Nevada County picayune., 1888-07-04


 in the watcr.' In moment they had formed ring about him. They told him that the only way in which he could save himself from having cold bath was by going with them. In calm quiet, but earnest way, he said:
 II know very well that you have power enough to put me in the wa ter and hold me there till am drown ed: and if you choose you can do so, and will make no resistance: but listen to what have to say. and then do as you think best.
 You all know that am two hun dred miles away from home but you do not know that my mother is helpless, bed-riddcn invalid. nev- CT remember seeing her out of bed. I am her youngest child. My father could not afford to pay for my school ing but our teacher is a warm friend of my father. and offered to take me without any charge, He was very anxious for me to come but mother would not consent. The struggle al- most cost her what little life was left her. At length after many prayers on the subject. she yielded. and said 1 might go. The preparations for my leaving home were soon made. My mother never said a word to me on the subject until the morning when l went to leave. After l had eaten my breakfast she sent for me and asked if every thing was ready. 1 told her all was ready, and l was only waiting for the stage. At her request I kneeled beside her bed. With her loving hand on my head, she prayed for her youngest child. Many and many night since then have l dreamed the whole scene ov- CT. It is the happiest recollection of my life. I believe that until my death l shall be able to repeat every word of that prayer. Then she spoke to me thus:
 My precious boy, you do not know. you can never know the ago ny of a mothers heart, in parting with her youngest child. When you leave home, you will have looked, for the last time, this side of the grave on the face of her who loves you as no other mortal does or can. Your father cannot afford the eX- pense of you making us visits during the two years your studies will oc- cupy. l cannot possibly live as long as that. The sands in the hour glass of my life have nearly run out. In the far off strange place to which you are going, there will be no loving mother to give you counsel in time of trouble. Seek counsel and help from God. Every Sabbath morning from ten to eleven o'clock, will spend in prayer for you. Wherever you may he during this sacred hour, when you hear the church bells ring ing, let your thoughts come back to this chamber, where your dying mother will be agonizing in prayer for you. But hear the stage com ing. Kiss me and-farcwell.' v
 Boys l never expect to see my mother again on earth. But by the help of God. l mean to meet her in hcaven."
 As George stopped speaking, the tears was streaming down his cheeks He looked at his companions. Their eyes were all filled with tears.
 In a moment the ring which they had formed around him was opened. He passed out and went to church. He had stood up for right against great odds. They admired him for doing what they had not courage to do. They all followed him to church On there way there each one quietly threw away his cards and his wine flask. Never again did any of these young men play cards on the Sab bath.
 From that day they all became changed men. Six of them died christians and are now in heaven.
 George is an able christian lawyer in Iowa; and his friend, the eighth of the party. who wrote his account, has been for many years an earnest, active member of the church.
 Here were eight men converted by the prayers of that good christian woman. And, if we only knew all of the results of their la bor and examples we should have a good illustration of the influence of a mothers prayer.