St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1893-01-12
BURDENS.

Bear ye one another's burdens. "
The words kept repeating them
selves in my brain.
How can we? thought, we who
have not old sick mothers TO care
for; invalid friends to cheer; restless
children to entertain, or any OF the
trying commonplace happenings
that come into many lives.
Surely burden bearing means that
which will weigh us down heavily;
which will constantly deprive US of
our own ease and. pleasure; be ever
present with US like the bundle upon
Christians back. Ought we to go
through life thus barassed by the
burden Of others? Surely our own
seem heavy enough at times without
any added weight
A knock at my door interrupted
my reflections. Mrs. Barlow, my
neighbor, had come.
Don't disturb yourself the east,
my dear, but let me wait upon my
self You see | have brought my
mending. Things will wear out, |
find, almost faster than | can repair
Now for cosy hour 1t is SO dull
outside this gratefre seems all the
more pleasant"
Il am glad you have come, my
friend, for | was wading in deep
water all by myself, and need a help
ing hand. Mrs. Barlow, do your
burdens nearly overcome you 2"
My friend opened wide her blue
eyes.
my burdens? you will have to
name them to me, my dear"
well, know you always seem
cheerful, but those three boys of
yours-do they not nearly drive you
crazy? And then there is all the
work you are called upon to do in
the church. These are the burdens
mean, the ones you bear for others"
81 see what you mean, my dear.
l will tell you how it is. When my
hands and feet grow weary, and my
BOYS demand more attention than
usual, and am-oh so tired, say
to myself:
. But not so tired as they
Who have no carelall day
For loved ones, young or old.
The weariest hand
Is empty. having no command
Ofloving lips, no care of age or youth,
No lips to call for ii in truth
From purple dawn till night no wealth
TO hold
Bearer than fretted gold"
When Mrs. Barlow had rolled up
her mended stockings and had lett
me alone once more, | still conned
the old refrain, Bear We one an
others burdens" But | have no
boys, not one, and as far as leading
a meeting in the church, it would
prove a dismal failure 1t takes all
my courage to repeat verse OF
Scripture.
Then a suggestion came to my
mind. Perhaps am in search of too
great burdens. No great grief or
trial need come, and yet there are
burdens"
One is lonely away from home, A
newsy, bright letter will Tighten her
burden. Another is kept closely con-
fined by household cares; cheerful
invitation to walk or drive may give
new strength and vigor. A new
conner in the church feels strange and
forlorn; a few introductions and a
kindly smile do much to cheer the
pathway.
Perform a good deed speak a
kind word, bestow a pleasant smile,
and you will receive the same in re-
turn. The happiness you bestow on
others is reflected back to your own
BOSOM"
rose quickly and dressed myself
for the street, aud found ere knew
it song had come to my lips:
Hope on, hope ever yet the time shall come
When man to man shall be Il friend and
brother,
And this old world shall be happy home,
And all earth's family love one another!
Hope on, hope ever"
--lBoston Traveller.