The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1884-08-20


ing to each other, although separated by
long distances. He arose from this rev.
erie, fondly hoping that some day, when
he should know more of philosophy,
he might place before the world an
invention that would be even of more
service than any yet discovered. The
village physician had shown him a bat
terry, which he used for certain complaints
of his patients William thought over and
over the subtle power Of electricity. He
thought that such power might in some
way be utilized to propel burdens along
the highways. This he hoped, in the
near future, to see in use. Thus his mind
was active and almost always dwelling
upon elevating and improving subjects.
One day, as William and his father
were returning home from mandatory,
he stopped at bridge spanning the river.
As he looked at the swirling waters, as
they came against the piers, he remained
longer than he realized. His father
passed on a considerable distance. Then
William ran to overtake him. Coming
up to the loaded team, and feeling frisky,
he climbed upon the slowly rolling wheel.
But Just as his plan began to work well
it suddenly ceased to work according to
his mind. His feet slipped from the
spokes of the wheel and his right foot
went under the heavy load. The doctor
was soon consulted and he said that it
was a marvel that no bones were broken,
yet it would require time for William to
regain the use of his foot. With char
acteristic zeal, our young hero still applied
himself to books. Thus he passed many
days, patiently waiting for his recovery.
All this time he was learning something
useful every day. He, by this means,
turned disasters into blessings. To him
every dark cloud had its silver lining.
His CHEEKY words and most excellent
spirit were source of happiness to all
the occupants of Elsmore cottage. Those
who had acquaintance with William
thought that he was very good boy and
quite a model for others of his years.
Yet as we shall see, there was to be
marked spiritual change in him.
Autumn months in New Hampshire are
lovely. The atmosphere is clear and br &C.
ing. The leaves of maple trees are especially
noticeable, being wonderfully attractive
in their beauty. The red and golden
colors are finally succeeded by darker
hues, as if they were toretelling that
wintry months were soon to follow.
1t was now November. The days were
short. Misty, gray clouds fitted across
the skies and cool winds blew from the
east. The farmers had their crops all
gathered, and no business seemed press
ing. The Rev. DIR. Parish thought that
it would be favorable time to have a
protracted meeting. The very somberness
of Nature in this month of November
seems to favor religious thought, while
the near approach to the close of the year
suggests to man the close of his mortal
career.
1t serves to break up the monotony of
life in country town to have ministers
from abroad come in and preach. Hence
DR.. Parish's protracted meeting was we'll
attended. Among those present was Will
lam, from Elsmore cottage. He had felt
desire to have personal experience of
the grace of religion. The preaching at
these meetings was excellent. Sometimes
the preachers brought in something about
Gods DEGREES and generalization. But
William was drawn towards the text
which one preached from, " II any man
thirst, let him come unto me and drink.
His soul thirsted for spiritual bless
ings. During the progress of these meet
ings William obtained light, joy and
peace. Then new light entered Elsmore
cottage.
The other members of the family had
not made profession of religion. They
looked at each other significantly, and
dShnuCO az w IiohS Wuou hO opOho VI hi'
new-found hope in Christ. Yet they gave
no special reproof, but gave him to under
stand that many backslide from religion
Be that fact as it may, William resolved
that whatever others might do he would
be true to his Savior. The cold comtor
of his near friends made him more deter
mined in that course. Indeed, the wan
: of sympathy from human friends led hin
to 60 to that Friend who sticketh close
than brother.
The people had their views of William
which at times they made known to eacf
other. Some said, He will make us
; good deacon. You know that D,acor
Brown is growing old and soon must hav,
a successor" Others said, "That is al
very fine talk, but if William Forest goes
to college he will either be minister or
!, doctor, and that you may depend upon
for he will not settle down in this villag,
and this back town."
!, And so people had their cosby talk anc
friendly disputes, especially at quilting
= parties, where the females gathered to ex