a
Christian. My mother, a sister seven years old, and myself, were all the
family after my father died. I had no hope that _I_ was a Christian when
my father died; but my mother used to come up the ladder every night and
kneel down, and put her hand upon my head, and pray that I might be
converted. Often, when I was asleep, she would come, and her tears
running into my face, would wake me. I knew that I was a sinner, but I
hope God forgave my sins one night, while my dear mother was praying for
me, and I still hope I was converted then.

"'About a year after my father died, my sister was taken sick and died
in about two months. My mother was naturally feeble, and her sorrow for
the loss of my father and sister wore upon her until she was confined to
her bed. She lay there seven months, and last fall she died.'

"By this time the little fellow was so choked with grief that he could
hardly speak. 'Then,' said he, '_I_ was taken sick, and lay all winter,
not expecting to get well.' I shall never forget the appearance of that
boy, and the expression of his countenance, when he said, 'I am a poor
orphan, sir; I have nothing in this world except the clothes I have on.'

"All the clothes he had on would not have sold for twenty-five cents.

"What an example is here to induce mothers to be faithful to their
children. I wish to ask mothers if they have ever gone at the midnight
hour and awoke their children by a mother's tears while pleading with
God for the salvation of their souls?"

Many mothers--thousands of mothers--have done no such thing. They have
neglected their own souls, and the souls of their dear children--and
both have gone to the bar of God, unprepared for the solemn interview.

But some mothers have been more faithful, and what a rich and divine
reward have they received! Many a son, now in glory, or on his way
thither, owes his religious impressions to the prayers of a tender,
faithful mother.

Nor should mothers be soon or easily discouraged! True, they may not
live to see their prayers answered--but a covenant-keeping God will
remember them, and in his own good time and chosen way give them an
answer.

Though seed lie buried long in dust,
It shan't deceive our hope;
The precious grain can ne'er be lost,
For grace insures the crop.

The writer, perhaps, cannot better conclude this article than by another
extract from the work alluded to, much to the same purpose as the one
already cited