Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1862-01-01

prayed that she might berr-,x r,s,.fn, fo. n.
love and devotion Of her kind husSe.i ' 'A'
Hor next esIl;was at Mrs Stanton's, Is.-
and showily furnished house, but it was well
known In Westbmy that only the most stren-
uous exertions snsbied the family to ''kesp up
appearsncest They toiled early and late,
contriysd, pinched and scrimped in their daily
living and apparel, that they might have the
means fer occasional display at parties and at
church. Mary pitied them and thought how
unsatisfying must such life be; all outside
show-no pure home enjoyment. And again
she felt thankful for her own less estentatious
but far happier lot.
The short au amu Afternoon was drawing to
q close, and she had time for but one more call,
and that was on Mrs. Lane, the wife of her
pastor. The parsonage was an attractive and
cheerful looking dwelling, lacking mono Of the
appliances Of wealth. Mrs. Land was blessed
with devoted husband, and three beautiful
children: but she was a confirmed invalid, and
could not rise from the lounge in the sitting.
room to welcome Mrs. Henderson. She was a
sweet-looking intelligent woman, but her life
was one Of WEAKNESS and suffering; and only
the consultations Of the religion she not only
professed, but exemplifed in all things, en-
abled her to endure her pain and languor with
80 much meekness and patience. Again did
Mary's conscience reproaoh herewith the
priceless boon Of health, how could she call
herself poor?
She now returned with light step, but
lighter heart, to the little cottage from whose
windows she already saw light beaming
lnvltingly. The cosy stting-room had never
looked 80 pleasant to her before cheerful fire
burned in the CRATE her husband was seated
near, reading the evening paper, and Charley
was asleep in his arms. The tea.table was
neatly spread, only awaiting her return and
as she laid aside her outer garments, Jane
brought in the tea and toast. Charles laid his
little boy down gently in the crib, and after
giving his wife the usual kiss Of welcome, they
sat down 70 their evening meal.
Had good time, MarY?n was his first
inquiry. -
"Yes, Charles, it has been truly q good time,
Tor L have learned a lesson this afternoon which
| trust will be life-long in its good results. l
have been taught that none, however favored,
can expect unalloyed happiness on earth, and
wealth does net bring with it perfect enjoy
ment. would not exchange my quiet home,
ny husband and my baby, my health, and my
warm heart for all the glittering treasures that
gold alone can buy. l have learned that the
sweetest of all earthly blessings is content.
meHt ~
That evening, after Charles had returned to
MS store, and little Charley had been undress-
ed, Mary was seated at her work table but the
sewing dropped from her fingers, and she
thouShtfully took mp her pocket bible, the gift
OF her sainted mother; was il angels hand
that opened it at the words of the Apostle!
"But godliness with eontentment is great
gain.
For We brought nothing into this world, and
1t Is certain We can carry nothing out.
And having feod and raiment, let us be
Herewith cont Mt
But they that will be rich, fall into tempta-
don, and a snare, and into many foolish and
hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction
and pertition.
For the love of money is the root of all evil,
which, while some coveted after, they have
erred from the faith, and pierced themselves
through with many sorrovs.'
And as Mary closed the sacred volume, these
words sank deep into her heart
What better moral could we End for this
little story about MAKING CALLs?"