The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1879-04-02
FoR THE CENTRAL PRESBYTERIAN.
A MOTHERS MARK.

The influence and far reaching effect of q
pious mother are beautifully and strongly
portrayed in an ancient narrative, which
would transcribe for the benefit of youthful
readers and the interest of all.
Charlotte de Bourbon, as her name init
mates, was a French woman, and at the time
our story begins, a very little maiden. Her
father was the Duke of Montpensier and a
rigid RomsniSt he had decided to devote
his daughter to the life of nun and the
nuunery of Jonarre in Normandy was to be
the scene of her sacrifice. Charlotte's moth
er was friend to the Protestant cause in
France, and could not in her mind consent
to such course for her dear young daugh-
ter. But the duke had an iron will aud re.
solved has desires should be carried out -
And 50 they were, yet witness how the work
iDgs of the evil are overruled and bring
about the very things they do not wiSh.-
Charlottes mother used often, while the lit
tie child remained to her, to retire to pri-
vate chamber and there read, pray and in.
struct the docile maiden in the truths of the
Bible. Behold mother well employed, and
the seeds thus early sown shall yet spring for
mans good and Gods glory Charlotte
had just entered on her teens when her
father took her from the mother and com
mitted her to the tender mercies of the num-
nery at JOnarre.
1t was great trial to the child whose own
home was pleasant and desirable, and to
whom the world presented a bright aspect,
to be thus shut up in gloomy place. Her
heart naturally reVolted, and it was long ere
she grew resigned. And did she grow re
signed Yes, after years within the walls
of Jonarre, and after her dear mother had
passed away from earth, she tried to find
peace for her spirit somewhere, and vainly
imagined she had found ir in the sacrifice of
her life and the faithful discharge of her
duties as q nun. Her present instructors
took diligent pains to impress their mistaken
views upon the gentle mind of the young
girl, and so inviting was her character every
way that at a very early age, Charlotte was
raised to be the principal of the convent-the
lady. .abbess of Jonsrre.
After time Protestant tracts found their
way into this nunnery, and the lady-abbess
read one which under the blessing of Gods
Spirit turned the whole tenor of her mind.
She recalled her dear mothers teachings in
that private room beneath the roof of her
youths home, and in her soul renouncing
error, embraced heartily and forever the faith
that sustained her mother in life and in the
hour of death.
The course of the convent, heretofore so
pleasing because she imagined heaven was
thereby to be bought, now became to Char
lotte another name for vanity and sin. But
what was she to do Bound hand and foot
so to speak, what could she do She did
the best thing uuder the circumstances, her
friends being all Romanists that is, she set
about instructing her nuns in the way of
true righteousness, teaching them of Christ,
aud disclaimiOg all hope of heaven through
their own merits. Thus was Jesus Christ
and Hin alone, once at least, preached in q
nunnery, and that by the lady-abbess herself.
Civil war began to rage throughout France.
The HuguenOts and Romsnists were at dead
ly strife, and the clash of arms resounded
even to the walls of Jonarre. The gates OF
the convent few open, and the nuns were
scattered. Charlotte made her way in dis
guise across the country, and paused not
until she reached Heidelberg 10 Germany,
where were many Protestants, and among
whom she professed her own Christian faith
When all this became known great was the
indignation of the RomanistS,-tO think of
lady-abbess, the daughter of duke, and Of
the royal family of France, renouncing the
belief of her fathers! The duke himself
considering the whole matter as persona
disgrace, threatened never to forgive Char
lotte; and as if to show his resentment rush
ed into the war with the HuguenOts more
fercely than before. ItwaS no spirit of self
will, no stubborness that led Charlotte tt
brave her fathers displeasure, she would
gladly have obeyed him in all else than tt
give up Christ and this she could not do
The issue then was, "with Christ or agains
Him." and SO she turned from an earthl.
parent, still revered, to Christ the Saviour o