The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1883-12-06
Old Folks at Home,

In recent publication was an en-
craving entitled ''1he Old Folks at
Home" 1t represented an aged couple
sitting together reading letter, which
lay on the table before them. The aged
mother, with smiling face, was whis-
pering something to the pleasant faced
father. There must have been good
news in that letter. 1t may have been
from their boy-we are always boys
and girls to father and mother-telling
of his success thus far in the battle of
life. Maybe it was from loved daugh-
ter, writing to father and mother, tell
ing them how much her little one talked
of grandpa and grandma. 1t was a
beautiful picture of subject dear to
the heart of every true man and woman.
The old folks at home, in this picture,
were just what they should have been
happy. 1t was, aside from an artis-
tic view, picture that would attract
and delight the eye.
Another picture is painted to the
mind. 1t is the same subject. In place
of smiles there are tears coursing down
the furrowed cheeks. An expression of
anxious care takes the place of pleas
ure, as they gaze on the letter before
1udb lcUJGr COHIdlUS Ddu new 3
from those whom these two aged hearts,
in the years gone by, had hoped would
prove an honor ald blessing to their
father and mother, in their old age.
Now all this bright coloring of a happy
old age gives way to the dark colors of
life that makes death welcome, and the
grave q tlowery bed of ease. These are
true pictures of the old folks at home,
In every community.
Looking at the aged mothers face,
love for her child shines forth under all,
no matter how trying, circumstances.
In the criminal court of Chicago re-
Gently, q young man was tried and con-
victed of capital crime. The mother
had sat with her boy all through the
trial. She had heard all the evidence
for and against him. She had listened
to the arguments of counsel for and
against her son, and when the jury
brought in a verdict of guilty, she could
not restrain herself, and denounced
in frenzied words the court, hoping
only to save her boy. Blinded by love
that mother could see no i'll in her son,
though he belonged to that class of
things which infest all large cities. No
one can estimate mothers love. 1t
descends deeper, 1t reaches higher, 1t is
broader and more charitable than all
things, else of creation. No matter how
low and depraved child may become,
mothers love goes out to that child
with the same force as it would had
that child grown up and the mother
had realized all her fond hopes for its
future.
How many young men who are away
from the old folks at home, think of
mothers lovep When tempted to do
! questionable act think of mother. If
evil companions entice you it will help
you to resist temptation. If the young
men of America, who are out in tho
world striving to make competency,
would only keep the picture of the old
folks at home, especially mothers pic
ture, constantly in their hearts, there
would be fewer mothers laid to rest in
broken-hearted graves and much less
crime to record. Boys, don't go back
on the old folks at home. Stand firm
by the principles mother taught, for it
is to mother all credit is due for what
good there is in us,-Peek's Saa.