Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1880-04-06
For The OXFORD DEhocaAr,
MY MOTHER.
BY REV. D. GARLAND.

tion for her is real and abiding. Svher
very young, there is to them sweeteI
music in the sound of hcr voice than in
that of any other person; the embrace
Of her arms seems softer and warmer.
While engaged in their childish plays and
sports, they think of her as safer refuge
from all harm, and they will fee to her
in haste when disturbed in feeling by the
sight of any object which to them is Of
strange make. As young children ad-
vance in age, they come to be more closely
welded to their mother. Some one has
said that real friendship is the action Of
two bodies and one soul. Such is the
friendship Of children that are Of a genial
spirit, with their mother, when possessed
of the like gracious affection 1t is to
them their very life to commune with her
very freely about the events which are
I their every day experience. Her close
attention to theirrehearsal Of things which
make JOY and produce sorrow, increases
much the strength of their confidence in
her true worth. For the sake of incrcas-
ing her comfort, and Of adding to her
happiness, they are swift Of foot in admin
istering to her need, and daily have
thought for her personal interests.
In the Providence of God it was my
misfortune to be deprived Of my mother
when quite young. Another person came
to occupy her place in the household.
For some reason, any individual installed
in that position is called step-mother. l
have never learned whether the ''step" is
applied as mark of honor or otherwise.
Thinking that the use of it implies
little disrespect for person in this posi-
ton, the children of our household long
since erased the word, and for it substi-
tuted the word, my Mother" At once
she came to be the mother of ten chill
dren. Another individual, in uttering
sentiments in general way, has so very
appropriately deliueated her character and
her usefulness that ! will quote his words:
"Who can find virtuous woman: for
her price is far above rubies. The heart
of her husband doth safely trust in her;
she will do him good and not evil all the
days of her life. She seeketh wool and
fax, and worketh willingly with her
hands. She layeth her hands to the
spindle, and her hands hold the distaf.
She stretcheth out her hands to the poor; ;
yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the
needy. She openeth her mouth with wis
dom; and in her tongue is the law OF
kindness. She looketh well to the ways
of her household, and eateth not the bread
of idleness. Her children arise up, and
call her blessed; her husband also, and
he praiseth her. Many daughters have
done virtuously, but thou excellest them
all. Favor is deceitful, and beauty Is
vain; but a woman that feareth the
Lord, she shall be praised. Give her Of
the fruit Of her hands, and let her own
works praise her in the gates
My mother has seemingly been advanc-
ing so rapidly in her journey to Heaven,
for some years. it might well nigh appear
strange to possessors of finite thought,
that she had not arrived to a dear home
with Christ, ere this hour. Doubtless
he regards it best for his church, and for
the household she has cared for and prayed
for rising fifty years, that she should tarry
on earth to the coming Of very ripe
age, like his good, loving friend St. John.
On the 18th of March, 1880, some OF
her neighbors and friends commemorated
her ninety. second birth day by the pres,
ence of surprise party. She has toasted
so long and so freely Of the living bread
of Heaven, and drank SO often Of the
water from the living well, that visit
with her suggests very readily to tht
mind the sweet fellowship Of saints with
Christ, in his mansion above. Since th'
FIRST of January (besides doing other worl
daily in the family she has spun, doub'
led and twisted. and colored ten skein.
of yarn, and knit three pairs OF stock
ings. In the fall she attended some o
the meetings of the York conference, ths
was held in the place Of her home New
field, and was happy to be with tn
people of God. Though now Of grea
age, she is (by her manner Of living
preaching Christ crucifed to all person
who come within the circle Of her inhu
ence. 1t is the special delight Of he
children and grand children to administe
freely to her comfort, for by thus doin,
they are doing for Christ, in acccrdanc
with his words in the 25th chapter O
Matthew. If all "step mothers are a
true, and good, and useful, and as pre-
cious as peace makers in families, as sh
has been and still is, ! cannot but speal
J in very high terms of their personal worth
: and thank God for their blessed inHuenc