Litchfield enquirer. [volume] (Litchfield, Conn.) 1829-current, 1842-03-10
From the N. Y. Observer.
MOTHERS CAN DO GREAT THINGS"

man presented himself before DOuy OF
clergymen to be examined that he might
be licensed to preach the gospel. His adj
van;ageS for study had not been very great,
and he had many fears that he could not
sustain himself, and answer the numerous
questions which he knew would be propos-
ed. With a trembling heart he stood up
before his fathers and brethren, and one Of
them asked him with whom he had studied
divinity.
The young man was somewhat confused
at this question, for he knew very well
that he had not enjoyed the instructions of
any distinguished divine, and no replied
with hesitation. "My mother taught me
the Scriptures"
"Ah," said the minister who had ask
ed the question, "mothers can do great
things J"
The examination then proceeded, and
the result was delightful proof that moth
ers may be good teachers oftheology; that
the truths implanted by their early instruc-
tons, watered by their pious tears, and
sanctified in answer 10 their prayrs, will
bear precious fruit after many days.
This candidate for the ministry was
found to be mighty in the Scriptures, and
most gladly was he commissioned TO go
forth and preach the word to his fellow
men. He is now, or was not long since,
in the faithful and successful discharge Of
his high calling, blessing God for the teach.
ings of pious mother, and causing many
to rejoice that in such school he was trail
ned for the ministry Of the everlasting gos
pei.
And in the very early ages Of the Chris
tian church, not great many years after
the Lord Jesus assembled to glory, there
was very excellent minister, who, If ]
recollect Alright, was taught in the same
school in which this young man studied.
P aul the Apostle wrote a letter to him,
and refers him to the early instructions
which he had received and thus counsels
him.
I Dut cv"s;.-..a Ahou in the things which
thou hast learned, and h~e4-h een. ssansed.
LOT, knowing Of whom thou hast learned
/ themS and that from O.. child thou hast
known the Holy Scriptures. which are able
70 make thee wise unto salvation through
faith which is in Christ Jesus"
And in another plaee he speaks Of the
| Joy which he had Remembering that both
the grand mother and the mother Of tins
young minister to whom he was writing,
were women of unfeigned piety and we
are thus enabled to understand how it &C.
Cured that Timothy, without the advanta-
gcs Of seminary, or even the regular in
structions of an approved divine, had been
thoroughly taught the Scriptures, and was
| able to show himself approved unto God.
| AI-A. - L.
ed"
In these days we have the privileges Of
excellent scminaries eflearning, where our
youth can 60 and sit at the feet Of wise and
holy men, TO learn the word Of God and
seek preparation for the gospel ministry.
But who train these young men for those
seminaries Z Enter them and ask each
student by whose influence he was led to
consecrate himself to the service Of Christ!
Of every ten candidates for the ministry,
you will probably find that seven, at least,
are the sons Of pious mothers. Perhaps
they were converted in revivals Of religion;
perhaps far away from home perhaps they
are reclaimed prodigals; but they remem-
Der maternal counsels and tears and pray
ers. Those were the "last links" that
were broken when they went astray those
were the first memories awakened when
the Holy Spirit commenced the work Of
their recall. Mothers can do great things"
in training up ministers Of the gospel, and
the church is under deep Indebtedness to
them, for many who are now burning aud
shining lights on the high places Of Zion.
The retired mother in the country, or
the unknown mother ia great city, with
a little group Of children around her knees,
may not feel the truth that there is in her
hand the power that mag move the world.
But the impulse of her heart may be felt all
over the earth; overturning thrones, re.
forming nations, dispelling error, spread
ing knowledge, and converting souls. She
ought to feel this truth, and whenever she
imprinis kiss on an infants cheek, send
to heaven prayer that that child may be
an angel Of mercy TO perishing world.
That was pleasant thought Of some
philosopher, whose name has now gene
from me, that sound never ceases but
made, it extends and travels, diminishing
in strength indeed, bnt never dying; so
that the soft whispers Of nature which we
hear at eventide. are but the warblings of
the mightier voices which have startled Us
before, and are now flying on in their
ceaseless and almost silent course. Re-
verse this illustration and it meets the case
before me. Thought never dies. The
impress it makes ON the mind il first reach
es, is communicated TO another and Snoth-
err; the circle Of its influence widens as
4. L. l..s 90. t..