Year: 1877

First, and sacred above all is that dear
old mother-or as we have heard her pro-
fanely alluded to as the "OId Woman
She who has faithfully performed every
maternal duty to large family-strug-
Cling patiently and constantly. all the way
from the starting post Of bridal youth and
beauty to wrinkled age; never shrinking
single duty, however disagreeable; new
er ialtering either at deprivation or sacri-
fice-constant, enduring, patient and low
ing. until she had seen the last loved child
safely embarked upon the outward bound
voyage of life.


At her advanced stage of life, It is nat
ural to expect dminution of that vivac-
ity which for half a century has been the
very magnilism Of the love circle; and
owing to the new associations which clus-
ter around the young and hopeful voyag-
ers, 1t is too common for them to forget
those maternalies and duties once SO sa-
cred. Thus it is that she is too often re-
ierred to as the "Old Woman" Just as
you would speak of an old broken-down
horse, that has seen its best days and,
drawn its last load. Her days OF useful
ness have passed. and she requires but lit
tie for the rest of the journey. Some
thing to eat and less to wear--it may be
grudgingly given--hoping the dear old
creature will be good enough to peg out
before the bill becomes bore. If per-
chance. she has wisely provided against
fature neglect, aud still keeps her bank
balance good, or be literally credited on
the assessors books, the case may turn out
quite otherwise. Gold is guided balm
for wrinkles and whims--it will cover a
multitude Of sins-even that of growing
old.


There are, however. goodly exceptions
to the rule. Sons and daughters there
are who reverently revere the words faith
er and mother, as the most sacred OF
earth; who under all circumstances take
rare pleasure in proving their deep graf
itude; who watch their declining years
untiringly and anticipate their every want.
And why notP 1t is simple justice aud du-
ty at best.


are taken Tor. Think not that all con-
sciousness OF neglect OF feeling has de-
parted from mothers hearing with the
last child's good bye at home. Think not
that, because time has shorn her of her
ish for the good things of life has departed.
hSiO oiO PiVnSutoS uPptOpttut0 " ucE
years, as keenly craved by her dear old
heart as any you feed upon. She loves the
| affectionate attention OF her children, and
feels as keenly every slight. She Graves,
more than ever, those frequent reunions
of the family circle, that as often remind
her that her devotion and self-sacrifce
have not been in vain. This is her opera.
Better than bread is loves echo to her.
She is never so happy as when standing
in the charmed circle - children and grand
children. She has loved so long and deep.
ly, that it has become to her as food and
drink. To be derived of this in her lonelI-
ness, must be as slow and painful starva-
ton.


As one by one the objects OF her care
and affection left the old homestead, her
heart went longingly after them, and earn.
est prayers assembled to heaven in their be-
half. And then to see absence conquer
love-to see prosperity beget forgetfulness
to see cold neglect where filial love was
most to be looked for. Oh. this it Is in
creases her wrinkles and turns her locks
to snow, and sends her sorrowing to the
grave.


Poor though you be, you can devote q
space in memory's collections for her dear
picture. You may give her what she will
hold more precious than old-affection.
And, il you have been favored by q for
tune, share it with her but half so literally
as she was wont to do with you, and you
will be doing a simple act of justice, Sell
fshness here is an objectionable sin.