Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1859-12-29

Good Mothers.
was once on visit at 1t gentleman's
house, in the town of Huntington, and my
attention was arrest d by picture that hung
in the dining-room. 1t represented an aged
woman in homely dress. 1t was not fine
work of art, and it boosted no decoration Of
popularity, but that of extreme simplicity of
deineation yet my eye rested complacently
on that good, calm face, with its thoughtful
eyes, and kind mouth, that one almost
expected to break into smile. looked at
my host, he had similar bright dark eyes and
open brow, and without asking | was assured
the picture, with the plain close cap and neat
apron, represented his mother. Seeing my
eyes fixed on the painting, my host came to
my side as | stood gazing, and after little
pause, while a slight mist-it might be
gathering tear-dmmed his eyes, said half
abstractedly, as though he was thinking aloud,
II know she was sinner, because the Bible
says all have sinned, so of course she like the
rest of us must have been sinner, but cam
not call to mind word or deed she ever said
or did that was sinful" | turned to him as
he was speaking and his eye caught the
inquiring look of mine. He smiled and
repeated, yes it's true, my only knowledge
that she was sinner is, that the Bible says,
There is none righteous, no not one. ," What
testimony" l exclaimed, 40, that my
children could say the same of me!n'
These words of my friend, a man not
given to strong, still less to exaggerated
expressions, sunk deep into my heart and led
me to think great deal more about mothers
than | had ever previously done.
Reader, the best earthly blessing is good
mother, and the greatest earthly curse is
bad one.
Children may overcome the misery of
bad father, but rare indeed, arc the instances
where they have escaped ruin when they have
had bad mother. But havenot the heart
to wlite about bad mothers; it's satans
worse mischiei-the mystery Of iniquity.
Let US comfort our souls as we travel life's
journey by thinking over some good mothers.
George Stephenson, the great railway
engineer, had good mother. In all her
poverty, and it was bitter, SHE was spoken Of
"a raal caany body the highest praise her
neighbors knew how to give.
Sir Humphrey Davy had good mother,
one who encouraged him to study; one who
during her wiiowhood devoted her elf to her
children, and taught them perseverance by
her good example.
Joseph Hume,P. NJ, the celebrated states
man, had good mother. She was widow
in poor circumstances and kept small pot
terry shop in MoDtrose (Scotand). She re-
solved her diigent boy should have good
education, and labored hard to give him every
advantage when he started in life. What
ever he learned in public life, he learned
economy in private life, at his mothers lowly
home.
In specially religious biography what a
great number of good mothers come to our
remembrance. Mrs. Susannah Wesley had
family of nineteen children. Her husbands
income was very limited, but her wisdom in
managing her small means and large family,
made the rectory at Epworth memorable
dwelling.-Here grew up John and Charles
Wesley and many pious, gifted daughters.
Eoquence, genius and spirituality fourished
in that home, and ultimately spread from
thence over the length and breadth Of the
land. Great as were the gifts Of nature
bestowed on that family, the best gift was
the good mother.
DR.. Isaac Watts had good mother
When he was little child his pious father
was prisoner atSouthampton, for conscience
sake, and he remembered his mother carrying
him in her arms to the gate OF the prison,
and weeping over him as she thought of her
husbands affection. Those dark days of
religious persecution passed away, and her
son grew up, not only to bless and comfort
his mother, but to write sweet and holy strains
for old and young.
DR.. Doddridge had good mother. He
was the youngest child of a large family.
Death had so often entered the dwelling and
gathered the infant Aowrets, that Mrs. Dod-
drige rejoiced with trembling over her young
est treasure. While she cared for his body
she did not neglect his soul. The old Dutch
tiles round the fireplace had Scripture stories
painted on them, and the child, as he sat on
her lap in the evening, used to listen to his
mothers voice, telling him the customs Of
the holy men ofold, aud Gods dealings with
his ancient people. The boy grew to man.
hood, the mother went to her heavenly rest,
but those evening hours wore never forgotten
When Philip Doddridge became teacher Of
truth and Righteousness, his mothers voice
fingered in his ears, her words dwelt in bis
memory, her pious teachings throbbed in his
heart, and made him IN his turn jealous fol
the truth, and peculiarly forcible and tender
10 writing for The young Thank God fo
good mothers, may their number be ever in
creasing.-British Workman.