Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1876-09-27


A young man-the son Of apraying mother
was a member Of one of the universities
of New England. He was an intelligent, ac-
tive and successful student, but wild and
wnyward youth. lie walked not in the ways
Of wisdom, he trod not her paths Of peace.
Although addicted 10 no dissipated habits,
or grossly immoral practices, yet religion
had no charms for him. His Bible was
rarely opened he had no morning or even
ing sacrifice TO God. The Sabbath was
day Of WEAKNESS 10 him, and the sanctuary
repulsivs place. Ills leisure hours were
spent in reading works of fiction, or in un-
profitable discourse with gay and thought
less companions. Thus passed the first year
of his college life. At his home, where the
parents and sisters of his love knelt round
the family altar, many a fervent petition
went up to God. for that loving and absent
one. and the closet of his mother told Of
many an hour Of humble, passionate plead
ing. with all the gushing tenderness Of
mothers love, that the heart of that son,
amid the gay scenes and the temptations OF
college halls, might remember God, and
love the Savior but those humble, teryent
pleadings, seemed all in vain.
But now, that mother was laid upon bed
of sickness. Day by day she waxed feeber,
till, at last, it was thought she must die.
The father wrote 10 the son, calling him
from his studies 10 stand beside his mothers
dying bed lie came. His father met him
at the door, aud, as he strained him 10 his
bosom, the current Of grief broke forth in
weeping as he said, My son, | fear we
must part with your dear mother That
night they stood around her bed. There
she lay, pale wasted, seeming like a liieless
thing but o, how calm, how tranquil, how
serene. Death had no terrors for her. She
was ready TO meet the last enemy, aud in the
strength Of mighty One to vanquish that
foe Her children stood round her weeping
bitterly, though their grief was hushed, and
did not betray its violence, for there were
holy calm, sacred stiffness there.
She gave them a mothers counsel and
mothers blessing, and bade them farewell.
They left her aud retired for the night.
The morning came and still she lived, and
they foudly hoped she might not die. And
she was spared, and rose from that bed of
sickness (almost Of death), and took her
place among her family once more, and bowed
again round the household altar.
That son returned to college, but with feel
ings he had never known before Wherever
he went, the vision of ss mother was
before him as he had seen her ON that
sick bed. lie saw her calmuess, her joy in
prospect Of departing, and her words Of ad-
monition sounded in his ears. lie couldnot
forget that scene. II troubled him to think
that there was something real in his mothers
piety, for he knew he did not possess It,
About this time a revival broke out in the
college. Gods spirit came, and breathed
upon the slain, and they lived. Unwonted
scenes were passing within those classic
halls. The voice of earnest prayer was heard
from those who never prayed before. Led
by the Holy Spirit, many wanderer re-
turned TO his fathers house. That son,
among them, bowed in deep conviction,
prayed and was forgiven. And solemn was
the day when, with crowd Of young com
panions, in the flush of life's brightest sea-
son, he gave himself to God, and with
trembling hand, but joyful heart touched
the sacred symbols of his Savior's love.
How did that mothers heart rejoice over
her repentaut son. How did she love to tell
him that God had heard her prayers, and
| blessed what she then thought her last ad-
mouition. When she again embraced her
son, there was, above her affection orhim, a
deep and holy gratitude to God who had
| taken this beloved one into His family, and
called him by His own name.
Years rolled on, and on one pleasant after
noon in autumn, the village church in ---
was crowded with interested spectators.
| Holy men of God were there to set apart with
solemn prayer one yet in the morning of his
days to the office Of an ambassador of Christ,
TO minister at that altar That praying
mother was there. That son Of her prayer
was there, and it was he who was there to
stand a watchman on lions walls, to be the
guide Of that people, and to breathe unto
them the bread of life. And when the
solemn service was performed, and the voice
of prayer was heard, thanking God that a
pastor was given to that flock and invoking
heavens choicest blessings upon the holy
tie which bound them, then from that
mothers heart and lips came forth, in deep
sincerity, the asserting word, " Amen-Let
thine handmaid now depart in peace"
"Mothers Pray Faint not, but pray.