The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1883-06-27
A COntributiOn-B BOX Transformed.


It was the Sunday for semi-annual
contribution to the Home Missionary
Society, of which announcement had
been made a week previous. According
to her usual custom, Mrs. Whitcomb ex-
pected to put fifty cents into the box. If
the amount seemed small to others, her
conscience was quieted by thought of
two dollars paid annually to the Ladies'
Home Missionary Society, which was aux
Hilary to the other. There are so many
objects for benevolence, so many calls
nowadays, one must plan Justly for all,
and not rob Peter to pay Paul." was a
favorite saying with Mrs. Whitcomb.
One habit of this lady was to look over
a collectors book before pledging first
subscription to any cause. If the amount
credited to most subscribers was fifty
cents or dollar, she accepted this as the
limit of payment for herself, without any
comparison of her ability with the major
ity of supporters. No special pleas, no
suggestion to double contributions" or
presentation of urgent needs moved her
to increased and occasional large.hearted
giving. zone must never be governed
by impulse in these matters" was often
urged in explanation; ain charity, as in
everything else, l am controlled by judg-
ment and experience"
It was most fortunate that the Irregular
fee" paid by his wife was not infre-
quently supplemented by Judge Whit
comb with substantial donations. These
were always signed from FRIEND" to
escape the imputation of prodigality and
unsound Judgment from his better half.
To prevent unwarrantable hberality the
judges wife often took the precaution to
sound her husband upon his intentions
shortly before stated collection, and adj
vised as to the amount to be given.
Knowing his special leaning towards home
missions, the prudent lady felt some mis-
givings upon the Sabbath in question.
So, as they were about starting for church,
abe. casually reminded her husband of the
collection-as if there were any need
adding, 81 have some change in my purse,
if you have none."
The Judge had, on the previous evening,
taken special care to empty his pockets of
all coin, in anticipation of the coming
collection. For how could he drop change
into the box, if he hadn't any? The good
man had been reprimanded upon several
occasions for depositing a bill. 1T is as
we'll to give dollars where your name is
signed and there is some accountability
but small coin will do as we'll for the box, "
had been the instruction.
Is it not astonishing how shrewd a man
will become when he has shrewd woman
to deal with ? And isn't it still more sur.
prising that he should ever expect to out
wit her I?
In deep chagrin the would-be.generous
man turned to his wife, unequal to the
emergency. She guessed the secret, but
purposely misinterpreted his silence, and
bantered him upon forgetting his favorite
collection; adding, Never mind, have
enough for us both; how much do you
want 7"
"Oh, have money enough with me
but you can let me have half dollar il
you like" was the reply, made with such
apparent sincerity that the schemer was
puzzled. The silver piece was handed
over with much self-querying: "Does
anybody suppose he'll really give only hall
a dollar There is hope of reformation
in the most stubborn, if John is at last be
come prudent"
hC iCuuCiCu oOllC III
comprehensive voluntary" but the open
ing of service that day was very unusual
simple gospel hymn was sung. From 8
sweet voice the words distinctly fell upor
Mrs. Whitcomb's ear
gave, gave my life for thee,
My precious blood she'd
gave, gave my life for thee;
What hast thou given for meY'
The PRAYERS which followed were embodi
ments OF two petitions: that the people
might be ready to make large and CRATE
full return for the blessings of salvation
and be enabled to regard the Lords worH
with spirit purified from selfishness ant
avarice. After the reading of notices, the
pastor said, The collection to-day will
be taken after the sermon. Let US, my
dear people, consider together our duty
and privilege in the matter of giving t.
the Lord. Let us look at the urgent neet
for increased liberality in every part O
the vineyard, and then make unto tn,
Master free-wil offering, both sweet anc
acceptable"
Thinking of her husbands unaccount
able conduct, of the opening hymn, will
its refrain still echoing through her mind
and OF the unusual postponement of tn
collection till the close of service, Mrs
Whitcomb did not pay much heed to tn
discourse. Meditation during the sermon
is ever a potent soporifc, and such i
proved to the keen-tempered parishioner.
1t was most natural that Der waking
thoughts should follow Mrs. Whitcoml
in sleep, and that she should, in dreams
see good old Deacon Beeman come dow
the aisle to gather the tithes int
the storehouse." The dreamer very viv
idly went through the form of taking
half-dollar from her pocket, and lifting i
to the extended box, when lot was
box no longer With chilled heart tn
astonished lady saw the hard, lifeles
wood assume the appearance of livinl
flesh. 1t was hand now, and from it
pierced veins flowed drops of blood
Looking up she beheld form like unit
the Son of God, with face which be
tokened knowledge of grief and acquaint
ance with sorrows. Almost paralyze'