The Abbeville banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1847-1869, 1856-09-25
OLD MAIDS.

sounds SO harsh, and unfecing, and uncivi
too. With what n sneer arc tho words ut
tered, as if the poor, unfortunate being to
whom they were.",applied, had committed
some crime worthy of the worlds scorr,
and contumely, and was fit object for the
ridiculc, not only of the "lords of creation ,
who set themselves up as judges in the
matter, but also (aud blush to say it) o
those of her own sex, who would naturally
be supposed to look gently upon, and speak
gently and charitably of sisters fault
Now admitting that these same old maids
have committed a very grievous error by
closing their hearts to all the gentle influ.
ences of love, and by choosing rather to
walk alone in the path Of single blessed
hess, would it not be, to say the least, rather
more generous to allow them to pursue that
path unmolested and undisturbed?
The darker the night, the stars slime
more brightly, and SO let us see if amid the
thick darkness which envelops the old maid
there may not be few redecming qualities,
like the stars beaming out only the more
brightly for the surrounding gloom. Who
make the best nurses, watching unwearicdly
by the couch of the sick and dying 3
Who so prompt as they to go upon crrands
Of bcncvolence to the poor aud needy q
How many aged parents have called down
the blessing of Heaven upon the daughter
who has sacrificed her own private wishes,
and wasted the bloom of youth and health
while ministering to the wants and support
of those who tended her infancy SO faith
fully? Are such qualities as these to be
lightly esteemed9
But then | acknowledge that there arc
exceptions have met with some Sc
we're, sarcastic pcrsonagcs, who seem to
have given tone to the whole class. But
even with these, ask you to exercise char
ity. Many tale of sorrow and disap-
pointed hopes lie hidden beneath that ia
ded check; and trials, such as these,
often have tendency to cmbitter the dis
position. Instead of adding to tho burden,
by pointing the finger and indulging in in
vectivcs against old maids in general, let us
rather seek to heal by kind words and
tender sympathes the wound which grief
and unkindness may have inflicted.
call upon you, young men and young
mailens, to speak respectfully Of the old
maid. Life is yet before you-the cup has
been suaiehed from many lip ele tasted,
aud the bright joys and fond anticipations
with which it was filled, been dashed upon
tho ground. Then be mcrciful and charita-
bic 10 others, even as you would wish your
Heavenly Father to be mercifal to you.
call upon you, my sisters, who dwell
in peace and happiness by your own fire.
sides, with manly arm to protect you,
and loving eyes gazing up into your own
do not, by word or look, teach your chill
drcn or those about you to dcspise the old
maid.
The influence Of the home circle is
widely and deeply felt, and if only one of
those who may chance to read these lines
will realize the truth of what has been said,
and lay these words to heart, shall feel
that it is not IN vain that have spoken in
behalf Of that hitherto abused portion of
my own sex, desi ignated as old nsaids.-New
Jersey Farmer. JEANETTE.
Uumorous.-Once q preacher holding