Bellows Falls times. [volume] (Bellows Falls, Vt.) 1856-1965, 1897-02-03

seem as II human lnSenuily hau spent Itself
but mans progress is ever onward and up.
ward and as long as the Infinite is in the
mind of man he will strive for that which is
above and beyond We look back with a
great deal of respect upon the past but
the golden seed of tn, future is in the
present."
DIR. Kirkland "We have all heard of
the oldest inhabitant.' Every village is
supposed to have one This class is fortu
nate to number an oldest inhabitant'
among its members. They say of an in
habitant' at Brattleboro, that he could
remember when the mountain opposite the
town was little mole hill. We hope that
our Oldest inhabitant will not be indebted
to his memory for his jests, nor to his imag-
nation for his facts. 1t gives me great
pleasure to call upon the honorary and
honorable member of this class, A. N.
Swain, to respond to the toast, Looking
Backward >"
Mr.. Swain took a glance at what some
of the members OF the class had accom-
p'ished in life, and bis remarks were very
interesting. He said in part: Il do not
know as | can remember when Mt. Kilburn
was mole hill, but it is true that can
remember when the oaks on Oak hill
were only little huckleberry bushes This
gathering is not only credit to those who
have come here, as you have, but it is a
credit to our town. | do not think there
is a city in New England which can boast
of similar gathering. Such gathering
counts as a benefit to the town outside OF
all moral and religious circumstances. OF
course we understand this is silver ami
versary, but it is also golden occasion.
Our friend, here, Mr.. Osgood, is grow
ing man, and that makes man young
For that reason l have thought l might
possibly, for brief time, assume toward
him the relation of father--not long
enough to make any disturbance however.
The venerable DR.. Storrs recently cele-
brated his 5Oth anniversary. When be
was first ordained to pastorate his father
, was present, sitting beside a friend. and a;
! he proceeded in his discourse the friend
said to the father, He is chip of the old
block All, replied the father. the chiT
is greater than the block / think oul
( friend here has grown in that direction
! and we will always concede to him tbs
e block itself. This class has become al
institution and SO exists among us. Twen
ty-fve years ago there were nine members
S of whom there are but two here tonight
. one an active member still. The remain
. ing seven now reside in six differen
states"
: At the close of Mr. SWANS remarks thu
s POSTMASTER said, Mrs Dascomb has sen
n US an original poem. We are always glat
e to hear from her for we are sure she vii
J. say graceful thing and in graceful way
G I will ask Mrs. F. G. Day to read it."
. TWENTY-FIVE YEARS FOR THE MASTER.
: IT'S goodly stretch of years
" That we celebrate tonight:
a A quarter of century
G Up-buiiding for the Right.
Observing this occasion as to
/ Mere external things,
a We should miss its true significance
IS And the stimulus it brings:
), For. pardon us, we scan these years
OF study, love and labor,
r Which make thee, honored guest,
1t Our teacher, friend and neighbor.
. Such DOMINIC of the armor,
o Such buckling on of sword,
Make aggressive, stalwart yeomen
/ Men inspired of Gods word.
:, First and last, and midmost, i
u Have You led us to this Word:
Opening up divinest treasure
h Which its pages well afford.
Seeking truth in atmosphere
l. OF meekness reverent;
r. While sending on the wings of prayer
d Your messages intent.
q After drudgery and grind
Drop the coat of earths assoil,
vi in the study walls to find
lie Open book-the counter foil.
:, There is wisdom in the saying
That exchange of work is rest:
III You have set us the example
ar or coveting the best
Not alone the scientific,
Have you grappled to digest;
But the knowledge beatifc,
a. Hungered after, and possessed.
~, To the Masters golden store-house
~ Men of every calling come;
81 And returning still, with hunger,
he Carry still fresh treasure home.
. There prize within the future,
= And whose will may win it;
q. For he secret is, the snatchiug
re OF the unconsidered minute!
70 Another lesson taught us
~ By our beloved brother,
VI Is, that whatsoever's gained,
e We may share it with another.
Ia
n We may brighten some poor hamlet
~ And struggling church may cheer;
rs We may enter with refreshment
m Every needy, open door.
/ Helping on Ladies' Aid,
. With sketch of travelled news;
is Or delightirg youthful minds
r. With some entertaining Vows.
J., Thus interpreting the gospel
= OF good will to every heart;
le Waking up, mayhap, an interest
is In the realm of Sacred Art.
:, If all our dear church members,
~ Had been true to Sabbath school;
le In the learning and the practice
IS Of the gospels golden rule,
: Our thirteen hundred Sundays.
. What a harvest rich would bring
q. re Deum of the angels,
IN We could almost hear them sing
h. Well, when the fifth decade is run,
= a golden cycle fair,
Il For those who cannot hither come
ID May The open Fathers House
lg Give us all reception therel
q Mrs. Daseombs homespun answer
II To the call of friendship sweet;
- Thus uniting with the others
X When the Bible students meet.