The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1871-02-24

nlcntS, anu nor nerves Wefc uftl enough
to bear all their childhood grievances,
and TO adjust all their young hearts
troubles and differences. She had
heard this conversation, and her good,
warm, motherly heart felt troubled.
What could she answer? If it had
been years ago she would have taken
the little waif into her own nest, made
it welcome, and called it her own. But
she would not advise her daughter; she
must act according to the dictates of
her own conscience. Mrs. Allison was
too old to share much in the care,
though she would gladly do what she
could if baby stayed.
The ladies discussed the question at
home, in each others houses, and down
town shopping. Meanwhile baby slept
on, slept as sweetly as if in its own era
die, at its own home, with a loving
mother watching over it. " lie giveth
His beloved sleep" The Father was
watching with loving eyes over the little
one whom nobody owned, staying where
it was so unwclcome.
Mother said Mrs. Morton, after the
ladies had gone out, "what will we do
with it? Do you think it is our duty to
keep this baby p
Daughter" she replied, have YOU
no misgivings about sending it away? 1t
is one of Christ's little ones. Feed Ny
lambs she continued. rs she left the
room to ask God what they should do
with it.
After Mrs. Allison left the room Mrs.
Morton was left to her own thoughts.
To take n baby was a serious matter.
She had often been asked to adopt
child, but she had always said that she
never would do it-but this had been
sent in such a strange manner. She
began to weigh the fors and againsts
about keeping it. The against scale
seemed to go down great deal further
than the other John would not want
if baby stayed she would have to take
care of it herself. This would debar
her from so many pleasures she had
hitherto enjoyed. But is it right to live
only for ourselves? Did not the Master
command us to work in His vineyard
and if she sent baby away, would He
not say to her, inasmuch as We did it
not to one of the least of these We did
it not to Me?''
Mr.. Morton came home earlier than
usual that night. He found baby still
there. He did not seem much sur
surprised. He, too, had been ponder
ing all day whether it was right TO send
baby away. At all events, they would
not send it away that night, and when
morning came the decision had been
10 h.. e+ta u, Il
her Faith, because they trusted the
Father that He had sent her there for
good, and not for evil.
For days the neighbors in the block
could hear the ceaseless music Of Mrs.
Morton's sewing machine, and if they
had looked in they would have seen
numerous garments Of soft muslin and
warm flannel under process of compile
ton into sundry garments. Some Of
the ladies said Mrs. Morton did not
know what piece of work she had UNI
dertaken others, that she was so
foolish 10 confine herself at home so
much, taking care of somebody else's
baby, whom nobody knew anything
about.
Baby did bring a great deal of care
with it-more than Mr.. and Mrs. Nor
ton had any idea of-but they never
said or felt that they regretted the step
they had taken. There were so many
stitches TO take for baby that Mrs. Nor
ton had to take great many less for
herself, and garments that used to be
trimmed and embellished had 10 60 al
most plain. But what natter There
are no rutfies and puffs on the white
robes up there Christs robe was with
out even a seam. There were many
wakeful nights and wearisome days, but
God sent so much love with the little
one and so much additional strength,
that what others Gale | a burden was a
blessing to them. 1t led them heaven
ward, for it made them less selfish, less
worldly, and they had the happiness in
their hearts which comes Of working for
the Master.
When the little voice first uttered
Papa" Mr.. Morton thought that baby
was very forward, and Mrs. Allison
smiled over the little red and white
stocking she was knitting, when he asked
if babies as a general thing were so cum.
ming and pretty.
Years went on. Faith Morton's baby
hood and childhood passed away. Those
that knew of the circumstances Of her
earthly babyhood had forgotten it, and
those who never heard of it supposed
that she was Mr.. Morton's own child
She had been the child of prayer and
religious training, and when girlhood
came, she was n devoted Christian
Beautiful in person and heart, she was
beloved by all the wide circle Of friends
who gathered around her, and not only
by them, but by the many whom she
sought cut from the poor, and befriend
ed. The wedding day came, and Faith
clad in her bridal robes was more beau
tiful and loving in her fathers and mo-
theirs eyes than ever before. After the
bridal party had passed into the church,
woman, clad in rusty black, followed
on and stood in the aisle. Those who
saw her weep, wondered why she wept
What had she to do with the bridal
party? When the guests had left Mr..
Morton's house, and the bride and groom
bod Oopn 10 tbair own homo tba door