Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1855-10-17
THE FATHER.
AN INSTRUCTIVE SKETCH.
by MRS SIGoURNEY.

BY MRS SIGOURSEr.
It is the duty of mothers to sustain the re-
verses Of fortune. Frequent and sudden as
they have been to our country, it is i'm
portant that young females should possess
some employment, by which they might OBJ
tain livelihood in case they should be redu-
ced to the necessity of supporting themselves.
When the families unexpectedly reduced
from aff1uence to poverty, how pitifu and con-
temptible it is to see the mother Responding
or helpless, and permitting her daughters to
embsrrass those whom it is their duty to assist
and cheer.
al have lost my whole fortune,' said mer-
chant, as he returned one evening to his home,
eve can no longer keep our carriage. We
must leave this large house. The children
can no longer go to expensive schools. Yes
teIday was rich man. To-day there is moth
ing can call my own"
"Dear husband, we are still rich in each 9TH
er and our children. Money..may pass away,
but God has given us a better treasure in those
active hands and loving hearts,
'sDear father" said the children, ssdo not
look so sober. We will help You to get liv-
ing"
"What can you do, poor things;'' said he.
"lOu shall see, you shall sec," answered
several cheerful voices. ssIt is pity if We
have been to school for nothing. How can the
father of eight children be poor. We shall
work and make YOU rich again.
81 shall help" said the youngest girl, hard
ly four years old, 81 will not have any new
things bought and shall sell my great doll.
The heart of the husband and father, which
had sunk within his bosom like stone was
lifted up. The sweet enthusiasm of the scene
cheersd him and his prayer was like song of
praise.
He left his stately house. The servants
were dismissed. Pictures and plate, rich car
pet and furniture were sold, and she who had
so long been the mistres, of the mansion shed
no tear. "Pay every debt - said she, .slet no
one suffer through us, and may yet be hap
py.''
He rented neat cottage and small piece
OF ground, few miles from the city. With
the aid of his sons he cultivated vegetables for
the market. He viewed with delight and as
constituent the economy of his wife, nurtured
As she had been in wealth and efficiency which
his daughters soon acquired under her train
ing.
The eldest one assisted her in the work OF
the household and also assisted the Younger
children. Besides, they execute various works
which they had learned as accomplishments
tut which they found could be disposed of to
advantage. They embroidered with taste
some of the ornamental parts of female appar
sl which were readily sold to merchants in the
city.
They cultivated flowers and sent boauets to
market, in the cart that conveyed the vegeta-
bles they plated straw, they painted maps,
they executed needle-work. Every one was
at her post busy and cheerful. The cottage
was like beehive.
81 never enjoyed such health before,'' said
the father.
';And never was SO happy BEFORE" said
the mother.
"We never knew how many things we could
40 when We lived. in the great house," said
The children, ssand We love each other great
heai better here. You call rs your little bees.'
eyes," replied the father, .and you make
Just such hsnsy as the heart leves to feed on.