Middletown transcript., 1868-04-25

coming either sharp and sour, or bitter
and blue. But s. is as sweet and SUNNY
as child and, to those who know her
the personifcation of content. The only
talent she possesses is that of loving every
helpless, suffering, forlorn, and outcast
creature whom she meets. Finding her
round of home duties too small for her be-
nevolence, she became one of the home
missionaries, whose reports are never read,
whose salaries are never paid on earth.-
Poverty-stricken homes, sick-beds, sinful
souls and sorrowing hearts, attract her as
irresistibly as pleasure attracts other wo-
men, and she faithfully ministers to such,
unknown and unrewarded.
81 never had lover, and I never can
have, you know. I'm so plain" she says,
with smile that is pathetic in its humili-
ty, its unconscious wistfulness.
She is mistaken here; for there are
many to whom that plain face is beautiful
that helpful hand very dear. Her lovers
are not of the romantic sort but old wo-
men, little children, and forlorn girls give
her an affection as endearing and sincere
as any husband could have done. Few
will know her worth here, but in the long
hereafter, | am sure S. will be blessed
with eternal beauty, happiness and love,
A. is woman of strongly individual
type, who in the course of an unusually
varied experience has seen so much Of
what wise man has called /" the tragedy
of modern married life," that she is afraid
to try it. Knowing that for one of pc
pI,lt naf, 10 IL
ment would be doubly hazardous, she has
obeyed instinct and become chronic old
maid. Filial and fraternal love must salts
fly her, and grateful that such ties are pos
sible, she lives for them and is content
Literature is fond and faithful spouse,
and the little family that has sprung up
around her, though perhaps unlovely and
uninteresting to others, is profitable
source of satisfaction to her maternal
heart. After a somewhat tempestuous
voyage, she is glad to find herself in a
quiet haven whence she can look back
upon her vanished youth and feel that
though the blossom time of life is passed, a
little fruit remains to ripen in the early
autumn coming on. Not lonely, for par
cnts, brothers and sisters, friends and ba-
bies, keep her heart full and warm; not
idle, for necessity, stern, yet kindly teach
or, has taught her the worth of work; not
unhappy, for love and labor, like good an
gels, walk at either hand, and the divine
Friend fills the world with strength and
beauty for the soul and eyes that have
learned to feel and see it thankfully.
My sisters, don't be afraid of the words
"Old maid, y for it is in your power to make
this term of honor, not reproach. 1t is
not necessary to be sour, spiteful spin
ster, with nothing to do but brew tea, talk
scandal and tend ket-handkerchief.
No, the world is full of work, needing all
the heads, hearts and hands we can bring
to do it. Never was there so splendid an
opportunity for women to enjoy their lib
erty and prove that they deserve it by
using it wisely. Iflove comes as it should
come, accept it in Gods name, and be
worthy of His best blessing. If it never
comes, then in Gods name reject the
shadow of it, for that can never satisfy a
hungry heart. Do not be ashamed to own
the truth-do not be daunted by the fear
of ridicule and loneliness, nor saddened
by the loss. of woman's tenderest ties.
BE true to yourselves cherish whatever
talent you possess, and in using it faith
fully for the good of others you will most
assuredly find happiness for yourself, and
make of life no failure, but beautiful
success.