the bed-room door, leaning his little head upon a chest. Over the chest
was a line, and across the line had been thrown a chintz shawl,
memorable as having always been worn by our mother when nursing her
children. In one hand he had hold of the end of the shawl, which he
could just reach, and he was sucking the thumb of the other.
This shawl, which this little child had not previously seen for some
time, was associated in his mind with its sweetest, but short-lived
comfort. This fact will serve to explain the propriety of taking all the
ordinary week day play-things from children on the Sabbath, and
substituting in their place others more quiet--for instance, relating
Scripture stories, explaining Scripture pictures, and the like.
Such scenes and experience as have been above alluded to, must be more
or less familiar to every faithful and praying mother. Children who have
been dedicated to God, as was Samuel, and David, and Timothy, in all
ages of the world, will be found in after life to be, to the praise, and
glory, and riches of God's grace, vouchsafed to parents, in answer to
their faith and prayers, and pious teachings.
* * * * *
THE YOUNGLING OF THE FLOCK.
Welcome! thrice welcome to my heart, sweet harbinger of bliss!
How have I looked, till hope grew sick, for a moment bright as this;
Thou hast flashed upon my aching sight when fortune's clouds are dark,
The sunny spirit of my dreams--the dove unto mine ark.
Oh! no, not even when life was new, and life and hope were young,
And o'er the firstling of my flock with raptured gaze I hung,
Did I feel the glow that thrills me now, the yearnings fond and deep,
That stir my bosom's inmost strings as I watch thy placid sleep!
Though loved and cherished be the flower that springs 'neath summer skies,
The bud that blooms 'mid wintry storms more tenderly we prize.
One does but make our bliss more bright; the other meets our eye,
Like a radiant star, when all besides have vanished from on high.
Sweet blossom of my stormy hour, star of my troubled heaven,
To thee that passing sweet perfume, that soothing light is given;
And precious art thou to my soul, but dearer far than thou,
A messenger of peace and love art sent to cheer me now.
What, tho' my heart be crowded close with inmates dear though few,
Creep in, my little smiling _babe_, there's still a niche for you;
And should another claimant rise, and clamor for a place,
Who knows but room may yet be found, if it wears as fair a face.
I cannot save thee from the griefs to which our flesh is heir,
But I can arm thee with a spell, life's keenest ills to bear.
I may not fortune's frowns avert, but I can with thee pray
For wealth this world can never give nor ever take away.
But wherefore doubt that He who makes the smallest bird his care,
And tempers to the _new shorn lamb_ the blast it ill could bear,
Will still his guiding arm extend, his glorious plan pursue,
And if he gives thee ills to bear, will give thee courage too.
Dear youngling of my little flock, the loveliest and the last,
'Tis sweet to dream what thou may'st be, when long, long years have past;
To think when time hath blanched my hair, and others leave my side,
Thou may'st be still my prop and stay, my blessing and my pride.
And when this world has done its worst, when life's fevered fit is o'er,
And the griefs that wring my weary heart can never touch it more,
How sweet to think thou may'st be near to catch my latest sigh,
To bend beside my dying bed and close my glazing eye.
Oh! 'tis for offices like these the last sweet child is given;
The mother's joy, the father's pride, the fairest boon of heaven:
Their fireside plaything first, then of their failing strength the rock,
The rainbow to their wavering years, the youngling of their flock.
ALARIC A. WATTS.
* * * * *
Original.
THE MOTHERS OF THE BIBLE.
THE MOTHER OF SAMSON.
In the thirteenth chapter of the Book of Judges is recorded the short
but suggestive story which is our Bible lesson for the present month.
Horeb is long since left behind. The evil generation, who forty years
tried the patience of Jehovah, have fallen in the wilderness, and their
successors are now in possession of the promised land. Moses, and
Joshua, and Caleb, have gone to their rest, and Israel, bereft of their
counsel, follow wise or evil advices as a wayward fancy may dictate, and
receive a corresponding recompense at the hands of their God. The
children proved in no respect wiser or more obedient than their fathers.
Again and again "they forsook the Lord and served the idols of the
Canaanites, and in wrath He gave them up to their enemies." Often in
pity he raised up for them deliverers who would lead them for a time in
better paths, "but when the judge was dead, they returned, and corrupted
themselves more than their fathers, in following other gods to serve
them, and to bow down unto them; they ceased not from their own doings
nor from their stubborn way," and therefore were they often for long
tedious years in bondage to the various nations which God had left in
the land "to prove them whether they would walk in his ways." It was
during one of these seasons of trouble that the subject of our study is
mentioned. She was the wife of Manoah, a citizen of Zorah, of the tribe
of Dan. Of her previous history, and the events of her after life, we
know nothing. He who sitteth on the circle of the heavens, and beholdeth
all things that are done under the sun, and readeth all hearts, had
marked her out as the instrument, wherewith he would work to get glory
to himself, and however little known to others, He deemed her worthy of
this distinguished honor, and to receive a direct communication from
himself. Of her character nothing is said, but we gather with unerring
certainty that she was a self-denying, obedient child of God, for He
would not have chosen one who would not adhere strictly to his every
injunction.
It is not necessary that we should detail every incident of those
interviews with the angel Jehovah, which the mother of Samson was
permitted to enjoy. Take your Bible, friend, and read for yourself in
words more befitting than we can use, and as you rise from the perusal,
if the true spirit of a Christian reigns in your heart, you will perhaps
exclaim, "Oh, that the Lord would come to me also and tell me how I
shall order my children that so they may be the subjects of his grace
and instruments of his will!" If you meditate deeply while you read,
perhaps you will conclude that in His directions to this mother, our
Heavenly Father has revealed to us wonderful and important things, which
may answer us instead of direct communications from Himself, and which,
if heeded and obeyed, will secure to us great peace and satisfaction.
Bear in mind, that he who speaks is our Creator--that all the wonders of
the human frame are perfectly familiar to Him, and that He knows far
more than earthly skill and science have ever been able to ascertain, or
even hint at, concerning the relations which Himself ordained. He comes
to Manoah's wife with these words: "Now, therefore, beware, and drink
not wine nor strong drink, and eat not any unclean thing. For, lo! thou
shall conceive and bear a son; and no razor shall come on his head: for
the child shall be a Nazarite unto God from the womb." Can you discern
in this only an allusion to Jewish customs and ceremonies, long since
obsolete, and in no way interesting to us, except as a matter of
history? Can you not rather see gleaming out a golden rule which all
would be blessed in following? To us, in this history, Jehovah says,
"Mother, whatever you wish your child to be, that must you also in all
respects be yourself." Samson is to be consecrated to God by the most
solemn of vows all the days of his life, and the conditions of that vow
his mother is commanded to fulfill from the moment that she is
conscious of his existence until he is weaned, a period of four years at
least, according to the custom of her time.
These thoughts introduce to us a theme on which volumes have been
written and spoken. Men of deep research and profound judgment have been
ready to say to all the parents of earth, "Whatever ye are such will
also your children prove always, and in every particular to be;" and
there are not wanting multitudes of facts to strengthen and confirm the
position. In certain aspects of it it is assuredly true, since the
principal characteristics of the race remain from age to age the same.
Nor is it disproved by what seem at first adverse facts, for although
children seem in physical and intellectual constitution often the direct
opposite of their parents, yet a close study into the history of
families may only prove, that if unlike those parents in general
character, they have nevertheless inherited that particular phase which
governed the period from which they date their existence. No person
bears through life precisely the same dispositions, or is at all times
equally under the same influences or governed by the same motives. The
gentle and amiable by nature may come into circumstances which shall
induce unwonted irritability and ill-humor; the irascible and
passionate, surrounded in some favored time, by all that heart can wish,
may seem as lovely as though no evil tempers had ever deformed them; and
the children who may be the offspring of these episodes in life, may
bear indeed a character differing wholly from the usual character of
their parents, but altogether corresponding to the brief and unusual
state which ruled their hour of beginning life. So is it also in
physical constitution. The feeble and sickly have sometimes intervals of
health, and the robust see months of languor and disease. Hence,
perhaps, the differences which are observable many times in the children
of the same family with regard to health and natural vigor.
We cannot enter into the subject. It is wide and extended as human
nature itself. It is also, apart from the Gospel of God's grace, a very
discouraging subject to the parent who contemplates it with
seriousness, and with an earnest desire to ascertain the path of duty.
"How useless," we may be tempted to exclaim, "any attempt to gain an end
which is so uncertain as the securing any given constitution, either of
body or mind, for my children. To-day I am in health, full of
cheerfulness and hope; a year hence I may be broken and infirm, a prey
to depressing thoughts and melancholy forbodings. My mind is now
vigorous and active; who knows how soon the material shall subject the
intellectual and clog every nobler faculty? What will it suffice that
to-day I feel myself controlled by good motives, and swayed by just
principles, and possessed of a well-balanced character, since in some
evil hour, influences wholly unexpected may gain the ascendancy, and I
be so unlike my present self that pitying friends can only wonder and
whisper, How changed! and enemies shall glory in my fall. No. It is vain
to strive after certainty in this world of change and vicissitude, since
none of us can tell what himself shall be on the morrow. Do what I will,
moreover, my child can only inherit a sinful nature." In the midst of
gloomy thoughts like these, we turn to the story of Samson's mother, and
hear Jehovah directing her to walk before Him in the spirit of
consecration, which is to be the life-long spirit of her son. He surely
intimates that the child's character begins with, and depends upon, that
of the mother. A ray of light and encouragement dawns upon us. True, we
are fickle and changeable, and subject to vicissitude; but He, our God,
is far above all these shifting scenes, and all the varying
circumstances of this mortal life are under his control, and he can turn
the hearts of men as He will; His counsel shall stand. True, we are
transgressors like our first father, partakers of his fallen nature, and
inheritors of the curse; but "where sin abounds, grace does much more
abound," and "Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being
made a curse for us." For all the evils under which we groan, the Gospel
has a remedy, and we have faith that in spite of all obstacles and
difficulties, our Savior will yet present us, as individuals, faultless
before the throne. Why may not our faith take a still higher flight?
There are given to us exceeding great and precious promises. The Holy
Spirit, first of all, shall be given to all who ask. They who hunger and
thirst for righteousness shall be filled. He has never said to the seed
of Jacob, seek ye me in vain. There are on almost every page of the
sacred word, these precious promises. By them you are encouraged daily
in your onward struggle, Christian friend. What shall hinder you now
from taking them to your heart as a mother with the same faith? If God
is able to secure your soul against all evil influences, yes, even
against the arch enemy himself, and if he has made the character of your
child to depend upon your own in any degree, why may you not plead the
promises of His word with double power, when your prayers ascend not
merely for yourself, but for another immortal being whom he has so
intimately associated with you. You are accustomed daily to seek from
Him holy influences; you pray that you may grow in grace and knowledge,
and be kept from the evil that is in the world, and from dishonoring
your Savior. Can you not offer these same petitions as a mother, and beg
all these blessings in behalf of your child, who is to take character
from you? Can you not consecrate yourself in a peculiarly solemn manner
to the Lord, and viewing the thousand influences which may affect you,
pray to be kept from all which would be adverse to the best good of the
precious soul to be intrusted to you, and believe by all you know of
your Heavenly Father and of his plan of grace, that you will be accepted
and your petitions answered? And then can you not _act_ upon that faith?
Desiring your child to be a man of prayer, will you not, during the
years in which you are acting directly on him, give yourself much to
prayer? Hoping that he may not be slothful, but an active and diligent
servant of his Lord, will you not give your earnest soul and busy hands
to the work which you find to do? Wishing him to be gentle and lovely,
will you not strive to clothe yourself with meekness? In short, will you
not cultivate every characteristic that is desirable for the devoted
Christian, in order that, at least, your child may enter on life with
every possible advantage which you can give him? And since a sane mind,
and rightly-moving heart, are greatly dependent on a sound body, will
you not study to be yourself, by temperance and moderation, and
self-denial and activity, in the most perfect health which you can by
any effort gain?
Who does not believe that if all Christian mothers would thus believe
and act, most blessed results would be secured? The subject appeals to
fathers also, and equal responsibility rests upon them.
Some will doubtless be ready to say, "This would require us to live in
the spirit of a Nazarite's vow all the time. You have drawn for us a
plan of life which is difficult to follow, and demands all our
vigilance, constant striving, and unwearied labors." True, friends; but
the end to be gained is worth the cost, and you have "God
all-sufficient" for your helper.
* * * * *
_June_ 2, 1852.
MY DEAR MADAM,--I send you an extract from an unpublished
memoir of the Rev. E.J.P. Messinger, who died in Africa, where he was
sent as a missionary of the Protestant Episcopal Church. This biography
is not finished; but I think the following passage is well adapted to
your Magazine.
Yours, with respect,
STEPHEN H. TYNG.
* * * * *
Original.
THE BOY WHO NEVER FORGOT HIS MOTHER.
When James was ten years old his father was suddenly removed by death.
His mother was then left to provide for the aged mother of her husband,
as well as her own little family, of whom the youngest was an infant of
a few weeks old. This was a weary and toilsome task. Neither of her sons
were old enough to render her any assistance on the farm, and the
slender income arising from it would not warrant the expense of hiring
needful laborers. She was obliged to lease it to others, and the rent of
her little farm, together with the avails of their own industry, became
the support of the widow and fatherless. With this she was still able to
send her children to school, and to give them all the advantages which
her retired dwelling allowed.
It was during these first years of his mother's lonely widowhood that
the tenderness and the loveliness of her son's character were brought
out to view. All that he could do to relieve her under her burden became
his delight. Though but a child, he was ready to make every sacrifice to
promote her comfort and happiness, and to gratify and console his aged
grandmother. Attention to his mother's wants from this time entered into
all his plans of life. Her interests and welfare were a part of his
constant thoughts. It seemed to be his highest earthly delight to
increase her happiness and to relieve her trials. He never forgot his
mother. He might be called "the boy who always loved his mother."
Beautiful trait of character! And God blessed him in his own character
and life, according to his promise. After he had gone from his native
home to enter upon the business of life, this trait in his character was
very constant and very remarkable. At a subsequent period, when his
younger brother was about leaving home to learn a trade, James wrote to
him, "Mother informs me that you intend learning a trade. I am very glad
of it, because I know that it will be advantageous to you. But before
you leave home, I hope you will endeavor to leave our dear mother, and
grandmother, and the rest of the family, as comfortable as possible. The
desire of mother that I should come home and in some measure supply your
place, I should not hesitate to comply with, had I not been strongly
impressed with the idea that I could render more substantial help by
remaining here than by coming home. But I hope before you leave home you
will do everything you can for mother; and should you be near home, that
you will often visit them, and afford them all the assistance in your
power. You know, dear brother, that mother has had many hardships for
our sakes. Well do I remember how she used to go out in cold, stormy
weather, to assist us about our work, in order to afford us the
opportunity of attending school. May we live to enjoy the pleasure of
having it in our power to return in some small degree the debt we owe
her, by contributing to her comfort in the decline of life."
Then again he wrote to his sister, referring to his brother's absence:
"I scarcely know how you will get along without him, as mother wrote me
he was going to learn a trade this fall. You must try to do all you can
to help along. Think how much trouble and hardship mother has undergone
for our sakes. Surely we are old enough to take some of the burden off
her hands. I hope you will not neglect these hints. Never suffer mother
to undergo any hardship of which you can relieve her. Strive to do all
you can to lessen the cares and anxieties which must of necessity come
upon her. Be kind, obedient, and cheerful in the performance of every
duty. Consider it a pleasure to do anything by which you can render
assistance to her."
To another sister he wrote, "I hope you will do all you can to
contribute to the assistance and comfort of grandmother and mother. You
have it in your power to do much for them. Take care that you never
grieve them by folly or misconduct. If my influence will have any effect
on your mind, think how much your brother wishes you to behave well, and
to render yourself useful and beloved; but remember above all, that God
always sees you, and that you never can be guilty of a fault that is not
known to him. Strive then to be dutiful and obedient to our only
remaining parent, and to be kind and affectionate to all around you."
These are beautiful exhibitions of his filial love. A remembrance of his
mother's wants and sorrows was a constantly growing principle of his
youthful heart. It was a spirit, too, which never forsook him through
his whole subsequent life. Even while on his bed of death in Africa, his
heart still yearned over the sorrows and cares of his widowed mother.
Then he gave directions for the sale of his little earthly property,
that the avails of it might be sent back to America to his mother.
Though the sum was small it was enough to contribute much to her comfort
for her remaining years. How precious is such a recollection of a boy
who never forgot, and never ceased to love his mother. What a beauty
does this fact add to the character and conduct of a youth! How valuable
is such a tribute to the memory of a youth, "He never forgot his
mother!"
* * * * *
Original.
THE MISSION MONEY: OR, THE PRIDE OF CHARITY.
"Take heed that ye do not your alms before men to be seen of
them."--MATTHEW 6:6.
In an obscure country village lived two little girls of nearly the same
age, named Annie Grey and Charlotte Murray; their homes were not very
distant from each other, and they were constant companions and
playmates.
Charlotte Murray was the eldest of five children, and her parents,
though poor, were kept removed from want by constant frugality and
industry. Her father labored for the neighboring farmers, and her mother
was a thrifty, notable housewife, somewhat addicted to loud talking and
scolding, but considered a very good sort of woman.
Charlotte was ten years old, and assisted her mother very much in
attending to the children, and performing many light duties about the
house. She was healthy, robust and good-natured, but unfortunately had
never received any religious instruction, more than an occasional
attendance at church with her mother, and thus was entirely ignorant of
any higher motives of action than to please her parents, which, though
in itself commendable, often led her to commit serious faults. She did
not scruple to tell a falsehood to screen herself or brothers from
punishment, and would often misrepresent the truth for the sake of
obtaining praise. Charlotte was also very fond of dress, and as her
parents' means forbade the indulgence of this feeling, she loved to
decorate herself with every piece of faded ribbon or soiled lace that
came in her way.
Annie Grey was the only child of a poor widow, who supported herself and
daughter by spinning and carding wool for the farmers' wives. Mrs. Grey
was considered much poorer than any of her neighbors, but her humble
cottage was always neat and in perfect order, and the small garden patch
which supplied the few vegetables which she needed was never choked with
weeds. The honeysuckle was carefully trained about the door, and little
Annie delighted in tying up the pinks, and fastening strings for the
morning glories that she loved so much.
Mrs. Grey, though poor in this world's goods, had laid up for herself
"those treasures in Heaven, which no moth nor rust can corrupt." She had
once been in better circumstances, and surrounded by all that makes life
happy, but her mercies had been taken from her one by one, until none
was left save little Annie; then she learned that "whom God loveth, he
chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth;" and thus were
her afflictions sanctified unto her.
Annie was a delicate little girl, and had never associated much with the
village children in their rude sports. Once, when her mother spent a
week at Mrs. Murray's, assisting her to spin, she had taken Annie, and
thus a friendship commenced between herself and Charlotte.
Annie had been early taught by her mother to abhor deceit and falsehood
as hateful to God, and Charlotte often startled her by equivocating, but
she had never known her to tell a direct untruth, and she loved her
because she was affectionate and kind. Some kind and pious ladies had
succeeded in establishing a Sunday-school in the village, and Annie was
among the first who attended; she told Charlotte, who prevailed upon her
mother to let her go, and they were both regular scholars.