Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1882-03-08
Factory Religion.

"No, sir" said Scofeld, the factory en-
gineer, emphatically, "there is no such thing
as factory religion It's contradiction.
Why, my engine won't run if / don't swear
at times" elbow do you know 2" asked the
listener. The fireman laughed. Scofeld
turned upon him like flash: "Tom,"
said he, with an oath, "wheel in ten or
twelve more barrowfuls Of that Nova Scotia
coal. There isn't half enough TO last until
six o'clock" The fireman departed without
a word, aud the engineer hustled about the
room, oiling the slides, testing the water,
opening and shutting valves. "Well | sup
pose / must leave you" said the visitor, ris-
ing from his chair and holding out his
hand. "Will you not give the subject
thought ?" The engineer shook his head. at
is no place for religion, tell you," he said.
"To my mind, factories ought never to have
been built. God intended man to live out
in the free air and enjoy nature. There is
plenty of room for religion out of doors but
here, where the very pulleys swear at their
work-where steam shrieks and curses
here is no place nor religion" "Tom !"
called Scofeld after the minister had left,
"don't bother about any more coal, my boy.
| was out of sorts when l spoke. There is
enough in now to last a week." al couldn't
help laughing, though said Tom, wiping
the grimy sweat from his brow. "You
know you never did try to do anything with
out swearing" The engineer made no
reply, but opened a paper aud seemed to
read The printed words, however, did not
engage his attention, but most vividly what
the fireman said came before him again and
again. Was it as bad as that Could he do
nothing without swearing He resolved to
taot hip,oalf IJa oaulI har;,, Ill tba ,a.rt
morning, and for every oath he would drop
small brass nail into the tumbler that
was in the window. He rather thought the
tumbler would be empty at night-now that
he had got his will up. The next day came
--Scofeld rose at five as usual, and going
down stairs in his stocking feet, stepped
upon tack. The volley of oaths that
followed counted out seven nails for the
tumbler The burkwheat cakes collar
button, the cat, a slow clock, and the re-
membrance of his purpose, scored five more.
Then with grim determination he shut his
teeth and said not a word more until he
reached the engine room, where he counted
out the twelve nails and threw them into
the tumbler with en- oath-yes, an oath of
relief. He was half across the room before
the last one dawned on him, but true to his
purpose he walked back and put another
nail into the glass. All day long he strug-
gled, and at night the tumbler held thirty
nails Scofield was startled. He had never
dreamed that he was so profane, and the
habit had such "grip" upon him. At
last he went to "Christian Tim," an old
man in the steel works and told him the
whole affair. Tim pondered awhile and
then said; "You may be able to leave of
in time by your own will, but know bet
ter way" What is it 7" inquired the other
Ask the help of the Lord J-sus Christ,
said Tim earnestly. "Has he not hearc
every oath Isn't it against him that yol
have sinned ? ! had the same experiences
myself years ago, but with his help neve
feel the least inclination to swear. And a
for being happy-the hours are so swift
winged that | can hardly tell where tn
days CO." The minister called again upo
Scofield. "There is factory religion, sir,
said the engineer, any fireman, Tom, an,
myself, are trying to live up to it. There
Bible in that desk, and we find time +
read some Of it every day. Aud, to tell tn
truth, believe the work is less hard, tn
wheels run smoother, and the valves ar
tighter and the whole place is lighter
/ cleaner and better for this same factory n
lipion - illustrated Cbristi1n WeeLlu