The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1865-09-28
WORDS FOR THE CHILDREN.
The Parting Kiss.

"I was but five years old when my mother
died but her image is as distinct to my re-
collection. now that twelve years have elapsed,
as it was at the time of her death, | remem-
Der her as pale, beautiful, gentle being, with
a sweet smile, and voice that Was soft and
cheerful when she praised me; and when
cried, for [ was a wild, thoughtless child,
there was trembling mildness about it that
always went to my little heart. And then
she was so kind, so patient. methinks l can
now see her large blue eyes moist with sor-
row, because of my childish waywardness,
and hear her repeat; My child, how can
you grieve me SOP Irecollect she had for
long time been pale and feeble, and that
sometimes there would come bright spot on
her cheek which made her look so lovely,
that | thought she must be well. But she
sometimes spoke of dying, and pressed me to
her bosom, and told me to be good when she
was gone, and to love my father great deal,
and to be kind to him, for he would have
none else to love. | recollect she was sick
all day, and my little hobby-horse and whip
lay aside, and | tried to be very quiet i
did not see her for the whole day, and 1t
seemed very long. At night they told me
that mother was too sick to kiss me, as she
always used to before went to bed, and |
must 90 without it. But could not. l
stole into the room, and laying my lips close
to hers, whispered, 'Mother-mother,- wont
you kiss me ? Her lips were very cold, and
when she put her arms around me, laid my,
head upon her bosom, and one hand upon my
cheek, 1 felt cold sbuddering creep over
me my father carried me from the room, but
he could not speak. After they put me in
bed, lay long time thinking feared
my mother would die, for her cheek felt as
cold as my little sisters did when she died,
and they laid her in the ground. But the
impressions of mortality are always indistinct
in childhood, and | soon fell asleep.
I'm the morning FASTENED to my mothers
room. a white napkin covered her face. [
removed lit was Just as [ feared. Her
eyes were closed, her cheeks were cold and
hard, and only the lovely expression, that
rested upon her lips, remained In an instant
all the little faults for which she had reproyed
me, rushed upon my mind. l longed to tell
her how good l would always be, if she
would remain with me.
"She was buried, but my remembrance of
the funeral is indistinct; | only retain the
impression which her precepts and examples
left upon my mind. Twas passionate, head
strong boy; but never yielded to this turn
of my disposition, without fancying [ saw her
mild, fearful eye fixed upon me, just as it
used to be in life. And then, when sue
ceeded in overcoming it, her sweet smile Of
appreciation beamed upon me and | was hap
py My whole character underwent a change,
even from the moment of her death. Her
spirit was forever with me strengthening my
good resolutions, and weakening my propen-
sity to cyil-I felt that it would gricve her
gentle spirit to see me err, and could not
would not do it. l was the child of her af-
lection; | knew she had prayed and wept over
me, and that even on the threshold of eter
nifty her affection for me had caused her gen
tie spirit to linger, that she might pray for
me once more | resolved to become all that
she could desire That resolution | have
never forgotten-it helped me to subdue the
waywardness of childhood, protected me
through the temptations of youth, nd will
comfort aid support me through the buster
scenes of manhood Whatever there is that
is estimablc in my character, L owe to the
Impressions of goodness, made upon my in
FAINT mind by the exemplary conduct and
faithful instructions of my excellent mother. "
Dear children never forget this story. Love
your mothers. BE careful to do nothing
while they are alive to ill your heart with
bitterness after they are dead. 10