Mineral Point weekly tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1859-1868, 1864-07-20
THE DAY AND THE STRENGTH.
By 7. :. ARTHUR.

War; the very word sent a shudder To the
heart of Mrs. Irwin From a child up she
had been associated with the idea that war
was horrible and wicked. To become a sol
der, seemed to her perception To involve
cruel instinct. She saw no glory IN the pro-
fession of arms Toy drums and swords were
never seen in the hands of her children, eX-
cept through the unwelcome agency OF aunts,
un.les or friends, and they were in these ca
ses soon removed, with sober NOMINEES on
their bad significance.
II vii! teach my children" she would say,
''to love their enemies not TO hate and des-
troy them; to be ever on the side OF peace
and good Will to mankind not on the side OF
hatred and destruction
Mrs. Irwin read tracts and books published
by peace societies, and in the argument
against war crowded her mind with facts,
statistics and reasons to q degree that made
her formidable debater on the nOn-cOmbat-
i've question with almost every one that hap
pened to be drawn into an argument. 1t was
useless to talk to her about the undying an
tagonism between good and evil, and the ne
cessty of external as well internal com
bats: of national regeneration through the
baptism of blood of a stable peace only
through the destruction of enemies. She de-
MED the position. All wars were wrong,
she contended and might be avoided.
Not in anything had Mrs. Irwin swerved
from her peace principles, up 10 the pellod
when Sumter Tell But that event was Ike
throwing suddenly into a strong smooth cur
rent broad obstruction. Her whole being
was in a tumult. She caught for breath like
one in danger of sutfocation. She felt as
though the firm foundation on which She had
been standing Tor years was CruhohhS uhoeT
her feet Mrs Irwin loved her country and
revered its flag, and this assault upon the one
and desecration OF the other, fired her soul
with Indignation ana "heh heF eldest BOY
not yet III ms t"ehIy -hTsJ year s'lu 10 heF
with clenched hands ana hashihS eyes
Mother, this must be avenged ~
She did not answer, but sat with pale lips
and face, looking at him in such trouble and
bewilderment of mind that no thoughts be
.g.s sfef',.ei'' oF'ts VI sftfrtt rr,'it1
and SAID
Ana there i one ready
John John ;. fell IN weak remUnstrance
from Mrs. Irwin " Don't let a murderoUs
splrlt bear you away
Don't say murderous,' replied the boy,
with so much OF rebuke IN his tones that his
mother answered quickly
spirit Of revenge then, John. Ven
geance Is mine saith the Lord, and | Will re-
pay IT.
Mother! shall we tamey submit to see
this nation destroyed, and its flag which has
been honored for eighty years, shot at. rent.
tranlpled upons' The boys eyes cleaned
fercely. For one | saw. no! And | have
mistaken my mothers heart, if it does not
son you taught me years ago. that love Of
country is next TO love of God And if We
love an object purely, will we not defend it
when assailedy Nav, even Law down our lives
in its protection :"
In spite of all her peace principles and hor-
rors Of war, there flowed into the mind of
Mrs. Irwin such a feeling of admiration for
the outspoken patriotism of her son. that
even he read pride and approyaI in his moth
er's countenance
WAR is an awful thiug. Johp said Mr.
Irwin
Il know il j.. mother. Rut ibere are
worse things than war. and that worse tIing
Is at our door. You understand this as Wi
a. | do They have thrown down the aruaqa
Of var, and there is nothing left for Us Lut to
accent The hard necessity y
BUT you are not called to this work.
john said Mrs Irwin the words Ellterinrr on
her tongue. There are strong men enough
who will resnond TO the Presidents cali 7
cannot let YOU 20. my SON" The wet ewes of
Ms. Irwin overlooked
John laid his hands firmly unon his moth
er's shoulders, and looked steadily into her
face. Then he kissed her tenderlv. For
the blessings we enjoy, did not the mothers
OF the Revolution give their sons TO the
battlefield
II cannot bear it, my Soul | am not
strong enough for this And Mrs. Irwin laid
her hand upon the breast OF her boy and
wept shudderingly-
= As our day Is, so shall our strength be, >
mother Don't you believe this ? "
20, John, answered Mrs Irwin, lifting
her face, ana through halt binding tears
looking at HIM wonderingly. Nay, more
than Wondenngly, with rising glow OF pride
IN her heart Every woman admires eour-
age In man, and the true mother loves it in
her son. new sentiment was taking force
IN the mind q Mrs. IRWIN and giving strength
Ter duty and sacrifice. She seemed to her
sell Ike one undergoing quick transform
Ton. New lucas ana new estimates OF Things
were pressing upon her' anu TRUSTING old
lo.uis - % 'nousnI ASIDE. dc, my son. she
LSPSateu, hut never ihouStit 70 see TINS