The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1853-03-09
Yuutb's Drpartment.


Wuo is there that does not acknowledge
and bow in reverence to a mothers Lowell
What is it that causes the eye to fill
that refuses utterance to speech, and over
whelms with utter loneliness in the midst
of lifel Deny itnot truant heart. 1t is
the sacredness Of mothers love-felt
through long years it may be, yet always
pure, ever sacred, blessing and refreshing
Gentle motherl tenderest best of friends
constant in love, in veal or woe--in de.
fosmity or health, in honor or shame
through evil and good report--thy affec.
ton knows no change nor the shadow oi
turning. Blessings on thee! Earliest mem
ories link together, and throw holiness on
thy name. Sacred to the heart is the
memory Of a mothers love!
Such were the reflections suggested by
an incident in the great drama of life. A
poor victim was staggering homeward-
no, he knew not whither!-when he fell
heavily to the earth. Stunned and bruised
by the fall, he lay for momeut insensible
but assistance soon restored him to con-
sciousness, and to sense of extreme deg
radiation.
II thank you gentlemen" said he, fal-
tering, it was hard fall, but am better
now. have bad many such. 1t is
nothing when you get used to it9" and
he laughed as he prepared to start again
on his way.
"What a pity" remarked spectator,
"that you should thus debase your NAN
hood by selfish indulgence in strong
drink
"You'rc Temperance lecturer, I sup
pose" the inebriatc.
"No, friend" repliel the gentleman, ~
am not temperance lecturer-at least,
not one professionally. Nevertheless,
neglect no opportunity to speak a word in
aid Of that honest cause.
You're preacher, then, may bei"
aNo.',
We'll, whatever you are, want none
Of your advice"
II merely meant it for your good"
mildly anwered the gentleman. "Are you
marriedln
"No.r
-You have sisters and brothersl"
Yes, but they don't know me now"
"Havc you afatheri"
mo, he died many years ago"
"Amotherl"
There was a deep silence.
"Kou do noss answer. Have you a
Iiis.s:ss5ss iiss:5 -
The silence that ensued was broken by
the sobs Of the wrefched man. 10 God'
he esclaimcd---.'she too is deadl broke
herpoor heart many year since by mis-
conduct.-- My poor poor mother! So
good and SO kind--so gentle and forgiv-
ing!" and he smote his own breast in the
bitterness Of his anguish.
Unhappy man--ob, how unhappy at
thas moment! Through all the yicis-
situdcs OF life, amother's love had followed
him entrcating, urging and imploring
hsni 70 forsake evil, aud cling only unto
that whieh u right. In vain had she
stfiven--rhe had gone on blindly, peryerse-
y fecklessly, until now he was broken
down IN health, fortune and reputation.
sn outcass from society, disovned by his
own iiesh and blood. Yet In the midst
of this accumulation Of wretchedness
the<o sass,e reproachfnlly, yet full OF love.
atfoss The weary waste. Of years a mothers
voice, sweet and sad the heart bowed In
grief to its mute appeal.
Honor TO woman! Without her smiles
thu woeid lose rs brightness society's
c1aF<n would Sxistno Ionger--- G Christianity
w9u'd hnguish without her aid approval.
In whose pfincipies," !" said the dying
dH44h<af Of Ethan Alien % her skepticas
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