Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1860-11-21
Raoies' department.
Mrs. N. E. NJ Editress.
a Few words to Mothers.

One great trial, and source Of depression, 1
TO = married woman, surrounded with a fam q
ily Of little children, is the small amount she |
can do; it seems literally, as month after
month rolls by, as if she accomplished no.
thing. Life seems a blank, only filled up
with petty cares, that wear out, and corrode,
and canker the frail tenement Of flesh, but
leave no trace behind
"0hl IL could only live for something /!
I could chcerfurly bear all the burdens time
brings to mel is the Responding cry Of
many a mother; but, mother, look back on
your own childhood, and then tell me if you
do not live for something! Years ago, tired,
and hungry, from your outdoor play, who
brought you the nice bowl brimming with
milk, that tasted sweetcr to you than the
rarest dish to the cpicureS Who folded you
c arms, aud rocked you to sleep as gent
Who gave bright smiles and Kisses, when
your little heart was quivering with pain
from the harsh, unfeeling words of some play
mate Whose soft step, and light touch, and
whispered words ofpraycr, drove away the i'm
arcs oC fear that darkness TO the child is too
often peoplcd with, and left brightness in
the belief Of a protecting Slcepiess care over
allg Who famed your fevered brow, and
held the cooling draught, that dripped from
the CAV rocks in the woods which you had
dreamed or al night to your lips, and talked
pleasantly of heaven, when your little feet
seemed almost ready to step In Deaths dark
river, and you shrank trembling back from
hurrying waters? Who gave you the pleas
ant memories of childhood, that have stolen
10 ysur heart as gently as the dew to the
flower, the long, long years, and brought
LIGHT and Joy TO the darkest hour Of your
lifeY Name your price for the memories,
and then | can tell you what you are accom-
plishing! What if God had said to your
Youngest, that the pet one, with soft silken
~ringlets, and rosy dimpled fat hand, who is
catching at the buttUs ON your dress, ale
is a little thing, l will not mind about his
sight" Think Of those laughing, sparkling,
''pretty eyes" as you have said a hundred
times, as sightless orbs never again turning
TO his little crib, to find him watching you
Fl om under the soft lace never starting
from sleep as he clasps his arms around YOU
neck, and raising your head from the pillow
10 catch a view in the clear moonlight of hi
lowing eyes never again joying at glimpse
of haby's mind, through the minds windows
Woat II God had said. ale is a littl
thing, a VIII not mind about N;s ;nfaIlact
just look at your sweet baby. Ia,gb,na co
ing, forever touching some chord % pri
and 10Y, and ahGn clasp a ~soundless cask
hia poor ntae nSabSidir & sGnS&& IL isiTana d sass
ing smile, no grieved look, no wonder
glance, nothing but a vacant stare. Tn
OF watching and yearning so for one look
Intelligence, and whom you catch your bre,
with joy 60 think iti yours, have it end
a smile Of mere muscle, a eoDtortien Of I
lips! Oh, the disappointment /! the DEATH
loved one brings nc sorrow like thati
God, whO'said, 'Let there be light. q
there was Light has great and stupendc
things bellre Him, but not a sparrow G
to the ground without His notice and !
bird is worthy of his care. need moth
complain that times talents, strength. M
be given for the comfort and training of
little ones, who each have q soul undving
eternity Perhaps when time passes.
those loved ones, your children 90 out from
maternal nest, and their hearts grow b
and callous in the battle of life, some-w
you now think triaing ralueless-act I
coine back to them as a sweet memory.
will permeate the hard crust which is 9
ing around them, and leave it open to
Kind, pure influences. We cannot see
end from the beginning, so let us trust
"ho can, and accept our work cheerful
Il does dobar us from entering into
achievement Of what-we are often tempte
thin.-are the great deeds Of life.