Year: 1870

A company of ladies assembled in a
parior, were one day talking about their
different troubles Each one had some
thing to say about her own trials. But
there was one of the company. pale and
sad looking, who for while said nothing.
Suddenly rousing herself che said


My friends, you don't any OF you know
what trouble is


"Win you please, Mrs. Cry" said
the kind voice of one who knew Ter
story. ''tell the ladies what you call
trouble %


IT will if you desire it !; in the words Of
the Prophet, am one who hath seen af-
Fiction


my parents were well off. and my
girlhood was surrounded by all the com
forts of life. Every wish of my heart
was gratfied, and I was cheerful and
happy.


At the age of nineteen 1 married one
whom [ loved more than ali the world
besides. Our home was retired but the
sun never shOne on lOvelier spot, or a
happier household. Years rolled on peace
fully. Five lovely children sat around our
table, and a little curly head still nestle I
IN my bosom. One night about sundown
ferce black storm came up. For many
houIS the rain poured down inCesE4n tlr. -
Morning daWned, but still the elements
ragged. The whole country around us was
overhowed. The little stream near our
dwelling became foamiDg torrent. Be-
fore we were aware OF it our house was
surrounded by water. managed with my
baby to reach little elevated spot, where
the thick foliage of few wide spreading
trees afforded some protection, while hus-
band and sons stroye to save what they
could of our property. At last fearful
surge swept away my husband, and lie





loved husband more but that was not
trouble.


"Presently my sons saw their danger,
and struggle for life was the only con-
slderatlOn. They were as brave, loving
boys as ever blessed a mothers heart, and
l watched their efforts to escape with such
agony as only a mother can feel. They
were SO far off tLat I could not speak to
them, but I could see them closing nearer
and nearer to each other, as their island
grew smaller and smaller


"The swollen river ragged fearfully
around the huge trees. Dead branches,
upturned trunks, wrecks of houses, drown
ing cattle, and masses of rubbish, all went
floating past My boys waved their hands
to me and pointed upward. knew it wa s
their farewell signal, and you, mothers,
can fimagine my anguish. I saw them
perish-all perish Yet that was not
trouble.


81 hugged my babe close to my heart
anc when the water rose to my feet ]
climbed into the lower branches of the
tree, and so kept retiring before it till the
hand Of God stayed the waters that they
should go no further. I was saved. AL
my worldly possessions were swept away
all my earthly hopes blighted. Yet thai
was not trouble.


My babe was all I had left on earth.
labored day and night to support him and
myself, and sought to train him in the
right way 4; but as he grew older, evi
companions won him away from me. He
ceased to care for his mothers counseIs
he would sneer at her kind entreaties and
agOnizing prayers. He became fond OF
drinking. He left my humble roof, that
he might be unrestrained in his evil ways.
At last, one night, when heated by wine,
he took the life of fellow creature. He
ended his days on the gallows God had
filled my cup of sorrow before now it ran
over. That was trouble. my friends, such
as hope the Lord in mercy may spare
you from ever knowing"


Boys, girls, can you bear to think that
you might bring such sorrow on your dear
father or mother ? IF you would not, be
on your guard against the GIANT, INTEM
PERANCE.


Let wine and Intoxicating liquors alone
Never touch them.