and to conquer rounded
The loftier aspirations of the saint.
lie had some notions that did not improve him,
He never kissed his chlldren--so thsy say;
And finest scenes Of rarest flowers would move him
Less than horseshoe picked up in the way
He had hearty hatred Of oppression,
And righteous word for sin Of every kind;
Alas that the transgressor and transgresson
Were linked 80 closely in his honest mind
He could see naught but vanity In beauty,
And naught but weakness in a fond caress,
And piticd men whose views Of Christian duty
Allowed Indulgence in such foolishness,
Yet there were love and tenderness within HIM
And am told that when his Charley died,
Nor natures need nor gentle word could win him
From his fond ygils at the sleepers side.
And when they came to bury little Charley
They found fresh dewdrops sprinkled in his hair,
And on his breast a rosebud gathered early,
And guessed, but did not know who placed II there.
Honest and faithful constant in his calling,
Strictly attendant on the means Of grace,
Instant in prayer, and fearful most of falling
Old Daniel Gray always 10 his place
A practical old man and yet dreamer,
lie thought that in strange unlooked-for way
His mighty Friend in heaven the great Redeemer,
Would honor him with wealth some golden day.
The dream he carried in hopef ul spirit
Until in death his patient eye grew dim,
And his Redeemer called him to inherit
The heaven of wealth long garnered up for him.
So, II ever win the home In heaven
For whose sweet rest humbly hope and pray,
In the great company of the forgiven
shall be sure TO find old Daniel Gray.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1881-11-02
How to Starye.


Persons who visited the southern shore Of
Lake Ontario last summer were disgusted
with the foul odors arising from decaying
fish, vast quantities Of which have been
thrown ashore by the waves. These fish
belong to branch Of the shad family, and
swim in SO large schools that all are unable
to find food. Those at the head of the
schools pick up all the food, and those be-
hind starve to death. When found, they
are but little more than skin and bones, aud
have nothing whatever in their stomashs.
A good many people would do we'll to read
and ponder. A sure way to starve is to go
behind everybody else, and depend on what
others fail to pick up. Take the truth into
your religious world. There are too many
protesting Christians who form sort Of rear
guard in the army of the Lord. Like the
fish, those at the head pick up all the food,
and those behind starve to death. Every
community is disturbed by the foul odors"
arising from these decaying members. II
you will not work, you need not expect to
eat. This is biblical. But if you do not
eat you will soon become mere skeleton,
aud will be obnoxious to all around you.-
Church Mirror.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1881-11-02
" working.People in New England.

When we talk about "the working
classes" we are using very modern Ian
guage, which those who formed the great
mass of our population forty or fifty years
ago would have found it difficult to under
stand. The term working-people was
then seldom used, because everybody worked.
The minister and the doctor had usually
worked with their hands, to defray their
college expenses; and they often continued
their labors afterwards, to exc out scanty
income. The mistress of family did her
own sewing and housework, or, if it was
too much for her, called in neighbor or a
relative as "help." Young girls were glad
of an opportunity to earn money for them
selves in this way, or by means Of any
handicraft they could learn, or by teaching
the district school through the summer
months all these employments being con-
sidered equally respectable. The children
of that generation were brought up to en-
dure hardness. They expected to make
something of themselves and of life, but
not easily, not without constant exertion.
The energy and the earnestness through
which their fathers had subdued the savage
forces of nature on this continent still lin
gered in the air, moral exhilaration.
Children born half century ago grew up
ponotrdtou 1hfouBh every uoor VI euouSne
with the idea that idleness is disgrace. 1t
was taught with the alphabet and the spell
ing book; it was enforced ~ precept and
example, at home and abroad; and it is to
be confessed that it did sometimes haunt
the childish imagination almost mercilessly.
know that DIR. Watts
How doth the little busy bee
Improve each shining hour
and King Solomon's $50 to the ant, thou
sluggard, and be wise," filled one child's
mind with dislike of bees and ants that
amounted almost to hatred; they ran and
flew and buzzed about her like accusing
spirits that left her no peace in her beauti'
full day-dreams. 1t was great relief to see
bee loiter in the air around the flowers, as
if he enjoyed the lazy motion. As for the
ants,-those little black pagans,-they over.
did the business by working just as hard
on Sundays as on any other day. 1t surely
was not proper to follow their example,
Lucy Larcom, in November Atlantic.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1881-11-02
VOL. 77.-3916. NO. 4.

adorned by Calonne. Mrs. Ripley looks no.
BILE above her Greek pages. No less noble
does she appear above the stockings she Is
mending for the boys intrusted to her care.
Homework is drudgery," said my friend,
lately. "No," replied her neighbor, "not
If a woman rise above her work yet, If she
allow work TO rise above her."
In all service, let us remember the body.
1t cannot be ignored though it may be dis
regarded. Outside its capabilities neither
affection nor will can push il with impunity.
When thus compelled, weakness, suffering,
encouragement, are the results. But accept
its limitations, do the labor to which it con-
sents, helping its strength always with the
heart and the mind, and Its capacity in
creases.
Pace an artistic value on the waiting
task, and sense of its worth will make
your performance of it easy. Salad well
dressed, bread properly made, garment
correctly cut aud tastefully put together,
are each and all recompense for time given
to their preparation. True service contains
the element of fidelity. What the house
wife performs, If she honorably fill her Office,
is performed faithfully.
With early morning, she opens wide the
windows Of her sleeping rooms and while
the outward walls" she looks at natures
face She invites the outer air to penetrate
and linger in the apartment she rearranges
little things, and while thus occupied, re-
calls some thought contained in late SER
mon or a new book. Smoothly and not too
soon, she replaces ventilated sheets, giving
last tender pat to the pillows on which
young heads shall lie to the coming night.
She picks stray threads from the carpet, and
at the same time remembers an uplifting
verse.
Wise people do work in this way when
ever it is practicable. If weariness creep
into the body they know that change Of
employment, for even five minutes, brings
rest, and that rest is gain. When Douglass
Jerrold was tired of writing, he would slip
into his garden there TO forget briefly in
roses, his pen and ink. After fight OF
minutes, he would return, bringing outof
door freshness and fragrance to his paper
The man was renewed, and this renewa
was transmitted to his words. Drudgery
may occupy the hands, only noble service
goes from the heart. Service given to fam
lily, to friends, is given also to mankind
Every good deed widens into its surround
ipgs, as watery circles widen into the sea
each motion penetrating to unseen limits.
Let us all be willing servants, joining {
daily grace to our daily duty. Thus shal
we place toll on basis of strength ant
serenity. What steadfastness and harmony
shall arise from this union Then will b.
realized the truth of the old verse;
a Straight is the line of duty,
Curved is the line Of beauty
r Walk in the hrst and thou shalt see
n The other ever following thee."
: -Christian Register.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1881-11-02
Prevailing PRAYER.

A crowd had gathered in great Welch
"chapel," barn-like in architecture, but spa
cious and filled with people. The preacher
was entertained by farmer. The time Of
service arrived and no preacher The good
farmer became alarmed. He feared Hughes
had forgotten or fallen asleep. He sent a
servant maid to his room to inquire. She
returned in few moments and reported
that she did not knock at his door. "Why,
sir, Mr.. Hughes has company in his room.
heard him address another person and say,
If thou go not with me | will not go
thither l will not go except thou go with
mel and," added the girl, "Mr. Hughes
spoke as if his friend would not come. |
do not think there will be any preacher at
the meeting" 80 yes" said the farmer,
al understand it. He will come, and he
will not come alone We shall have melt
ing, glorious time over there Sinners will
be converted at that meeting Aud sinners
were converted by the score.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1881-11-02
Beat my Sheep.

An apostle recommends "speaking the
truth in love-" but some preachers overlook
the words ain love" when they read the
text. One OF these ministers, after preach
ing fagellating sermon, was approached
by brother and requested to preach from
the text, "Lord, thou knowest all things (;
thou knowest that love thee. Jesus saith
unto him, Beat my sheep" "No, no "
said the pastor. "You are mistaken, my
brother. He said, Feed my Sheep" "Ah,
did he2" said the old man, with search
ing look into the pastors face, 81 thought
mebbe you read it, Beat my sheep ;" The
pastor saw the point, and reformed his prac'
tice. If the Sunday congregation is small, it
is just the way to keep it so to berate those
who do come to the sanctuary. II only q
few come to the prayer-meeting, to lash
them for the delinquency of the absentees
will effectually ALLEVIATE them. 1t is better
to throw the cudgel away, and feed well the
sheep who come.-Christian Secretary.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1881-11-02
MONTPELIER VT, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1881.

told the story Of an Indian Faquir, who en-
tered an eastern palace, and spread his bed
in one Of its ante-chambers, pretending that
he had mistaken the building for cara
vansary, or inn. The prince, amused by
the oddity of the circumstance, ordered, 30
ran the tale, the man TO be brought before
him, and asked him how he came to make
such mistake. "What is an inn :" the
Faquir asked. "a place." was the reply,
"where travellers rest a little while before
proceeding on their journey" "Who dwelt
here before you 2" again asked the Faguir.
" My father" was the princes reply. "And
did he remian here ?" "No," was the an
swer, abe died and went away" "And
who dwelt here before him ?" "His ances-
tors" "And did they remain here ?" "No,
they also died and went away" "Then,"
rejoined the Faquir, al have made no mis-
take, for your palace is but an inn, after all"
The Faquir was right. Our homes are but
inns, and the whole world caravansary.
Under what sign are we livingP We like
our own sign Of "peace." De la Paix has a
soft sound to our ear. Others prefer to have
their hotels called the "Splendid," or the
Royal" or the 4" Imperial !" let us dwell in
"Peace," and we shall be content. 1t was
said Of old, concerning our Lord and Mas
ter, that "there was no room for him in the
inn !" if it be so in any house, peace will be
courted in vain but make room for Jesus,
and all will be well, for she is our peace
| SpurgeOn.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1881-11-02
The Power OF the Cross.

Brethren, believe in the power OF the
cross for the conversion Of those around you.
Do not say of any man that he cannot be
saved. The blood of Jesus is omnipotent.
Do not say of any district that it is too
sunken, or of any class OF men that they are
too far gone. The word of the cross re-
claims the lost. Believe it to be the power
of God and you shall find it so. Believe in
Christ crucifed aud preach boldly in his
name, and you shall see great things and
gladstone things. Let no mans heart fail
him. Christ hath died Atonement il
complete God is satisfied Peace is pro
claimed Heaven gitters with proofs OF
mercy, already bestowed upon ten thousand
times ten thousand. He'll is trembling
heaven adoring, earth waiting. Advance
ye saints, to certain victory You shall
overcome through the blood of the Lamb.-
Spurgeon.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1881-11-02


When the year has lived its summer,
And the birds have touched their strain.
And full ripe for the keen sickle
Bends the hoary bearded grain,
All my feelings gather softly
Like sweet comforters and say,
Summer time has gone, but autumn
Brings calmer, fruitful day.
When I, wandering where the summer
fingered fondly to the last,
See the fairest flowers withered
BY the frst chill autumn blast,
Naught Of sadness Oils my spirit
That my roses long have blown,
For each leaf that fiutters earthward
Tells me am nearer home.
And when sunset fades out coldy
And the barren fields look gray,
The last golden fruits ali gathered,
The last reaper gone away.
Weary /, and sadly lettering,
Evening shadows softly come,
Touching my sore feet with healing,
As they whisper, Nearer home"
And my heart puts of all sadness,
Though the barren fields are gray,
Though the golden fruits are gathered,
And the birds have flown away;
For Pm going where the flowers
Bloom in perpetual spring.
Where the birds no more are ickle,
But remain to ever sing;
Where no frost hath ever bllgbted
The bright verdure Of the cline.
And the fairest fruits are ripened
Where the sun knows no decline;
And my wasted spirit singeth
In a soft and hopeful tone,
TIL the stars shine down 70 light me
On and upward to my homel -Selecfe
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1881-11-02

No MATTER where the skeptical thought
originates or how it gets access to our
minds, we see at once that it fattens the
level of life and every aspiration. 1t mar
rows the horizon of our outlook and makes
our character less vigorous. The gospel is
not simply philosophy of religion or law Of
life, but it is an apocalypse, showing the
heavens to our thought, and so bringing its
spiritual benediction to every heart and life
-ReU DR.. StOrrs.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1881-11-02

A TRUTHFUL SOMA number Of persons
appeared, supporting young man upon
horseback, who had been mortally wounded.
His mother walked on before, quite frantic
with grief, clapping her hands, and enumerat-
ing the good qualities OF her son. "He never
told lie," said the disconsolate mother !;
aud as her wounded son was carried in at
the gate, bitterly did she exclaim, He
never told lie-no, never p The heathen
mother considered truth so important, that
whatever other good qualities her son might
possess, the greatest OF all in her eyes was
his veracity.-Mungo Parks Travels.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1881-11-02

Those who go to the house Of God for
the sake of social position, who think more
of the man that occupies pew there than
OF God who is worshipped, do indeed swell
ths number of the congregation without
adding to its devotions.-C Christian Secre-
tQrg.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1881-11-02
" Ceaseless burdens of homely care,
With natlent grace and daily nrayaTu -
Service Made Easy.

Drudgery is firing word. 1t is dull
thing. Can we not make twofold change,
turning work and name to sweet service
believe it in most cases. Drudgery is de-
fined as mean labor, servile occupation"
Is it mean to prepare, at the cost Of strength,
a meal for those whom we love2 To wash
an iron pot, to half smother ones self in
sweeping dusty room, is in one view,
mean labor; but if the iron pot has brewed
nourishing broth, If the broom renew the
carpet figures, making pictures of them to
the owners eye, the servile becomes noble
occupation
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1881-11-02
The Inns

In reading a book which interested us
greatly during our three months sojourn at
the Hotel de Ia Paix, at Mentone, we STUN
bled on the following passage; ain the
anecdote books of our boyhood used to be
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1881-11-02

To teach is to make know. To train is TO
make do. "Train up child" etc. Many
teach their children who never train them ;
that is, let satan train them, and then won
der why they do not go in the way they
should.
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1881-11-02

A HARDY seaman, who had escaped one of
the recent shipwrecks on our coast was
asked by good lady how he felt when the
waves broke over him. He replied, "Wet,
ma'an,-very wet"
Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1881-11-02
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Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1881-11-02

The door of mercy has hinges, and it
may be shut and then locked with the ada
mantine key of iustice.-Dr. Raleigh.