Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1865-05-19
Wonan's Mission.


ye who would assign her no place in the
great work of life. Hers is high and
holy part; and she, with gentle words
and kindly acts, can penetrate and purify
the darkest recesses Of an erring heart
and make light the rugged pathway which
leads it back to virtue. Vice shrinks
from the presence OF pure minded wo.
man and she who gathers not her gar
ments closer, and passes not by on The
other side, but who with true philanthropy
extends the hand OF charity and drops
the sympathetic tear is making more and
more radiant with every such act the
crown of life which is awaiting her. In
one of our towns resided lady Of wealth
and influence. Every day as she sat by
her window, she observed passing the
street or lounging about tho hotel oppo-
site, a young man, scarcely more than a
boy She admired the manly brow, the
large earnest eyes, and sorrowed that one
seemingly Intended for a noble man,
should be thus drawn into the great vor-
tex which swallows up all that is good
and true, and leaves only useless wreck
of what should have been a man. After
some inquiry she ascertained that be was
an orphan, and what is termed a fast
goung man. Mothers withdrew their
young sons from bis company, and young
ladies Stunned him. She thought Of her
own son who was then helping TO fight
the battles of bis country, that If he had
never known mothers counsels, bis con-
diton might have been no better than
that Of scores of youths who daily tread
the path which leads TO ruin. With
some difficulty she formed his acquain-
tanee and invited him to spend an eve
ming at her house with several other
young people. He excused himself, but
as he was fond of music, at her invitation
he called in alone occasionally, to hear
her sing and play upon the piano. At
length he ceased even those calls, but she
saw him in the street often, and some-
sshAn ha nndpr the influence Of
liquor. She would hear of his being
carried home in state Of intoxication
after night spent in carousal with others
like, and more hardened than himself !;
still she never avoided bin, but always
had a smile, and often pleasant word,
when she chanced TO meet with him.
One day as he was passing, she asked him
to call, as she wished to speak with him.
He did so, and with tears in her eyes, she
talked to him as only a mother can talk.
He thanked her, and said with a voice
choked with emotion, "No one ever talk
ed with me as you have, never saw my
mother, but / dream Of her sometimes,
and l think you must be like her" "Oh,"
said he, "Mrs. HI have wept many
bitter tears alone, and made great many
resolutions, but would forget them when
| got with my companions again; often
they have persuaded me to take one glass,
| would then 60 any length. IF | had on
" bad some one to help me two or
three years ago, but am afraid it is too
late now. My uncle has turned me away
for my disgraceful conduct; | cannot
blame him though the wine in his cellars
was what first gave me love for strong
drink. l have enlisted, and soon shall
leave, but never shall forget your kind
ness and thank you" He then rose to
20 at parting she gave him a Testa-
ment, which he promised to read.
She never saw him again, but before |
six months had passed she received a lit
tie package and letter which read
Edward A., died this morning, at !
haIf-past six, in tbe--hospital He |
requested me to send this Testament to
you with the message-write to her. that
her counsels and prayers have saved me.
By reading this Testament, learned to
look for strength above, which helped me
in the hour of temptation. Tell her she
has my thanks, and that Jesus will re-
ward her"
Such is woman's mission and every
avenue in the path of life is open 10 her.
And when she enters the glorious life
hat is beyord the words-"Well done
good and faithful servant, enter thou in>
o the joy of thy Lord" viii greet her
here. BARTON.
May 18TH 1855.
A CuILD's THoUGHT.-The follow
ng dialogue speaks for itself;