Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1882-01-07
TAKE MOTHER TO CHURCH.

as she once did; she is weak, she can
not sing as she once did; ber car is dull,
she cannot hear as she once did. She
is not asshe once was. The years have
bowed her body, and her step totters
But, dear heart, she wants TO 60 to
Church yet. She has not lost her love
for the house OF the Lord. The songs
of Zion refresh her, aud the bread of
life noursihes her yearning soul. The
dark valley" is before her, maybe near
at hand; but she would more firmly lay
hold of his rod aud his staff for the time
of passage and Of peril. Her conscience
tells her to 60. 1t is her privilege to
go, and you, son, daughter, must take
her.
She has unquestionab,e claims upon
your strong arm, upou your time, at
tention and care. Her arm was wearied
with working for you. Lsvishly her
time, her attention, her care were given
for You. For you she gave her strength.
Full many Lords day she staid from
Church because you were too young,
sick, or too restless 10 be taken with
her. For yon she was compelled to give
up the blessed privileges of many a Sab
bath in the courts of the Lords honse.
These days she should now enjoy.
Take mother to Church. How il cheers
her heart aud gladdens her life TO see
your patience Id love toward her, now
/ she is old What if the horses have
worked all the week' What ityou are
tired' What if you neither care for the
worship nor the house Of Godi
Do YOU love mother so little that you
will not let your horses work for herf
Do YOU care so little for her enjoyment
that You will not even make yourself
tired for her sakei Are you so indiffer.
ent to the comfort of her soul that, with
a refinement Of cruelty, you would keep
her from the public worship OF her God,
in whose services she delightsf She
loves her God and his service though
you do not.
Take mother 10 Church, and father
too. Shame on the son or that daugh-
ter who invents excuses and will not do
it. "Horses too tired; day too hot; too
far; have worked too hard; they're too
old; can't do them any good; it's too
much trouble"
Yes, take them TO Church. Drive
slowly. Hand them carefully. gently
from the wagon. Lead them safely 10
their seats. Help them in the services
of the sanctuary, If they need your aid.
| Their souls take comfort and find
strength whilst they wait before the
Lord in his hOuse.
1t cheers their hearts 10 meet old
friends at the church door, 10 greet
those who began life with them, but
who now, even as they lean heavily
upon the staff while they make the
down-hill slope of lifes pilgrimage.
They can gather flower and drop n
tear where they laid loved ones To sleep
in the cid church yard long years ago.
1t makes the whole week bright If they
may but spend the Lords day in the
Lords house, with the Lords people, in
tie Lords service. Why not take lhcmf
You must.
Gods holy commandment does not
read, "Honor thy father and thy moth
er while they are young and strong and
able to help themselves" God demands
honor from you for them as long as they
liue. Nor does il read, Honor thy
father aud Thy mother until thou art
eighteen, or twenty one, or thirty years
of age" Long as you live it is your
duty TO honor them.
What more beautiful than a manly
son or lovely daughter supporting with
strong and patient arm the feeble body
or to,tering step of the gray-hsired,
aged father or mother on the way to
Church, or up the broad aisle Angels
hover in blessing over such sights and
scenes. Them that honor me ] will
honor, and they that despise me shall
be lightly esteemed"