San Andreas independent., 1858-07-03
NG HON E
BY CHARLES WENTWORTH

stone is It's altar-stOne. Dear associations
cluster around the chimney-corner, and
every niche, and Granny, and broken brick
is sanctifed-sanctifed by some pleasant
memory. The voices of sisters and moth
ers, fathers and brothers, have consecra-
ted the spot, have resounded in the sacred
precincts the voice of mothers and Sis
ters-dear sisters and dear mothers We
have wandered from our home, but its
magnetism remains still upon. u.s. 1t is
the centre of our mental solar system, and
we revolve round its remem5rances-
bound forever by its attractions in our
life's orbit.
John was Of age. The spirit of enter
prise and restlessneSs had fastened upon
him, and he resolved to buckle on the ar
NOR of self-dependence, and 90 forth to
fight with the Goliah of the world-the
mighty Goliah, whose spear is like unto
weaver's beam, and who vaunteth him
self against beardless Davids, fresh from
the herding of cattle
Johns last evening at home was a sad
and silent one. The family circle gazed
mournfully at the fire-looked uneasily at
the blazing fire. The preparations had
been completed, and they were very sim
pie. There was little sleep that night at
the farm house; the inmates laid awake,
thinking of the young mans departure on
the morrow In the morning, all appeared
at the breakfast-table, but no one felt like
eating. The father was grave; the mother
looked often at John. This thought en-
tered her mind:
Perhaps John will never be seen at
the home board again !"
Tears filled her eyes, and she tried to
press them back with strong effort of
the will. There was a sorrowful effort in
the brain which kept reiterating, Never
be seen at the home board again!' She
could not bear it. She arose and went
to the window, as if to observe something
that was passing. Sister Mary's eyes were
red, and brother Ned wore dull, dubious
expression.
John got up from the table, and put on
his hat, casting significant glance at his
bundle-a small bundle in a chair near
the door.
suppose it is time to be going" he
said in low and rather thick voice.
He shook hands with Ned, and Mary
kissed him. He attempted to smile and
say something encouraging to her, but her
warm lips melted down his resolution
He was aware that his father had taken
his hand, but his eye-lids were weighing
heavily upon his eyes, and he did not at
tempt to raise them.
"John, be just and INDUSTRIOUS" he
said, in husky voice. If you do not re-
turn to us rich, come back honest-come
back to your old father and mother honest,
John. We have toiled side by side, my
son-many years side by side. If have
been harsh to you, or unforgiving, you
must forgive me, nor bear away from this
paternal roof in your heart aught but
kindness and love-kindness and love for
your father, john
John tried to say, "Don't father !" but
couldn't. 1t touched sensitive place to
hear the good old man talk so-talk so
christianity.
A softer hand grasped his-a very soft
hand, full of mothers magnetism-moth-
er's sweet magnetism. John bosom was
swelling tumultuously, and he could not
summon courage to look into her eyes.
John" said she-the word thrilled
him-"Time has been dealing with me
for more than half century. Pm getting
old-Pm following those who have given
dust to dust: The material world is fad
ing, and the fashion thereof changing
You are going out from before my sight,
and may see your face no more. John,
(the old lady's voice quivered affectingly,) }
portion of my being lives in you; none
other can love you as | do-as your fond
old mother loves you. For my sake be
careful what you do-be very careful what
you do, for you cannot suffer without my
feeling the mothers feel their chill
dren's pain, John"
The good old lady paused, and the tears
ran down her cheeks.
g I'm afraid shall never see you again.
Perhaps this is the last time | shall ever
embrace you. Oh, John, how can I give
you up? How can suffer you to depart ?
The days and nights will be long when
you have gone. | shall count the days
and lay awake nights-lay awake think
ing of and praying for you. There is no
selfishness in my love; it is all-sacrifcing,
all-forglving and watchful. Beware of
evil influences, my son, and whatever your
mlsfortunes or success may be, do not for
get those at home"
John was full and running over at the
eyes; he wanted to sob like child. How
weak he was; how his strength went away,
leaving him subdued and grieving. He
had never dreamed that parting was such
an ordeal. His mother fellupon his neck
and wept, and John gave way and wept
too. She said, "God bless you." and
then he departed fearful and sorrowing-
Reader, did you ever hear mothers s
"God bless yod?" 1t is freighted with
solemn, thrilling sweetness. | cannot
keep back the tears when think OF 1t.
Many lips that have pronounced 1t with
the fervor of inexpressible love, are ashes
to-day; many hearts that have felt 1T, are