True American. [volume] (Steubenville [Ohio]) 1855-1861, 1856-11-05
ThA MnthArlAsa.
"GOd pity her, for she is mOtherlesS" "

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"GOd pity her, for she is mOtherlesS +"
l never look upon these little ones,
whom God has so sorely stricken, with.
out feeling yearning desire to fold them
to my heart, and pour out some of the
tenderness which the sight Of their limo.
cent faces never fails to inspire, and BY
loving words strive 10 shed sunshine and
| Joy upon their desolate pathway.
God pity the mOtherless We meet
them often in our path. and always with
the thought that for them the sky should
be- brighter and the sunshine warmer than
for the rest Of earth's little ones. We
meet them often, with shy, Vislful CLAN
ces upraised from eyes that were once
dear as life to some worShiping heart, but
the grave closed over it, and the smitten
ones have to learn, day by day. through
their life pilgrimage, how much was bu.
ried there. All yes ! somewhere there is
a green grave, and underneath it pale
hands are peacefully folded that would
have joyfuIIy toiled for that little one
and heart lies still and cold now, whose
last pulsation was for the helpless ones
she left behind. But it was not always
thus. A little further back, and that
child's history was like sunny picture {;
The bright home, where pleasant words
and soft tones made sweet music where
loving glanceS followed the little foot
steps, and dear hand smoothed the Shi-
ming hair, and warm lips pressed the fer
vent good night kiss, and framed the SIM
pie goodnight prayer, while the patient,
gentle mother bore with childhood's capri
ces as no one will ever bear again; all
these sunbeams have gladdened the little
childs existence. But shadow fell up
on that home there came an unbdden
vesitant within its peaceful walls, and low
and fearfully were whispered the words,
that the mother must die.
1t was a strange undefnable fear when
she moved no longer among the little
group; when the beloved face grew paler
and thinner to the gaze that would not be
wholly shut out from mammals room )"
but it was the great, strong grief which
childhood so keenly feels for a moment,
but which, blessed be God is of brief du-
ration, when the EIle band were gathered
around the bedside, and each dewy lip,
and cheek, and brow, were kissed for The
last time, with that passionate earnest
ness which none but God can fully un.
derstand. They are taken from her clasp;
it tightens around that younger one; it
was the eve lamb of the flock, and
while the film gathers over the mild eye.
the last prayer is breathed from that break.
ing heart, the last words we'll up from
those white lips" God take care of my
children y
Then the household band was severed
some went forth to dwell at strangers
bearlhs, to learn by painful contrast, how
precious a thing must be a mothers love
and some, God be thanked! have had
meeted out, from warm and honest hearts,
the golden measure of true and holy
love.
Gentle words and kindly smiles do not
cost much-give them to the little one
over whose mothers heart the grass
grows green to-day 10 that bright eyed
boy, who has an untried future before
him, and no mothers prayers to follow
him in the strife; to that slender girl,
who has a worlds temptations to meet,
unaided and alone-so shall blessings re-
turn unto your own hearthsione an hun
dred fold: