Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1856-03-12

broken mothers her father, mother and hus
band were dead, and naught was left TO her
but poverty and her little feeble Julia. She
had learned how TO work, could cook her own
food, and she resolved TO know more of hon
est, inspiring toll. In less than month She
had command of her needle, as q tailorcss and
dress maker, and with her superior genius, she
soon found employment among the best of her
sex; for the truly noble among them, who had
known her as the gay and beautiful wife, now
beheld her with admiration for her courage
and her vigorous struggles with the reiterated
blows of q mysterious Providence. She felt a
deeper Joy for the blessings of her humble ta-
BILE, because procured with her own hands, and
Julia was delighted with all the little gifts that
the heart OF mother so joyfully brings to the
being it loves. In the fierce fires Of uffering,
Mary had learned that other hearts could sui-
fer. and 70 the poor she became messenger
of mercy, wherever suffering human hearts
could be found. She made the widows heart
to sing for joy, and the orphan, at the sight Of
her loving face, smiled through its tears. She
".....4 e-;,, ,4.-.. il.ss4I
ceive.' She was known By all the poor as the
ssgood Mary who came to make them happy,
and if she had nothing to bestow, she smiled
on the sufferer, and his pain grew lighter IN
der its sunny power. Through long years the
loving Mary had supported herself and child
by the toll OF her own hands. Unfortunately
she had removed from the scene of her trials
to the village where found her, for better
prospects, where at last her powers sank I'M
der accumulated iabors, and a severe fever
had brought her far away from her humble
friends, On that cold night found on her last
bed Of rest; neglected and forgotten BY the
busy world, attended by two little children,
adorned with most sanity meeiness and full
Of the most joyful expectations of brigh: and
immortal future. As the night was far adran-
ced, and my duties for the next day very ar
dous, left my excellent wife, whose heart was
ever open to the child of want, TO watch the
balance of the hours before day, and made my
way homewards. slept little till towards
morning. had heard too much for sleep-a
thousand unavailing thoughts rushed through
my brain.
1 awoke in deep despair; my soul was very
sPha aE What Rao oqRsgFEsl RsgRd th0HgRt al0g l. that the
earth by the frosty starlight to get doctor for
her dying mother, should ask if the good folks
in heaven kept ''public soup houses'' where
all the poor could have enough TO eat The
story of my patient had chilled me to the
bone. and l sat speechless for some time on
the bedside.
The sun was shining chcerfully when l cross
ed the yard for my faithful pony, and l soon
made the few calls my limited practice re-
quired, when l again sought the humble cot
tage OF my patient. l had bought few com
forts at the country store, and found my angel
wife, ever faithful, and now gone to her re-
ward-at her post by the bedside. She had
been weeping over the little Julia, who SLIM
bcrcd sweetly by her mothers side She, too, |
slept Both awoKe shortly after my entrance !
Gazing tenderly upon her little face, the |
mother closed her eyes and murmured few I
words of prayer, and then addressed me as |
calmly as though in health. doctor, you |
know all of my history that is of consequence,
except what relates TO my dear Child. have
)enned few directionf for one of her aunts
who will doubtless discharge the trust I be-
lueath TO her. Would to God could tighten
he pecuniary part of it. - Your kindness
las brought You here, as 1 learn it ever does
1t the summons OF the wretched ] shall need
10 medicine, the lamp is exhausted the fame
wen now iickers; in little while I shall 20
lence."
She had wearied herself by the exertion of
peaking, and dozed; went into the little
itchen to consult with my wife upon our fu-
ure efforts. kept my eye occasionally on
he face of my patient, and had withdrawn it
ut for moment, when l saw her move con-
ulSively; l ran to her, and she asked dis
inctly for water; she swallowed little, and
banked me, even gracefully, so quiet was she; !
he closed her eyes, and her pulse ffei fell rapidly
uddenly she drew her child to her breast, and
almly uttered, TO God and you leave here !
y wife was instantly at her side turned I
y eyes towards her face; it was placid as {
eaven; the spirit of the good and beautiful I
al fed 10 the home of the lmmortals.