The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1884-11-22


They studied botany. She knew the
name of every tree and shrub for
miles around. The little boys made
collection of bird eggs, and then be-
gan to watch closely the habits ofthe
birds. 1t was pure, simple life. 1t
would have been too wild and lonely
but for the charms of this devoted
mother. 'Her hours of loneliness
were hidden from them, but she
learned in an unusual degree to throw
every energy into the days. work OF
study, and create. as it were, a fresh
enthusiasm fer the present hour.
Her loving sacrifice was rewarded
Each child made her his peculiar con
fident. She became the inspiration
of his life.
English history opened wide field
! t. s.lisfs ssiaii.v nea .s.es.so0sp a,
brought in Shakespeare to prove SON :
historical question. 1t was a rainy
day and the boys were all at home.
jerry began to read "Hamlet" aloud;
it proved treasure that brought
them into a new world of delight
Sometimes they took different char
acterS for representation, and the
evening ended in frOIic, for good
natured mirth was never represspd
First of all preparation had been
made for the Sabbath. There was q
church in this town, but at distance
Of several miles, and during many
days the roads were not passable
She had learned upon Infinite
strength, gathering wisdom through
all their experiences. The secret OF
many promise had been revealed to
her understanding, and above every
thing she desired that the Scriptures
might become precious to her child
ren. She took up Bible characters,
bringing to bear the same vivid in
terest. the same power CT making
them realities.
These lessons were varied by little
sketches of reports of one Sunday to
be read aloud the next OF this Nate
took hold with special zpst, None of
this family could sing, but she
thought of a substitute. They learn
ed the Psalms, much of Isaiah, and
many hyms, repeating them in con-
cert, learning to count upon this
hour around the fire as others do up.
on the music.
How many of these times came to
her in after Iite-visions of the bright
faces Of her boys as they clustered
affectionately around her!
Time rolled by. A railroad pass
ed through. A village sprung up and
the land was ready to sell. She could
keep enough for her own use, and the
boys could prepare for college. Thede
and Nate went away to school. The
old home was kept bright and pleas
ant friends, now settlers came in
and now there was visiting and social
life.
Jerry stayed on the farm Theo-
dore bacame an engineer; Nate a
minister Johnnie went into business.
Theodore used to say:
"Mother, as l travel about, all the
stones and flowers make me think of
you. l catch sight of some rock and
stop to laugh over those blessed
times"
Nate said: "MOther, when | am
reading a psalm in the pulpit, there
always comes to me picture of those
evenings, with you in the rocking
chair by the freight, and l hear al.
your voices again"
Johnnie wrote mother, | think
everything | have has come to me
through you"
When Jerry, who had remained
faithful as always, had listed to hi
brothers, he put his arm around her,
saying tenderly, There will never
be any one like mother to me-"
She died at 65, very suddenly.
Only a few hours before. she exclaim
ed, as her children all came home to.
gether
"There were never such good boys
AS mine. You have repaid me a
thousand fold. God grant you all
happy homes"
They bore her coffin to the grave
themselves. They would not let any
other person touch it. In the even.
ing they gathered around the old
hearth-stone in the sit ug-room, and
drew their chairs together. No Que
spoke until Nate said:
"Boys, let us pray"
And then, all kneeling around hel
vacant chair, he prayed that the man.
tie OF their mother might fall on them
They could ask nothing more than
that.