The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1884-09-24


attractive picture, the meaning of which
he could not quite determine. That it
represented plea or trial of some kind
was evident. 1t was apparently an out
door scene, as trees loomed up at the
background, while seated or standing at
the right were grouped twelve men in in
tent and listening attitude. just before
them, also on the ground, was sort Of
frame, on which was stretched a wounded,
lifeless body, one rigid arm extended, and
the hair flowing backward from the pal
lid brow.
Bending over the body was the kneel-
ing figure of a weeping woman another
person, also, kneeling beside the body, was
making an earnest appeal with impas-
stoned gestures, the face towards the
twelve listening men, while the right hand
was extended at arms length towards the
Judge, who sat, spear in hand, on a high
raised bench at the left of the picture.
Beside the judge, on the lower bench, sat
two men holding what looked like heavy
law books.
Just at the foot of the rude bier, and
in the center of the engraving, stood a
tall, powerful man, with pinioned arms,
while guard at either side held him
firmly by an iron or leathern band
fastened about the throat. The lowering
brow, and dark, brutal vissge, were almost
demon-like in expression, while the broad,
brawny chest, and bare, sinewy limbs and
arms, attested the fatal strength that at
tended his mighty stroke.
An elderly gentleman paused by Mr..
Matsons side as he stood regarding the
painful but fascinating picture.
81 wonder just what this picture repre-
sents ?" said the younger man.
at is the first trial by jury" replied
the elder.
Young Mstson sighed.
"a very striking picture" he said, ur-
der his breath.
EYES," began the old gentleman in
that resigned, mellow voice so common
with advanced age, "well-I suppose
we've all got to stand before some tribunal
sooner or later; it's hard test, and be-
hooves us all to be prepared to answer
some searching questions with confidence
still, the fact remains that the Judge of
all the earth will surely do right. I wish
you a very kindly good evening, sir.'
The old gentleman moved off and away.
He had merely called at the rooms on a
little matter of business for few mo-
ments, and was all unconscious that the
Master had a mission for him at the club
rooms during those few moments other
than the little matter of business he had
called concerning, but the extra errand
had been performed.
Go where he would the remainder oil
the evening, those soft, convincing words
followed Gordon Matson:
"We've all got to stand before some tri
bunal sooner or later, sir; it's hard test ,
"Bother it all he thought impatiently
81 wish I'd never asked about the
picture;" yet he repeatedly returned te
gaze upon it.
The next morning, Mrs. Matson at.
tributed Gordon's sober face and air of
abstraction to the fatigue and late hours
of the previous evening. He still seemed
thoughtful at supper time, but no one
| made any remark about it.
When Sunday came, he attended church
with his mother, and, greatly to her salts
faction, as she was preparing to attend
the evening service, Gordon said he be
lieved he would go too. On the way
home he told his mother about the picture
dwelling graphically on its various points
of interest then he told what the old
gentleman had said, and how his words
had followed, haunted, and finally con-
victed him.
al found" he said, al wasn't ready
for that tribunal-that test-the search
ing questions; or worst of all, the conf.
dent answer reouired"
When Mrs. Matson goes to evening Of
morning service now, her only son usually
goes with her, and the last time Auntit
Carey visited Mrs. Matson that lady
| remarked:
"You remember, perhaps, advising me
instead of worrying about Gordon's indif
ference concerning serious matters, to cas-
my burden on the Lord ?"
"Yes, dear, remember" said the gen
tie voice.
DWELL" continued the mother, all
wonder at is, how Christians can 80 fal
forget themselves as to worry or carry un
necessary burdens. There 1 worried 81
for while over that club party, and il
was just the place to which God sent &
trusty servant to open my boys eyes anc
answer my prayers"
"God gives us wisdom in his own gooG
time" said Auntie Carey.
"Yes, that's true, auntie. But how SLOW
we are to learn the simple lesson of trust
and to accept the Savior's reassurine
words of comfort, fear not, only be
lieve.' "-Mrs. Harriet A. Cheeuer, in Chris
tian at Work.