The Mineral argus. [volume] (Maiden, Mont.) 1883-1886, 1885-06-11

Once. Theodore remembers, shout Of
laughter was raised when o'clock came
by Jerrys exclamation:
"Oh mother, don't go home; we are
all having such good time!"
Five years they lived in this way, and
almost entirely by themselves. They
studied botany. She knew the names
of every tree and shrub for mile.
around. The little boys made collec
ton Of BIRDS eggs, AMI then began te
watch closely the habits OF the birds
1t was a pure, simple life. 1t woulc
have been too wild and lonely but fol
the charms of this devoted mother
Her hours of loneliness were bidder
from them. hut she learned in On un.
usual degree to throw every energy in.
to the days work OF study, and create,
~ it were. q fresh enthusiasm for the
present hour. Her loving sacrifice was
rewarded. Each child made her his
peculiar confidant. She became the
inspiration of his life.
English history opened = wide field
to this family. Ono afternoon she
brought in Shakespeare to prove some
historical question. It was rainy day
and the boys were all at home. Jerry
began to read Hamlet" aloud it proved
treasure that brought them into o
new world of delight. Sometimes they
took different characters for represent
tation, and the evening ended in frolic.
for good natured mirth was never re-
pressed.
First of all q preparation had been
made for the Sabbath. There was
church in this town. but at q distance
Of several miles, and during many days
tho roads wore not passable. She had
leaned upon Infinite strength, gather
ing wisdom through all their expert.
ences. The secret of many a promise
had been revealed to her understand
ing and above everything she desired
that tine Scriptures might become pre-
cious to her children. She took up
Bible characters. bringing to bare the
same vivid interest, tho same power 81
making them realities.
These lessons were varied by little
sketches or reports of one Sunday TO
he read aloud the next. Of this Nate
took hold with special zest. None OF
this family could sing, but she thought
Of substitute. They learned the
Psalms, much of lsaish, and many
hymns. repeating them in concert
learning to count upon this hour around
the fire as others do upon mmsic.
How many of these times came to
her in after life-a vision of the bright
faces Of her boys as they clustered af-
fectionately around her.
Time rolled by. A railroad passed
through: A village sprang 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 pleasant
friends, new settlers came in, and now
there was visiting and social life.
Jerry stayed on the farm; Theodore
became an engineer; Nate q minister,
johnny went into business. Theodore
Mother, rs 1 travel about. all the
stones and flowers make me think o!
you. catch sight OF some rock anG
stop to laugh over those blessed times.
Nate said: Mother, when / am
reading Psalm in the pulpit there nj
ways comes to me % picture of those
evenings, with you in the rocking chair
by the freight, and l hear all your
voices again."
johnny wrote: Mother, l think
everything l have has come to me
through you."
When Jerry, who had remained
faithful as always, had listened to his
brothers, he put ms arm around her,
saying tcndcrly: There will never be
anyone like mother to me-"
She died at 65, very suddenly. Only
few hours before, she had exclaimed,
AS her children all came horne together:
There never were such good boys NJ
mine. You have repaid mo Thousand.
fold. God grant you all happy homes
They bore her form to the grave
themselves. They would not let any
other person touch it. In the evening
they gathered around tho old hearth
stone in the sitting room, and drew
their chairs together. No one spoke
until Nate said:
"Boys, let MS pray"
And then, all kneeling around her va
cant chair. no prayed that the mantle
of their mother might fall on them.
They could ask nothing more than that