The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1905-09-08

IF We are gracious to all 1t shows we
are citizens of the world, and our hearts
no island cut of from other islands, but
a continent that joins them. -
1t has been in my mind these many
months, Yes, years, 20 attempt TO express
a sentiment of appreciation Of the moth
ers of our friends.
Are they seemingly relegated 10 an 10.
consequent place? Are they ever even
unconsciously caused 10 fear or to feel
that their attractiveness or usefulness is
on the wane? And if this is the case
how are We ever TO replace the bright
ness so wilfully and so unjustly taken
from their lives?
1t seems 10 me the most beautiful
time OF all has come when the children
have left the home nest, or 20 longer re-
quire the mothers constant care; when
the mother heart goes out to all children,
land are we not all children in the kin
dergarten of God?') and becomes teach
er in this very kindergarten of God.
Her classes may not be formally ar
ranged timed to the minute, assembled
by the bell, dismissed by the gong; they
are composed of all who come within her
circle Of light, and she is their lifelong
teacher.
Do we always recognize It? Sight and
sound exist and are very real, but they
do not exist for the blind and deaf; and
the radiance Of uuselfshness, of sacrifice,
of love, yes, even the beauty of the char
acter melowed and softened by the sor-
rows that always come, encompasses all
who come in contact and is blessing to
all who, having ears hear, and, having
eyes, see.
Said a woman whose crown of glory is
silver and also the symbol of life
crowned with greatest devotion and un-
selfshness, The young people stop less
often"-and thought Of how In olden
times, in the far east in kingly throne
room, were many crowns. Golden was
the setting of all save one, the most pre-
cous OF all. The setting for the purest
gems, with serenest rays, for the most
beautiful jewels, each Of which was
worth an emperors ransom, was silver,
for silver was then the most precious
metal.
So, to-day, there are many crowns OF
gold, and their settings are many and
beautiful; but precious beyond compare
are the crowns of silver, with settings OF
richest, rarest radiance.
Then there are the'privileges conferred
upon, as well as by, the wearer OF the
silver crown; for as il is more blessed TO
give than to receive" so the gentle word,
the loving heart, the quiet unobtrusive
helping of others over the questionable
point, over the debatable ground blesses
also her that gives as we'll as they who
receive. Never is the battle for right
won so VIGOROUSLY as when this in-
fuence, so gently and quietly exerted las
ever natures most powerful agents are
quietest), wins the victory for the better
part.
Are you privileged to meet her 10 her
home? All, never is welcome like her
welcome. Her sure insight sees beyond
the garb of gadness, or indifference or
sorrow, sees your own mood, and with
out criticism gently draws one out of
themselves; then, having added her
CHEEKY words and kindly greeting, for
gets that she has helped. She sees be.
yond the concrete fact, Influenced by
personality, into the abstract; into that
region where the real merges with the
ideal. The good of all who come in con-
tact with her is dear 10 her now, even a.
the good of her own kin, and truly those
of her world become brothers and sisters,
IL this is not ,ruest "broadening" will
you tell me what Is?
Years, you say? Yes they are gems
in the crown. For every year that has
added charity, tolerance and kindness
every year in which the character has
grown more like the One, perfect and al
together lovely model, has given the
gems greater radiance, and the years
should finally cause them to shine with
purest ray serene"
The years will take the youth from u
only as we allow them to. Do We no
recall Nine. Recamier? And are we no
told that three generations of Sevigne.
worshipped at the feet Of Nnon de L En-
clos?
And to they whose children are spirit
ual, are the good deeds, the thousand lit
tie nameless acts of kindness and love
the mother heart is here universal in
stead Of individual.
81 never crossed her threshold
with grief
But that ] went without it; never cam
Heart hungry but you fed me,
eased the blame,
And gave the sorrow solace and relief. "