Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1884-02-08
rHE SILENCE THAT is GOLDEN.

My childhood home was in the country,
among the green hills of Vermont, yet so near
the New York line that we knew moro Of that
state than of our own. In tho pleasant little
village Of White Greek, which took its name
from a pure, clear stream of water with white
pebbles covering its bed, were the stores,
shops, oto. Here, too, was our church sdi-
fee, pleasantly situated, with its square pews,
high gallery and pulpit. Though we lived
several miles from the church, we seldom
failed to go. Our parents believed in the Bi-
ble and kept the Sabbath as holy time.
The other church was in retired part of
the town and owned by Quakors. had new
er seen it, but from my acquaintance with that
people 1 was very anxious to attend their
church and hear sermon from our family
physicians wife, who was their preacher.
She sometimes came to our home with the
doctor when he made professional calls. Her
presence was more useful than his medicine.
Her voice was clear and sweet, her words we'll
chosen, and her beauty unsurpassed. There
was something very soothing in her quiet
manner, that made one forget pain. Her soft
gray suit was in that quiet style becoming to
all ages.
On our arrival at our church one Sabbath
morning we found that our pastor was un-
avoidably absent, and we improved the op.
portunity to attend the Quaker meeting The
church was perfectly plain and without bell,
and was surrounded by the graves Of the de-
parted As we neared the house a coffin was
carried in, and when we entered it had been
placed in the apartment occupied by the men,
A partial partition divided the audience room,
and the brethren occupied one side, the sis
ters the other. In place of slips were long
benches. My seat was beside one of the dear
sisters of that faith. She, like all their peo-
pie, sat with bowed head that sweet repose
l so needed was plainly visible on her fair
face. glanced over the congregation, but
found no look of unrest. 1t was evident that
they came to commune with the Holy One.
listened for the human voice that was music
to my ear, hoping her words would give me
the much. needed help. l had not then learn
cd to listen in silence for "the still small
voice so to mo the silence became oppress-
i've. 1t continued during the session. At
last came a slight motion, and again raised
my eyes to the lady whose face had studied.
She was looking earnestly into my face, and
as our eyes met Il look of regret came over
her otherwise placid features. To me that
look said, "You have failed to appropriate the
blessed peace offered freely; then gently she
took my hand in hers. l seem to feel it now,
aud her benediction, too.
The coffin was placed in front Of the house
and opened, revealing fair young face. The
relatives silently and tenrlessly took their fare
we'll. Suddenly there came an outburst OF
grief from the young man who was the
husband elect Of the fair sleeper His strong
frame bent with the agony that wrung his
heart as the coffin lid shut forever the loved
one from his sight.
Many weary years have passed, yet my
thoughts often wander to that pleasant viii
lage and those sweet faces aud gentle voices.
Only once since have met a perron of the
Quaker faith-an aged lady who invited me
to dine with her. Recently q glad surprise
was mine. A postal came to me from shut.
In, written in the plain language Of Scrip
turo style, and not long after came whole
letter from another sufferer written in the
same style, breathing the same loving trust
in the Saviour and leaning on His strong arm.
SO we find Christians of every name trusting
in the living Christ and obeying His voice.
West Wardsboro Vt. E.P