The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1880-05-28
Write n laeIp1II Word.
AUNT Lucy.

Each one in tins world has a work to do-a
mission to fill. If God has placed any task before
u.s. 1t Is our duty To accomplish it, and the hand
of Providence will convey it where it is most
needed. We may never know its good influence
here, but it may win for us star-gcmmed
crown iii heaven. Many OF us never miss the
time We use and if we have responsibilities
crowding upon us we must try to find time to
do some good in the world, and an hour spent
III writing though it contained but one encorr-
aging word. would in the end be far more
profitable than if spent in some giddy. gossip
ing throng that could have no refining influence
whatever upon our natures. We cannot all ex-
pect To become bright consultations in the lit
erary world, neither do all aspire TO it. Others
may marry, and bury their genius forever be-
meath the thousand petty cares of lie. But
yet each has his part to perform and. though
we may be but a small, lusterlcss star, or only
dartlng meteor let us endcayor TO reflect the
faint ray OF light that God has given us upon
the hearts of our fellow-creatures that tread q
darker pathway than ours. Perhaps many that
enjoy our literary productions would fail TO ap-
preclate the deeper works that have been
handed down to them by the inspired bards of
the past. have known ministers of
the gospel. men of learning, men of talent,
and gifted with oratory, to go out into secluded
localities and deliver their beautifully-worded,
gilt-edged sermons to illiterate congregations.
Were they fully comprehended? Were they
fully appreciated? The old brothers would
7heLe their beads and say: "Ah, came here
to-day with the expectation Of hearing some
thing that would do my soul good. but have
been sorely disappointed. No doubt the good
brother meant well, but religion is not what it
used to be our preachers are putting on too
much style, too hyferlutn entirely" And the
mt
and whisper, Il wouldn't give old
Parson Smith for forty like him.
Why, my sister. if he'd bin here to-day,
with his good, old-fashoned. plain talk thar
wouldn't bin dry eyein the house. and thars
nary doubt in my mind but what some of us
would have got ter shouting"
And now, dear friends, if we are not gifted
with the howery eloduence that some admire
let us be content with satisfying the thirst of
humber minds, and, like good Parson Smith,
we will receive our just reward here. or here
after.
will here relate to you bit of my own ex-
perlence. About two years ago, | was requested
10 read an original essay upon the subject of
temperance before the Temperance Union of
our city. very reluctantly complied with the
request, but yet | will assure You that did my
very best upon the occasion. | dislike to hear
people say, Il could have done better if had
uied," and think it the poorest excuse every
anything, body, mind and soul are thrown
into the one great effort if / fail it is total
failure. Consequently | wrote the essay and
read 1t. Many of my friends were delighted
with 1t, and insisted upon it being published.
Welded to crafty others, as / considered the
whole affair of but very little consequence.
short while after, an old man bent with age,
his locks frosted by the bleaching hand of time
"A stranger to me, one that had never known
approached my husband on the street, and.
pointing to the little blue badge pinned on the
see here This is your wife's
work tell her for me that her temperance essay
put that ribbon there
did YOU hear her read the essay ?" inquired
my husband.
mo- nor have never seen her; but, away
ont here in my little country home, l read it i'll
the newspaper. Every word of it spoke in
thunder tones to my soul and tell her for me
that L have taken the pledge. / have Joined
the 'Murphys, and intend, SO help me God,
to lead new life. to drink no more whisky, and
try to get to heavenin the end And tell herthat
L hope some day to meet her there"
Had the intelligent masses of our community
brought bright garands 10 Irvine my brow, |
strewn natures fairest flowers for my feet TO
press, and sung my name throughout the land, !
it would have failed to have brought the thrill |
of JOY to my soul that this simple message
from that hoary-haired man awakened there. |
And, with tears of JOY streaming from my eyes, |
l poured forth the deep gratitude of my soul |
fervently thanking my Heavenly Father that |
He had opened the way before me, and given
me the power by which might be the instru-
of saving one soul from the eternal |
horrors that hang around q drunkard's death.
STEELE.
cnp,S-,y Mice