THE SEPARATION.
Thanksgiving is over! Its dinner, its frolics, its boisterous mirth, are
all in the past! It is Sabbath evening. A sadness seems to hang about
the party. Lucy had returned to her aunt, with whom she lived. James was
to go home that evening. Henry and Arthur in the morning. They with John
and their mother, sat thoughtfully around the fire; the younger children
were in bed; little was said by any one, but Mrs. Hamilton, wishing to
have a more private interview with Arthur, took him to her room. There
she questioned him about his new home more particularly. To her
amazement, the moment she spoke of his returning, he burst into a flood
of tears. Poor Arthur! he meant to be brave, and to hide his troubles,
but now that his heart had been warmed by the light of affection and
home-joy, the idea of going back was terrible to him. He could not
deceive, or keep back any thing. With passionate earnestness, he
besought his mother to let him stay at home.
"I will only eat a potatoe and a piece of bread, if you will let me
stay, mother; indeed I won't be much of a burden to you, but oh, dear
mother, don't send me back there," cried he, sobbing as if his heart
would break.
This was a sad trial for Mrs. Hamilton, and she paused to think what was
right, and to ask for guidance from on high. It seemed to her that
Arthur's dissatisfaction arose from his own weakness of spirit, rather
than from anything really disagreeable in his situation. They were kind
to him; he was not over-worked; could attend a good school; and would it
not be an injury to him, to indulge this excessive love for home, and
yield to his entreaties? Would he ever be a man, with courage to face
the storms of life, if she, with a woman's weakness, allowed her
feelings to prevail over her judgment? It must not be. She must be firm
for his sake; cruel as it seemed, it was real kindness, and she trusted
he would soon be contented. If not, she could then change her
determination if she wished. So she told him once more, that duty and
not present enjoyment was to be consulted; that she still thought it was
best for him to stay at Mr. Martin's, and she still believed he would
find contentment and peace there, in doing his duty. She did not upbraid
him, but told him very tenderly, she wished him to acquire more strength
of purpose, and to gain the habit of controlling his feelings. If he did
not, he could never be happy or useful, and it would be sad indeed to
grow up a weak, timid and useless being, who had not strength of
character enough to pursue what was right, if difficulties lay in the
path. "Whenever you are lonely and sad," said she, "think of me, and how
much pleasure you are giving me by staying and doing your duty. Think of
your Father in heaven, who watches over you, and will be well-pleased
when you try to subdue your faults. Never forget to ask Him for strength
to do right, and He will give it, if you ask in sincerity. Remember
always that He has placed us in the world to become his children, and
grow holy; and it is often through trial, we are made better. You will
be a better boy if you conquer your weakness, and become cheerful and
contented, than you could have been, had no sacrifice been required of
you. My dear child, I do believe God will bless you, and enable you to
conquer."
With such words Mrs. Hamilton sought to soothe and strengthen her child,
while her own heart was throbbing with painful emotions. She could not
sleep that night, for her heart yearned over her darling boy, and she
longed to fold him under the shelter of a loving home. She felt that she
needed in her own heart more of that perfect submission to God's will
which she enjoined on others, and it was only by earnest and humble
prayer that she could calm her troubled spirit, and feel trust and
confidence that all was for the best. But she had found prayer to be a
balm for the wounded spirit in many an hour of suffering, and she now
realized the sweetness of that inestimable privilege.
"Oh not a gift or blessing
With this can we compare;
The power which he hath given,
To pour our souls in prayer."