This shawl, which this little child had not previously seen for some
time, was associated in his mind with its sweetest, but short-lived
comfort. This fact will serve to explain the propriety of taking all the
ordinary week day play-things from children on the Sabbath, and
substituting in their place others more quiet--for instance, relating
Scripture stories, explaining Scripture pictures, and the like.
Such scenes and experience as have been above alluded to, must be more
or less familiar to every faithful and praying mother. Children who have
been dedicated to God, as was Samuel, and David, and Timothy, in all
ages of the world, will be found in after life to be, to the praise, and
glory, and riches of God's grace, vouchsafed to parents, in answer to
their faith and prayers, and pious teachings.
* * * * *
THE YOUNGLING OF THE FLOCK.
Welcome! thrice welcome to my heart, sweet harbinger of bliss!
How have I looked, till hope grew sick, for a moment bright as this;
Thou hast flashed upon my aching sight when fortune's clouds are dark,
The sunny spirit of my dreams--the dove unto mine ark.
Oh! no, not even when life was new, and life and hope were young,
And o'er the firstling of my flock with raptured gaze I hung,
Did I feel the glow that thrills me now, the yearnings fond and deep,
That stir my bosom's inmost strings as I watch thy placid sleep!
Though loved and cherished be the flower that springs 'neath summer skies,
The bud that blooms 'mid wintry storms more tenderly we prize.
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