found, in some part of the great western valley, a peaceful grave. I do
not know the spot where she lies, but I would fain twine around it these
little blossoms of grateful remembrance.
There is a moral in this slight sketch which I wish to impress on the
_daughters_ who read this Magazine. It is that their influence is
greater than they may suppose. Children read the purpose, the motive of
conduct, and understand the tenor of character; they are attracted by
feminine grace and refinement; they are keen admirers of personal
beauty, and they can be won by goodness and gentleness. Never, dear
young friends, overlook or treat with indifference a child thrown in
your way. You may lose by it a choice opportunity of conferring
happiness and lasting benefit.
_Norwich, Conn._
* * * * *
Original.
MY LITTLE NIECE, MARY JANE.
CONCLUDED.
When the sick child had recovered, and the family were again collected,
Mary Jane was sent to school. This was a delightful change to her--she
loved her teacher, she loved the little girls, she loved her book, but
more than all, her needle. The neatly folded patchwork made by her
little fingers, is kept as a choice relic to this day.
She had been in school just one month when she was taken sick. Whether
this was owing to the confined air of the school-room, or to a too close
application to her studies and work, is not known.
She returned from school one evening, and having sat with the family at
the table as usual, she went to her mother, and with rather unusual
earnestness requested her to take her in her lap and tell her a story.
To be told a story in mother's lap was regarded as a great indulgence by
the children. The little ones on hearing her request, ran to mother and
insisted on being attended to first. "Take me up, mother, and do take me
up." At length Mary Jane with her usual self-denial restored quiet by
requesting her mother to begin with the youngest first. When a short
story had been told her little brother, and she was about occupying the
desired position, she again yielded her right to the importunities of
her younger sister. A longer story was now told, in which she became
quite interested herself, so that when her turn came, she appeared
somewhat exhausted. As her mother took her in her arms, she laid her
head upon her shoulder, saying it ached very hard. It was thought that
sleep would restore her, so she was placed in bed.
At midnight the mother was aroused by the ineffectual efforts of Mary
Jane to awaken her nurse. On entering the chamber, she found that the
dear child had not slept at all. Her head was throbbing with pain, and
she was saying in a piteous manner, "I can't wake up Nancy." Her mother
immediately carried her to her own bed, and having placed her there,
perceived that from an almost icy coldness, she had suddenly changed to
an intense and burning heat.
Her father was standing by the bed uncertain whether or not to call a
physician, when in a pleased but excited manner she called out to him
"to see all those little girls." She imagined that little girls were all
around her, and although somewhat puzzled in accounting for their
presence, yet she appeared greatly delighted to see them.
After this she lay for some time in a dozing state, then she became
convulsed. During her short but distressing sickness, she had but few
lucid intervals. When not lying in a stupor her mind was usually busied
amidst past scenes.
At one time as I was standing by her pillow, bathing her head, she said
in a piteous tone, "I can't thread my needle." Then in a clear sweet
musical voice she called "Nancy" to come and help her thread it.
At another time her father supposing her unconscious said "I fear she
will never get well." She immediately opened her eyes, clasped her
little hands and laying them upon her bosom, looked upward and with
great earnestness commended herself to God: "My dear Father up in
heaven," she said, "please to make me well, if you think it is best; but
if you do not think best, then please to take me up to heaven where
Jesus is." After this, she continued for some time in prayer, but her
articulation was indistinct. One expression only was audible. It was
this, "suffer little children to come."
What gratitude is due to the tender and compassionate Savior for this
rich legacy of love, to the infant mind! How often has it comforted the
dying, or drawn to the bosom of everlasting love, the living among
little children. "Suffer little children to come unto me." The
preciousness and efficiency of this touching appeal seem to be but
little realized even among believing parents. Were it otherwise, should
we not see more of infant piety, in the families of professing
Christians?
Once as the gray dawn approached, she appeared to wake as from a quiet
sleep, and asked if it was morning. On being told that it was, she
folded her hands and commenced her morning prayer. Soon, however, her
mind wandered, and her mother finished it for her.
From this time she lay and moaned her little life away. But whenever
prayer was offered, the moaning would cease for a short interval,
indicating that she was conscious, and also interested.
During the last night of her life, her mind appeared perfectly clear.
She spoke often of "heaven" and of "Jesus"; but little is recollected,
as her mother was not by. Not apprehending death to be so near, she had
been persuaded to try to get some rest. Suddenly there was a change. The
mother was called. Approaching the bed she saw that the last struggle
had come on. Summoning strength, she said, "Are you willing to die and
go to heaven where Jesus is?" The dear dying child answered audibly,
"Yes." The mother then said, "Now you may lay yourself in the arms of
Jesus. He will carry you safely home to heaven." Again there was an
attempt to speak, but the little spirit escaped in the effort, and was
forever free from suffering, and sorrow, and sin.
In the morning I went over to look upon my little niece, as she lay
sleeping in death. "Aunty B----" was there standing by the sofa.
Uncovering the little form she said, "She has _found the way to heaven_
now;" alluding to the conversation she had with Mary Jane, more than
three years before.
Soon, the person whose office it was to prepare the last narrow
receptacle for the little body, entered the room and prepared to take
the measurement. Having finished his work, he seated himself at a
respectful distance, and gazed on the marvelous beauty of the child. At
length turning to the father he asked, "How old was she?" "Six years and
eight months," was the reply. "So young!" he responded; then added that
he had often performed the same office for young persons, but had never
seen a more intelligent countenance, at the age of fifteen. Yet
notwithstanding the indications of intellect, and of maturity of
character, so much in advance of her tender age; her perfectly infantile
features, and the extreme delicacy of their texture and complexion, bore
witness to the truthfulness of the age, beneath her name on the little
coffin: "six years and eight months."
And now as my thoughts glance backwards and linger over the little
sleeper upon that sofa, so calm and beautiful in death, a voice seems
sounding from the pages of Revelation that she shall not always remain
thus, a prey to the spoiler. That having accomplished his work, "ashes
to ashes," "dust to dust," Death shall have no more power, even over the
little body which he now claims as his own.
But it shall come forth, not as then, destined to see corruption, but
resplendent in beauty, and shining in more than mortal loveliness; a fit
receptacle for its glorified inmate, in the day of the final
resurrection of the dead.
Let all Christian parents who mourn the loss of pious children, comfort
themselves with the words of the apostle, "Them also that sleep in
Jesus, will God bring with him," "when he shall come to be glorified in
his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe."
It was in the month of November that Mary Jane died, and was buried;
reminding one of those lines of Bryant:
"In the cold moist earth we laid her,
When the forest cast his leaf;
And we mourn'd that one so lovely,
Should have a life so brief.
Yet not unmeet it was, that one,
Like that young child of ours,
So lovely and so beautiful,
Should perish with the flowers."
On the return of her birth-day, February 22, when if she had lived, she
would have been seven years old, the following lines were sent to the
bereaved mother by Mrs. Sigourney.
THE BIRTH-DAY OF THE FIRST BORN.
Thy first born's birth-day,--mother!--
That cold and wintry time,
When deep and unimagined joy
Swell'd to its highest prime.--
Thy little daughter smileth,--
Thy son is fair to see,--
And from its cradle shouts the babe,
In health and jollity:
But still thy brow is shaded,
The fresh tear trickleth free,
Where is thy first born darling?
Oh, mother,--where is she?
And if she be in heaven,
She, who with goodness fraught,
So early on her Father--God
Repos'd her bursting thought:--
And if she be in heaven,
The honor how divine,
To give an angel to His arms,
Who gave a babe to thine!
L. H. S.
* * * * *
Human improvement must begin through mothers. It is through them
principally, as far as human agency is concerned, that those evils can
be _prevented_, which, age after age, we have been vainly endeavoring to
_cure_.
* * * * *
He that is good will infallibly become better, and he that is bad will
as certainly become worse; vice, virtue, and time, are three things that
never stand still.
* * * * *
Original.
SABBATH MEDITATIONS.
John 5:1.
It is a time of solemnities in Jerusalem--"a feast of the Jews"--and
crowds throng the sacred city, gathered from all parts of Judea,
mingling sympathies and uniting in the delightful services which the
chosen people so justly prize. The old and young, the joyful and the
sad, all classes and all conditions are there, not even are "the
impotent, the blind, the halt, the withered," absent. Through the aid
and kindness of friends they have come also, cheered and animated by the
unwonted excitement of the scene, and doubtless hoping for some relief
in known or unknown ways, from their various afflictions. Among these, a
numerous company of whom are lying near the sheep-gate, let us spend an
hour. By God's help it shall not be wasted time. How many are here who
for long years have not beheld the sun, nor looked on any loved face,
nor perused the sacred oracles. A lesson of resignation we may learn
from them, in their proverbial peacefulness under one of the severest of
earth's trials, for "who ever looked on aught but content in the face of
the born-blind?" Here also are those who have felt the fearful grasp of
pain, whose nerves have been shocked, and the whole frame tortured by
untold sufferings; and those who cannot walk forth on God's earth with
free elastic step, nor pursue any manly toil--the infirm, the crippled,
the helpless. How it saddens the heart to look upon them, and hear their
moans! Yet they all have a look of hope on their faces. The kind angel
who descends to ruffle the hitherto calm waters of the lake may be near
at hand. Soon sorrow to some of these will give place to proportioned
gladness. He who can _first_ bathe his limbs in the blessed wave, says
the sacred oracle, shall find relief from every infirmity. First: It is
a short and simple word, yet how much of meaning it contains, and in
its connection here how much instruction it affords! It is ever thus
under the moral and providential government of God. The first to ask his
blessing are those who gain it. "Those who seek Him early are the ones
to find Him." The prompt and active are the successful competitors. To
those who with the dawning day are found offering their daily sacrifice,
He vouchsafes most of his blessed presence. "Give Him thy first thoughts
then; so shalt thou keep Him company all day, and in Him sleep."
It is those who dedicate to Him the freshness of youth, that thrive most
under His culture, and still bring forth fruit in old age. Their whole
lives are spent beneath the shadow of his wings, and they know not the
doubts and fears of those who long wandered before they sought that
sheltering spot. They who are on the watch, who see the cloud as big as
a man's hand, are the largest recipients of the blessing when the Spirit
is poured out from on high. The lingerers, who think they need not
bestir themselves, for the blessing is sure, may nevertheless fail, for
though there was a sound of rain, the clouds may scatter, when but a few
drops have fallen, and the _first_ be the only ones who are refreshed.
But we are wandering. In this porch lies one who scarce bears any
resemblance to living humanity, and from his woe-worn countenance has
departed the last glimmering of hope. "Thirty and eight years" a
helpless being! a burden to himself and all around him! Alas, of what
untold miseries has sin made human flesh the inheritor! He came long
since to this healing pool, with cheerful anticipations, perhaps
undoubting faith, that he should soon walk forth a man among men. But he
has been grievously disappointed. He seems friendless as well as
impotent. Listen while he answers the inquiry of one who speaks kindly
to him: "Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into
the pool; but while I am coming another steppeth down before me." This
is indeed hopeless wretchedness. But who is it thus asking, "Wilt thou
be made whole?" Little didst thou dream, unfortunate, yet most
fortunate, of sufferers, who it was thus bending tenderly over thy
painful couch! Said we that thou wert friendless; that none knew thy
woes? Blessed be God, there is ever One eye to see, One ear to hear, One
heart to pity.
"When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then thou knewest my path."
"He is not far from every one of us." But, though He is ever near, yet
God often waits long before he relieves. Why is it thus? We do not
always see the reason, but we may be sure it is infinite wisdom that
defers. He would have us feel our dependence on Him, and when we do feel
this, when we hope no more from any earthly source, and turn a
despairing eye to Him, then he is ever ready to rescue. Even toward
those who have long withstood his grace, and rebelled against his love,
is he moved to kindness "when He seeth that their power is gone." "We
must sometimes have the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should
not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead."
Even where we would accomplish most, when we would fain secure the
salvation of those dearest to us, when we would win eternal life for our
children, we must be made to rely on Him who, as he can raise the dead,
even call life from nothing, can also revive the spiritually dead, and
break the sleep which threatens to be eternal.
* * * * *
He is gone--while we looked, suddenly he rose in the full vigor of
manliness, and now, exulting in his new-found faculties, he is walking
yonder among the multitude, carrying upon his shoulders the couch which
has so long borne his weary, helpless frame. See, one with frowning
countenance and harsh words arrests his steps, and wholly unmindful of
the joy which lights his pale face, reproves him with severe and bitter
words: "It is the Sabbath day. It is not lawful for thee to carry thy
bed." The command indeed is, "Thus saith the Lord, take heed to
yourselves and bear no burden on the Sabbath day, nor bring it in by the
gates of Jerusalem. Neither carry forth a burden out of your houses on
the Sabbath day; neither do ye any work; but hallow ye the Sabbath day,
as I commanded your fathers." He stands dismayed and troubled. In his
new-found happiness he has forgotten the solemn mandate. Timidly he
answers, "He that made me whole, the same said unto me, Take up thy bed
and walk." Thou hast answered well. Only the Lord of the Sabbath could
have done on thee this work of healing. Go on thy way rejoicing. Return
not to seek Him, He was here, he spoke to thee; but he is gone. None saw
him depart. Everywhere present, He is, yet, when He will, invisible to
mortal eyes.
* * * * *
Original.
REPORTS OF MATERNAL ASSOCIATIONS.
SECOND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF DETROIT.
Another year has passed over us, and we, a little band, have met to
recount, and gratefully to acknowledge, God's goodness and
loving-kindness to us and our families. Our Association, commencing as a
small stream, has not yet grown to be a mighty river; yet it has flowed
steadily in its course, and we confidently believe, has sent forth sweet
and hallowed influences, refreshing some thirsty souls with pure and
living waters.
During the year now past, our meetings have been continually sustained,
although sickness and absence from the city, especially during most of
the summer, have deprived us of the attendance of a large proportion of
our members. Notwithstanding our meetings have been much smaller than we
could desire, and sometimes tempted us to be "_faint_ and _weary_ in
well-doing," still we believe that our prayers and consultations have
been a source of blessing to ourselves and to our offspring. We are told
that "the effectual fervent prayer of the righteous availeth much." We
feel assured that we can testify to the faithfulness of the promise, for
not only can we gratefully acknowledge the love of God in shedding more
grace upon our hearts; but the gracious call of the gospel of salvation
has been accepted by some of our precious children, and we trust that
they are now in the "narrow way that leadeth unto life." Oh, may the
Spirit of all truth guide their youthful steps through all the thorny
mazes of life, preserve them from the alluring and deceitful charms that
surround them, and bring them at last to those blissful mansions
prepared for those who love and serve God. We do indeed rejoice with
those dear mothers who have been made the recipients of so large a
blessing--that of seeing the precious lambs of the flock gathered into
the fold of the Good Shepherd. Oh, may the prayer of faith ever encircle
them in this only safe retreat from the ravening wolves and the hungry
monsters of sin!
But whilst we rejoice with those of our number who have been so greatly
blessed, we turn with heartfelt sympathy toward those whose hearts have
been wrung by the loss, _to them_, of the objects of their hopes and
affections. Three of the children of members of this Association have
died during the past year. Thus we believe so many sweet angels of God
have gone from our midst and escaped the sorrows of this evil world. Let
the dear parents think of them as already far surpassing their own best
attainments, and praising the blessed Savior, in the heavenly paradise,
and turn their more anxious and diligent thoughts to the living. Two
children have been added by birth to the number of those connected with
the Association.
Our membership has not greatly changed within the past year. Three
mothers have united with the Association since the last Annual Report,
and three have left us, making the number the same that it was one year
since.
While we regret the loss of each and all of those who have departed from
our midst, we think it would not be deemed invidious to express our deep
sense of the loss we have sustained by the removal from the city of Mrs.
Parker, the former secretary. Her devotion and faithfulness in every
sphere of duty, afforded us all an example well adapted to stimulate us
in the discharge of our obligations, as well as to guide us in the paths
of usefulness. We hope and pray that she may long be spared to shed a
hallowed influence around her wherever her lot may be cast.
Our quarterly meetings have been sustained with interest and profit.
Portions of Scripture have been committed by the children, and the
instructions and truths contained in them have been enforced by
appropriate remarks from the Pastor. We consider this an invaluable
means of instilling saving truth into the tender minds of our children,
and would urgently request that it be accompanied by the constant and
believing prayers of all parents. Upon a full review of the past year,
we see abundant cause for gratitude and encouragement. We have especial
occasion for thankfulness that none of our number have been removed by
death. Since we know that the Lord has thus prolonged our stewardship,
that we may work in his vineyard, let us be the more diligent, that we
may be prepared to render our account with joy at the last day. Amongst
the means for preparing ourselves for the faithful discharge of our
duties to our own families, and as members of this Association, we take
pleasure in acknowledging the _pre-eminent merits of Mrs. Whittelsey's
Magazine_, and would urgently recommend its more general perusal and
circulation. During the past summer some of us enjoyed the inestimable
privilege of hearing her experienced counsel, and fervent exhortations.
We believe that her visit to this city resulted in much good, and we
wish her abundant success in her noble calling.
Dear Mothers, let us persevere, looking unto the covenant-keeping God
for the salvation of our children, as well as for the triumph of the
Gospel throughout the community and this sin-ruined world.
* * * * *
SALEM, MICHIGAN.
We have been brought, through the kindness of our Heavenly Father, to
this the first anniversary of our Maternal Association. We meet to-day
that we may together look back upon the year just closing, and recall
the mercies and judgments of our God, in which I think we cannot fail
to recognize the guiding hand of our Heavenly Father, who we believe
has presided over and defended the dearest interests of this our little
society. We bless his name that a few individuals, sustaining the sacred
name of mother, and upon whom consequently devolve important duties,
were led to roll their burden, in all its magnitude, upon an Almighty
arm, and in a united capacity to plead for promised grace. We rejoice
that this feeling has been perpetuated, and that there have been those
who have not "forsaken the assembling of themselves together," but who
have been drawn to the place of prayer by an irresistible influence,
esteeming it a privilege thus to resign their numerous anxieties into
the hands of an all-wise God. And may we not rejoice, dear sisters, that
as each returning fortnight has brought its precious opportunity for
prayer and instruction, our hearts have cheerfully responded to its
call, and that we have hailed these seasons as acknowledged and
well-tested sources of profit. If they have not proved so to us, have we
not reason to fear that our guilt will be greatly increased, and that we
shall share the condemnation of those who have been frequently and
faithfully reminded of duty, but who have failed in its performance?
During the past year we have had twenty-two meetings, the most of which
have been attended by from six to ten mothers. A small number, indeed;
yet God, we remembered, promised that where two or three are met
together in His name, He would be in their midst to bless them. On the
7th of May the Rev. Mr. Harris preached to the children, from the text,
"Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not." Sixteen
ladies were present, and twenty-three children. On the 28th of
September, Professor Agnew addressed mothers on their various important
duties. At the commencement of the year we numbered twelve mothers and
twenty-three children, under the age of fifteen. We now number sixteen
mothers and thirty-three children; one little one has been added to our
number. God, in wise providence, and for some wise purpose, has seen fit
to lay his afflicting hand upon us. Early in the year it pleased Him to
call an aged and beloved father of one of our sisters from time to
eternity. With our sister we do most sincerely sympathize; may it truly
be said of us, as an Association:
"We share each other's joys,
Each other's burdens bear,
And often for each other flows
The sympathizing tear."