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+The Project Gutenberg eBook, The Christian Mother, by Maria Eliza Hoare
+
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+
+
+
+Title: The Christian Mother
+       or, Notes for Mothers' Meetings
+
+
+Author: Maria Eliza Hoare
+
+
+
+Release Date: March 10, 2013  [eBook #42291]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: UTF-8
+
+
+***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE CHRISTIAN MOTHER***
+
+
+Transcribed from the 1876 Hatchards edition by David Price, email
+ccx074@pglaf.org
+
+
+
+
+
+                                   THE
+                            CHRISTIAN MOTHER:
+
+
+                                   OR,
+
+                       NOTES FOR MOTHERS’ MEETINGS.
+
+                                * * * * *
+
+                               BY THE LATE
+                              MRS E. HOARE.
+
+                                * * * * *
+
+                             Second Edition.
+
+                                * * * * *
+
+                                 LONDON:
+                          HATCHARDS, PICCADILLY.
+                                  1876.
+
+                                * * * * *
+
+                                 LONDON:
+          Printed by JOHN STRANGEWAYS, Castle St. Leicester Sq.
+
+
+
+
+PREFACE TO SECOND EDITION.
+
+
+THE following Notes were prepared and published some years ago, by one
+who has since realised in Heaven the unspeakable value of those precious
+truths which she most diligently taught on earth.  The little book has
+been for a long time out of print, but it appears so calculated to be
+useful in the Lord’s service that I have thought it well to publish
+another edition.  It was said of Abel, ‘He being dead yet speaketh.’  May
+the admirable mother by whom these notes were prepared so speak in these
+pages to those who know a mother’s care, that they may be assisted to
+enjoy the full experience of a mother’s joy!
+
+                                                                 E. HOARE.
+
+TUNBRIDGE WELLS,
+         _April_, 1876.
+
+
+
+
+PREFACE.
+
+
+THE following notes have been used by the writer in conducting Mothers’
+Meetings amongst the poorer classes, and it has been suggested that they
+may be useful to other ladies engaged in a similar work.
+
+With this view, she has ventured to publish them in the present concise
+form.
+
+It will be seen that they are merely skeletons, and will require to be
+filled up by each person who makes use of them.  Thus it will be
+necessary to _turn to the texts referred to_, and to enlarge on each head
+as familiarly as possible, illustrating it by simple, and telling facts.
+
+If this is done, and the subjects well studied, it will often be found,
+that, although each subject has been generally compressed into one
+chapter, it is better to take one, two, or three heads, as affording
+sufficient matter for the conversation of a single evening, rather than
+too hastily to go over the whole section.
+
+It will be a cause for thankfulness, if these short notes may be the
+means of leading any mothers to search the Scriptures more diligently
+with reference to their own especial duties.
+
+Whether rich or poor—educated or uneducated—mothers all need, in the
+great essentials, the _same_ help, the _same_ warnings, the _same_
+encouragements.  They want to be comforted, both in duty and trial, by
+the _same_ word of promise, and to ‘go boldly to the _same_ throne of
+grace to obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.’  It is
+earnestly desired that the study of the following pages, which are, in
+fact, only a compilation of Scripture, may be the means of leading many
+to listen more closely to _His_ voice, who knows so well the mother’s
+heart, the mother’s sins, the mother’s sorrows, and the mother’s need.
+
+                                                                  M. E. H.
+
+TUNBRIDGE WELLS,
+         _December_, 1862.
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS.
+
+                                                             PAGE
+Importance of Children                                          9
+The Temper of the Wife, and Mother                             11
+Truth—part I.                                                  12
+Truth—part II.                                                 13
+The Excellent Woman—as a Wife                                  15
+„ „—in her Home                                                17
+„ „—in her Conversation                                        19
+„ „—her Religion                                               21
+„ „—her Reward                                                 22
+How to spend Sunday                                            24
+Companions                                                     26
+Sloth                                                          28
+The Watchful Mother                                            29
+The Hasty Mother                                               31
+The Weary Mother                                               32
+The Careless Mother                                            35
+The Careful Mother                                             37
+The Patient Mother                                             38
+The Firm Mother                                                39
+Conversion                                                     41
+Thou, God, seest me                                            43
+Jesus the Mother’s Friend                                      44
+Helps for Mothers—part I.                                      46
+Helps for Mothers—part II.                                     48
+Teach your Children                                            50
+The Parting Place, and the Meeting Place                       51
+The Mother’s Death-bed                                         54
+New Year’s Day                                                 55
+First Meeting in the Year                                      57
+Last Meeting in the Year.  The Cradle and the Grave            59
+
+
+
+
+I.  IMPORTANCE OF CHILDREN.
+
+
+    ‘Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones.’  Matt.
+    xviii. 10.
+
+I.  They are important to _Society_.
+
+  Our future soldiers, sailors, servants, fathers, mothers, husbands,
+  wives, &c., &c.
+
+II.  Important to _yourselves_.
+
+  The babe—the child—the young man—the young woman.
+
+  A gift (Gen. xxxiii. 5; xlviii. 9) which must prove either your crown
+  (Prov. xvii. 6; Ps. cxxvii. 3) or your bitterness.  Prov. xvii. 25;
+  Gen. xlii. 38.
+
+III.  Important to _themselves_.
+
+  That child must live for ever.
+
+  A living soul committed to your care.
+
+  That child must stand before the judgment-seat of Christ.  Rev. xx. 12.
+
+IV.  Important in the sight of _their Father who is in heaven_.
+
+  So important—that for them He gave His only Son to shed His blood.
+
+  So important—that He especially calls, ‘Suffer little children,’ &c.
+  Mark, x. 14.
+
+  So important—that He gives His angels special charge over them.  Matt.
+  xviii. 10.
+
+    ‘Take heed then that ye despise not one of these little ones.’
+
+No jewel so precious as the soul of your child, but how far more do
+parents often prize the casket containing it, than the gem itself!
+
+No plant so needing watchful care and culture; Oh! neglect it not!
+
+What have YOU done with your jewel, your plant?
+
+
+
+
+II.  THE TEMPER OF THE WIFE, AND MOTHER.
+
+
+I.  What she should _not_ be.
+
+  1.  Provoking.  Eph. vi. 4.  Prov. xv. 1.  Gal. v. 26.
+
+  2.  Easily provoked.  1 Cor. xiii. 5.  Jam. i. 19.
+
+  3.  Brawling.  Prov. xxi. 9; xxv. 24.
+
+  4.  Contentious.  Prov. xix. 13; xxi. 19; xxvii. 15.
+
+II.  What she _should_ be.
+
+  1.  Gentle.  1 Thess. ii. 7.  1 Pet. iii. 4.  Children are soon
+  frightened by rough words, or rough treatment.
+
+  2.  Forbearing.  Eph. iv. 2.  Col. iii. 13.  If _you_ cannot bear with
+  your children, who will?
+
+  3.  Patient.  1 Thess. v. 14.  Eccles. vii. 8.  A mother has need of
+  great patience.
+
+  4.  Loving.  Tit. ii. 4.
+
+III.  In your daily temper take Christ as your example.
+
+    ‘_Consider Him_ who endured such contradiction of sinners against
+    himself, lest ye be weary, and faint in your minds.’  Heb. xii. 3.
+
+
+
+
+III.  TRUTH.  1.
+
+
+Importance of truth.  Prov. xii. 19.
+
+The liar’s portion.  Rev. xxi. 8; xxii. 15.
+
+How can you enforce the necessity of truth, and the sin of lying upon
+your children?
+
+I.  You must enforce it by _example_.
+
+  1.  Never deceive them.  The word passed must never be broken.  Be
+  careful, then, how you promise or threaten.
+
+  2.  Always adhere yourself closely to truth.  In _little_ things as
+  well as _great_, in _deed_ as well as _word_.  What a warning is
+  Rebecca (Gen. xxvii.) of the danger of the first downward step, and the
+  baneful influence of a mother’s evil example!
+
+  3.  Let them see that you cling closely to truth, even when it is to
+  your own disadvantage.  Ps. xv. 5, Prayer-book version.
+
+  4.  Never get out of a difficulty by an untruth.
+
+II.  To do this be ever—
+
+  Watchful.  Ps. cxli. 3.
+
+  Prayerful.  Ps. cxix. 29.
+
+
+
+
+IV.  TRUTH.  2.
+
+
+Last meeting we found that it is useless to enforce the necessity of
+truth, unless the mother is consistent in her _example_.  Besides this:
+
+II.  Enforce it by instruction and by precept.
+
+  Tell—how God hates lying.  Prov. vi. 16, 17; xii. 22.
+
+  Tell—histories from Scripture to show how God hates it.  Satan, Gen.
+  iii. 4.  Gehazi, 2 Kings, v. 25.  Ananias, Acts, v. 1–11.
+
+  Tell—who is the father of lies.  John, viii. 44.
+
+  Tell—the consequences of lying.  Ps. v. 6; lv. 23.  Rev. xxi. 8.
+
+III.  Avoid severity.
+
+  Children are often frightened into deceit by fear of their parents’
+  severity.
+
+IV.  Do not put temptations to lie in a child’s way.
+
+  Do not encourage them to conceal anything from their father,
+  schoolmaster, master, or mistress, if in service.
+
+V.  Correct for a lie.
+
+  It is a false love which dispenses with a needful chastisement.  Prov.
+  xiii. 24; xix. 18.
+
+  But always with prayer.
+
+VI.  Let the child see that you are grieved for his sin.  That it gives
+you _sorrow_, not only causes _anger_.  Ps. cxix. 158.
+
+VII.  Make it a subject of prayer with your child that the way of lying
+may be removed from him.  Ps. cxix. 29.  Prov. xxx. 8.
+
+
+
+
+V.  THE EXCELLENT WOMAN.
+
+
+                               Prov. xxxi.
+
+                                AS A WIFE.
+
+I.  A wife _ought_ to be a chief blessing; a good wife _is_ so.  Verse
+10.  Prov. xii. 4; xviii. 22; xix. 14.
+
+II.  Her husband can safely trust her.  Ver. 11.
+
+  Money—children—sure of her affection—no secrets.
+
+III.  She does him good, and not evil all the days of her life.  Verse
+12.
+
+  Not like Eve.  Gen. iii. 6.
+
+  Or Samson’s wife.  Enticing—coaxing—teazing—weeping—betraying.  Judg.
+  xiv. 16.
+
+IV.  She cares for his bodily wants.  Verses 15, 23.
+
+  To do this must be a ‘keeper at home.’  Tit. ii. 5.
+
+V.  She submits if wills clash.
+
+  Not often the case in a happy home.
+
+  Yields cheerfully, not grudgingly, when in accordance with God’s will.
+  Col. iii. 18.  Eph. v. 22.
+
+VI.  She endeavours to _win_ her husband, does not try to _drive_.  1
+Pet. iii. 1.  1 Cor. vii. 16.
+
+  Win to religion by displaying its beauty and brightness in your lives.
+
+VII.  She is a spiritual help to her husband.  1 Pet. iii. 7.
+
+  ‘Mutual help and comfort.’  Marriage Service.
+
+  Not a hindrance.  Luke, xiv. 20.
+
+  A wife has more opportunity than any one of seeing her husband’s
+  faults.  Do not _talk_ about them, but _pray_ about them.
+
+
+
+
+VI.  THE EXCELLENT WOMAN.
+
+
+                               Prov. xxxi.
+
+                               IN HER HOME.
+
+I.  She is diligent.  Verses 13, 15, 18, 19, 22, 27.  So 1 Tim. v. 10.
+Rom. xii. 8.
+
+  No gossiping; standing at doors; idling at neighbours.
+
+  Observe what is said of the diligent in the Book of Proverbs.
+
+  Maketh rich.  Prov. x. 4.
+
+  Prospered (Prov. xii. 24, 27; xiii. 4; xxi. 5.)  Sometimes worldly
+  diligence leads to spiritual sloth.  Let it not be so with you; but
+  whilst you are ‘not slothful in business,’ be also ‘fervent in spirit;
+  serving the Lord.’  Rom. xii. 11.
+
+II.  She is prudent.  Verses 13, 14, 15.
+
+  Looks well to her goings.  Prov. xiv. 15.  Looks forward.  Prov. xxii.
+  3; xxvii. 12.  Enjoys a special blessing.  Prov. xix. 14.
+
+III.  Overlooks her household.  Verses 15, 21, 27.
+
+  Children, servants, if she has any.
+
+  Your household, of whomsoever it may consist, should share your
+  blessings and privileges.  Gen. xviii. 19.  Lev. xvi. 17.  Acts, xvi.
+  15.
+
+  Important to impress this upon your girls going to service.  A _good_
+  mistress _ought_, and _will_, look after them.  No kindness in lax
+  discipline.  Look back to your own days of service.  Who was the best
+  mistress?  1 Tim. v. 14.
+
+
+
+
+VII.  THE EXCELLENT WOMAN.
+
+
+                               Prov. xxxi.
+
+                           IN HER CONVERSATION.
+
+I.  ‘She openeth her mouth with _wisdom_,’ verse 26.
+
+  1.  No foolish talking, or jesting.  Job, xv. 3.  Eph. v. 4.
+
+  2.  No chattering or gossip, which tends to penury.  Prov. xiv. 23.
+  Eccles. x. 11, 14.
+
+  3.  No deception.  Prov. xxiv. 28; xx. 17.
+
+II.  ‘In her tongue is the law of _kindness_,’ verse 26.
+
+  1.  No tale-bearing or back-biting.  Prov. xxv. 23; xxvi. 22.  Ps. xv.
+  3.
+
+  How mischievous.  Prov. xxiv. 2.
+
+  2.  No flattering, like wicked woman.  Prov. v. 3; vi. 24.  Ps. v. 9.
+
+III.   How important to bridle the tongue.  Jam. i. 26.
+
+  There is often much wisdom in silence.  Ps. xxxiv. 13.  Prov. xvii. 28;
+  xxix. 11.
+
+  Let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ.  Philip,
+  i. 27.  Ps. lxxvii. 12.  Prov. xv. 4.  1 Pet. iii. 1.  2 Pet. iii. 11.
+  Col. iii. 16.
+
+  Make this your prayer.  Ps. xix. 14; cxli. 3.
+
+  Blessing promised.  Ps. l. 23.
+
+IV.  Three good rules.
+
+  1.  So speak to your husband and children, that should these be your
+  _last_ words, you would not regret them.
+
+  2.  Never say anything of your neighbours you would dislike them to
+  overhear.
+
+  3.  In all your conversation, remember that the Lord is nigh, and hears
+  each word.
+
+
+
+
+VIII.  THE EXCELLENT WOMAN.
+
+
+                               Prov. xxxi.
+
+                              HER RELIGION.
+
+I.  The secret of her many excellencies here portrayed.
+
+  It did not consist in _beauty_.  Verse 30.  A pretty face often leads
+  to ruin.  Prov. xi. 22.  Ezek. xxviii. 17.
+
+  Never make much of a child’s beauty.
+
+  But it was this, she was a _religious_ woman, actuated in all she did
+  by the _fear of the Lord_.  Verse 30.
+
+  The woman who fears the Lord.
+
+1.  Hates evil.  Prov. viii. 13.
+
+2.  It is her moving principle, ‘all the day long.’  Prov. xxiii. 17.
+
+3.  She is happy, though poor.  Prov. xv. 16.
+
+4.  It is her confidence and refuge in trial.  Prov. xiv. 26.
+
+5.  It is _well_ with her.  Eccles. viii. 12.
+
+II.  She shows her love to Christ, by her love to His people.  Verse 20.
+
+  Acts, ix. 36.  Heb. xiii. 16.
+
+  You need not be _rich_ to be _charitable_.
+
+  The poorest may give.  2 Cor. viii. 2.
+
+  God looks not at the size, or value of the gift, but the motive from
+  which it springs.  2 Cor. viii. 12.
+
+  The widow’s mite.  Mark, xii. 42, 44.
+
+  The cup of cold water.  Matt. x. 42; xxv. 35.
+
+  Nursing a sick neighbour.  1 Tim. v. 10.
+
+
+
+
+IX.  THE EXCELLENT WOMAN.
+
+
+                               Prov. xxxi.
+
+                               HER REWARD.
+
+I.  Her children regard her with grateful love, and look back with
+thankfulness to her care and teaching.  Verse 28. _e.g._ Timothy, 2 Tim.
+i. 5, and David, Ps. lxxxvi. 16; cxvi. 16.
+
+II.  Her husband confides in her, blesses her, honours her.  Verse 28.
+
+  Eph. v. 25, 31.  1 Pet. iii. 7.
+
+III.  She reaps the fruit of her labours.  Verse 31.  Deut. iv. 40.
+Prov. xx. 7; xxii. 6; xxix. 17.  2 John, 4.
+
+IV.  She shall rejoice in time to come.  Verse 25.
+
+  Not only in this world (Ps. cxviii. 15), but in the life to come.
+
+  In the future kingdom, will not her children, for whom she prayed and
+  laboured, be to her, as St. Paul says his spiritual children will be to
+  him, ‘Her joy, her crown of rejoicing in the presence of our Lord Jesus
+  Christ at His coming?’  1 Thess. ii. 19.
+
+  Let this cheer the faint-hearted and discouraged Christian mother; she
+  sows perhaps now with bitter tears, but she shall ‘reap in joy.’
+
+
+
+
+X.  HOW TO SPEND SUNDAY.
+
+
+    ‘Remember the Sabbath Day to keep it holy.’
+
+Mothers can effect much by domestic arrangement, and forethought.
+
+I.  Make Saturday a ‘day of preparation.’  ‘Bake that which ye will bake
+to-day,’ &c.  Exod. xvi. 5, 23.  Mark, xv. 42.  Luke, xxiii. 54.
+
+II.  Endeavour to make the Sunday
+
+1.  A _holy_ day.
+
+  Exod. xx. 10, 11.  Deut. v. 12.  Gen. ii. 3.
+
+  To sanctify, signifies to set apart for a holy purpose.  Thus in the
+  New Testament the Sabbath is called ‘the Lord’s day.’  Rev. i. 10,
+  because a day devoted to His service.
+
+2.  A _resting_ day.
+
+  Gen. ii. 3.  Lev. xxiii. 3.  Matt. xxiii. 56.
+
+  Called ‘the Sabbath of _rest_.’  Lev. xxiii. 3.  And ‘the _rest_ of the
+  holy Sabbath.’  Exod. xvi. 23.  _Sabbath_ signifies _rest_, and heaven,
+  of which it is a type, is called, ‘the keeping of a _Sabbath_.’  Heb.
+  iv. 9.
+
+3.  A _happy_ day.
+
+  It is a _gift_, a _privilege_, not a task.
+
+  Exod. xvi. 29.  Isa. lviii. 13.
+
+  Not esteemed to be such, unless God’s service felt to be a _delight_.
+  Others say, ‘When will the Sabbath be gone?’  Amos, viii. 5.
+
+  Let there be no gloom in the home, but a cheerful sobriety.
+
+4.  A _profitable_ day.
+
+  Though _rest_, not _idleness_.  Children are always happiest when their
+  minds are employed.
+
+  To profit pay great attention to Public Worship, Deut. xxxi. 12, 13.
+  Acts, xiii. 42; xvi. 13; xviii. 4.  Heb. x. 25.
+
+  Observe our Lord’s example.  Luke, iv. 16.
+
+  The Sunday School is a great help to the poor mother.
+
+  Cultivate religious occupation.  _e.g._  Find texts—repeat hymns—sing
+  hymns, &c.
+
+III.  Observe the promise.
+
+  Isa. lvi. 2–7: lviii. 13, 14.
+
+
+
+
+XI.  COMPANIONS.
+
+
+I.  Danger of bad companions.
+
+  One bad companion corrupts many.  ‘A little leaven leaveneth the whole
+  lump.’  1 Cor. v. 6.
+
+  ‘Evil communications corrupt good manners.’  1 Cor. xv. 33.
+
+  Eph. v. 11.  Prov. xxii. 24, 25.
+
+  You are warned in the Scriptures against making companions of:
+
+1.  Fools.  Prov. xiii. 20.
+
+2.  Riotous.  Prov. xxviii. 7.
+
+3.  Thieves.  Isa. i. 23.
+
+4.  Depraved.  Prov. xxix. 3.  1 Cor. v. 9.
+
+5.  Irreligious.  2 Thess. iii. 14.  Jam. iv. 4.
+
+  If important for yourselves, doubly so for the young, unformed minds of
+  your children.
+
+II.  Form good friendships.
+
+  ‘The friendship of the world is enmity with God.’  Jam. iv. 4.
+
+  David chose his friends from those who feared God.  Ps. cxix. 63.  Heb.
+  x. 33.
+
+III.  Observe three rules for the sake of your _children_, as well as
+_yourselves_.
+
+1.  Never harbour bad guests.
+
+  Lodgers—workpeople.
+
+2.  Never associate with the wicked, unless obliged to do so, or with a
+view to doing them good.
+
+  Even this needs caution.
+
+3.  Remember, ‘A man is known by his friends.’
+
+  You and your children will be judged by the company you keep.
+
+
+
+
+XII.  SLOTH.
+
+
+I.  The command to be diligent is plain.  Rom. xii. 11.  2 Thess. iii.
+10, 11.
+
+II.  See the miserable results of sloth.
+
+  1.  It leads to tattling.  1 Tim. v. 13.
+
+  2.  Decay.  Eccles. x. 18.
+
+  3.  Difficulties.  Prov. xv. 19.
+
+  4.  Waste.  Prov. xviii. 9.
+
+  5.  Want.  Prov. xx. 4; xxiv. 30, 34.
+
+III.  Contrast excellent woman (Prov. xxxi. 27) with the slothful person.
+Prov. xix. 24; xxiv. 30; x. 26.
+
+IV.  Learn a lesson from the ant for yourselves—for your children.  Prov.
+vi. 6, &c.
+
+  Give your children something to do.
+
+  Remember, they must be _set to work_, though it is often more trouble
+  to you to teach _them_ to do it, than to do it _yourself_—yet
+  persevere.
+
+V.  If not slothful in your temporal affairs, above all be not slothful
+concerning the salvation of your souls.
+
+  Heb. vi. 11, 12.  2 Pet. i. 10.
+
+
+
+
+XIII.  THE WATCHFUL MOTHER.
+
+
+No eye should be so wakeful and watchful as a mother’s.
+
+I.  Watch over your children _in infancy_.
+
+  Exod. ii. 8.  1 Sam. i. 23.
+
+  It is described as next to impossible for a woman to forget her sucking
+  child.  Isa. xlix. 15.
+
+  A well-watched infancy, under God’s blessing, avoids many future ills.
+
+II.  Watch over your children’s _education_.
+
+  Judg. xiii. 8.
+
+  In every minute particular.
+
+  Learning—clothing, &c.  1 Sam. ii. 19.  Prov. xxxi. 21, 23.
+
+  Contrast the dirty, unmended clothes of the poor, uncared-for child,
+  with the clean and neatly mended garments of him whose childhood is
+  guarded by the watchful eye of a mother.
+
+III.  Watch them in times of sickness and death.
+
+  No eye so quick to discover a hidden ill.
+
+  2 Kings, iv. 19, 20.  John, xix. 25.
+
+IV.  Above all watch over the precious soul.
+
+  Never lose sight of the soul, in care for the body.
+
+  1.  _Watch_, as those that must give account.  Heb. xiii. 17.
+
+  2.  _Watch_, to detect sin, and check its growth.
+
+  Mark first sign of the plague spot.
+
+  3.  _Watch_, for opportunity to lead to Christ.  Prov. xv. 23.  Deut.
+  vi. 6, 9.  Mark, x. 13.
+
+
+
+
+XIV.  THE HASTY MOTHER.
+
+
+I.  How common!  Yet the Bible commands us not to be hasty.  Eccles. vii.
+9.
+
+  A woman’s ornament should be a meek, and quiet spirit (1 Pet. iii. 4),
+  and a nurse is mentioned as being especially gentle to the little ones.
+  1 Thess. ii. 7.
+
+II.  Observe the angry woman,
+
+  How foolish!  Prov. xiv. 29; xxix. 20.
+
+  How provoking!  Prov. xv. 1.
+
+  How wearing!  Prov. xix. 13; xxvii. 15; xxi. 19.
+
+  Drives the husband from his fireside.
+
+  Sets an evil example to the children.
+
+  Often does in her haste, what she heartily repents at leisure.
+
+III.  Therefore,
+
+  1.  Put away anger.  Eph. iv. 31.
+
+  Do not be _soon_ angry.  Prov. xiv. 17.  Jam. i. 19.
+
+  ‘Meekness gives smooth answers to rough questions.’
+
+  2.  Exercise self-control.  Prov. xxv. 28; xvi. 32.
+
+  3.  Teach it to your children.
+
+III.  Remember, a hasty temper is a _fault_, not a _misfortune_.
+Accustom yourself, and your children, to view it in its right light.
+
+IV.  Ask help from God to subdue it, for temper is hard to conquer, and
+meekness is a fruit of the Spirit.  Gal. v. 22.  Matt. v. 5.
+
+  You _need help_, for there is much to provoke a wife, and mother.
+
+  You _need help_, for you are very weak, but you can do all things
+  through Christ who strengtheneth you.  Phil. iv. 13.
+
+
+
+
+XV.  THE WEARY MOTHER.
+
+
+Many things below make a mother weary.
+
+The blessing of _rest_ is chiefly future.
+
+Notice various things that often make mothers weary, and the remedy for
+them.
+
+              CAUSE.                             REMEDY.
+I.  Weary with cares and            I.  Do not carry your burden
+sorrows—ready to exclaim, ‘My       alone.  Ps. lv. 22.
+burden is greater than I can
+bear.’                                1 Pet. v. 7.  Jer. xxxi. 25.
+
+                                      _Hereafter_ rest.
+
+                                      Psa. xciv. 13.  Isa. xiv. 3.
+II.  Weary with work.               II.  Make more use of the rest of
+                                    the Sabbath.
+
+                                      Exod. xx. 8.
+
+                                      Called ‘Sabbath of _rest_.’
+
+                                      Lev. xxiii. 3.
+
+                                      _Hereafter_.  Heb. iv. 9.
+III.  Weary with sickness.          III.  Comfort in time of
+                                    sickness.  Ps. xli. 3.
+  Job, vii. 3, 4.  Isa. xxxviii.
+  12, 14.                             Great alleviation in true
+                                      spirit of submission.
+  May be your own, your
+  husband’s, your children’s.         _Hereafter_.  Isa. xxxiii. 24.
+                                      Rev. xxi. 4.
+  Wearisome nights of pain, or
+  watching.
+IV.  Weary of your sins.            IV.  Come with your sins to
+                                    Christ.
+  Ps. vi. 6; xxxviii. 4.
+                                      Matt. xi. 28, 29.
+  Oft repented.
+                                      _Hereafter_.  Rev. xxi. 27.
+  Oft repeated.
+V.  Weary with your children’s      V.  Correct, and they shall give
+sins.                               you rest.  Prov. xxix. 17.
+
+                                      Consider Christ, _lest ye be
+                                      weary_.  Heb. xii. 3.
+
+Do you know where to go for rest?  Jer. vi. 16.  Or are you wandering
+hither and thither in vain, having forgotten your resting-place?  Jer. l.
+6.  Remember, it is only to those who are in Christ that these promises
+of rest apply.
+
+It is only His own sheep who can say, ‘He maketh me to _lie down in green
+pastures_.’
+
+To others there is no rest here, or hereafter, for, ‘The wicked are like
+the troubled sea, when it _cannot rest_. . . .  There is no peace, saith
+my God, to the wicked.’  Isa. lvii. 20, 21.
+
+
+
+
+XVI.  THE CARELESS MOTHER.
+
+
+                            Isa. xxxii. 9–13.
+
+Motherless children are often uncared for.  No one ‘_naturally_ cares for
+their state.’  No child with a mother _ought_ to be so.  But too often
+mothers are careless about—
+
+I.  Their _minds_.
+
+  No schooling—no teaching—no training—no Sunday School.  Cares not
+  whether in time, or too late—regular or truant, &c., &c.
+
+II.  Their _respectability_, and _associates_.
+
+  Will take in bad lodgers, hire bad characters to help at the wash-tub
+  because they can be had cheaper than the respectable, forgetting that
+  ‘a good name is rather to be chosen than great riches.’  Prov. xxii. 1.
+  Eccles. vii. 1.
+
+  What guilty carelessness!
+
+III.  Their _happiness_.
+
+  What misery here awaits a neglected child!
+
+  What woe hereafter!
+
+IV.  Their _souls_.
+
+  To a parent guilty of this carelessness, it is said, ‘His blood will I
+  require at thine hand.’  Ezek. iii. 18, 19; xxxiii. 6.
+
+  Have you ever lost a child, for whose soul you never cared?  Pray Ps.
+  li. 14.
+
+  _This_ arises from want of real religion.
+
+  You do not know the immense value of a soul.
+
+  Would you be thus careless of an earthly treasure?  Would you not watch
+  it—lock it up—guard it with a jealous eye?  Your child’s soul a
+  treasure passing all price.  Yet you allow Satan to steal it—bad
+  companions to corrupt it—ruin it yourself by neglect.  A thing
+  neglected is ruined.
+
+  Keep in view the judgment day.
+
+  Will your child then say, ‘No man cared for my soul’—‘even my _mother_
+  cared not that I perished!’
+
+
+
+
+XVII.  THE CAREFUL MOTHER.
+
+
+I.  Careful in her _house_.
+
+  No waste.  Prov. xviii. 9.  John, vi. 12.
+
+  Yet not stingy.  No needless expense—makes a little go a long way.
+
+II.  Careful over her _children_.
+
+  Their _bodies_—health—clothes—future.  1 Tim. v. 8.  2 Cor. xii. 14.
+
+  Provident Club.  Penny Bank, &c.
+
+  Their _minds_.  Gives education suitable to their station.  No fortune
+  so good.
+
+  What a disgrace in these days to a mother, if a child cannot read and
+  write!
+
+  Their _souls_.  Above all, let not care for the body choke this.  Mark,
+  iv. 19.
+
+  Lay up treasure in heaven.  Matt. vi. 20.
+
+III.  Let not careful mother be _too full of care_.
+
+  Not _overcharged_.  Luke, xxi. 34; x. 41, 42.
+
+  ‘Live not in careful suspense.’  Luke, xii. 29 (margin).
+
+  Cast your care on One who can bear it.  1 Pet. v. 7.  Phil. iv. 6.  He
+  will not despise it, ‘_for He careth for you_.’
+
+  For the future, take this for your motto when over-pressed by cares and
+  trials, ‘The Lord will provide.’  Gen. xxii, 14.  Philip, iv. 19.  Ps.
+  xxiii. 1.
+
+
+
+
+XVIII.  THE PATIENT MOTHER.
+
+
+A mother has, in a peculiar degree, ‘need of patience.’  Heb. x. 36.
+
+I.  In trials of temper.  1 Cor. xiii. 4, 5, 7.  Prov. xiv. 17.
+
+II.  With your children’s faults.
+
+  Matt. xviii. 22, 35.
+
+  Look back to the days of your childhood.
+
+  Were not you equally trying to your mother?
+
+  Remember your own faults, and God’s patience with you.  He bears long
+  with you.
+
+III.  It may be you need patience in bearing with unjust tempers, and
+unkind treatment.  1 Pet. ii. 19, 23.  Ps. xxxvii. 7.
+
+IV.  For answers to prayer.
+
+  Syro-Phenician mother.  Matt. xv. 22, 28.  Jam. v. 7, 8.  ‘Tarry thou
+  the Lord’s leisure.’
+
+V.  In tribulation, sickness, and poverty.  Rom. xii. 12.  Jam. v. 10,
+11.  Luke, xxi. 19.
+
+
+
+
+XIX.  THE FIRM MOTHER.
+
+
+I.  To obey is a child’s duty.
+
+  Exod. xx. 12.  Eph. vi. 1.  Col. iii. 20.
+
+II.  This obedience should be—
+
+  1.  Implicit.
+
+  2.  Unquestioning.
+
+  3.  Immediate.
+
+  4.  In manner, and spirit.
+
+  5.  From love.
+
+  6.  In absence, as well as presence.
+
+  7.  To the _mother_ as well as the _father_.
+
+  Prov. i. 8; vi. 20; xv. 20.  Lev. xix. 3.  _e.g._ Luke, ii. 51.
+
+  This is most important.  In the Bible no difference is drawn between
+  the authority of the father and mother.
+
+III.  A promise attached to obedience.
+
+  Exod. xx. 12.  Eph. vi. 2.  Jer. xxxv. 18, 19.
+
+IV.  To disobey is sin.
+
+  Deut. xxi. 18, 21.  Ezek. xxii. 7.  Rom. i. 30.  2 Tim. iii. 2.  1 Sam.
+  ii. 25.
+
+V.  A punishment attached to disobedience.
+
+  Deut. xxvii. 16.  Prov. xxx. 17.
+
+VI.  It is a parent’s _duty_ to enforce obedience.  Allowed disobedience
+brings misery into the home. 1 Tim. iii. 4; v. 4.
+
+  Eli.  1 Sam. ii. 23.
+
+  David.  1 Kings, i. 6.
+
+How solemn then, Mothers, is your responsibility.
+
+How earnest should be your prayers that _your_ commands may agree with
+_God’s_.  Gen. xviii. 19.  Deut. xxxii. 46.  Eph. vi. 1.
+
+                                * * * * *
+
+Seek for wisdom in commanding.
+
+Firmness in insisting.
+
+
+
+
+XX.  CONVERSION.
+
+
+We meet time after time at our Mothers’ Meeting, but how few of us are
+truly converted, and changed in heart.
+
+  Ask yourselves this night two questions.
+
+I.  Do you earnestly seek your own conversion?  ‘What shall it profit
+you, if you gain the whole world, and lose your own soul?’
+
+  Mark, viii. 36, 37.
+
+  Delay not.  Isa. lix. 1.
+
+II.  Do you earnestly seek for the conversion of your children?##
+
+1.  Perhaps you do not _care_ for it.  You do not seek _first_ for them
+the kingdom of God.  Matt. vi. 33.  Be honest to yourselves in this
+matter.  Are you ready to give up for them anything that keeps them from
+Christ?
+
+  Matt. v. 29, 30.
+
+2.  Perhaps you do not _pray_ for it.
+
+  Observe how the mother prayed.  Matt. xv. 22, 28.  David.  1 Chron.
+  xxix. 19.  Job, i. 5.
+
+3.  Perhaps you place _hindrances_ in the way.
+
+  You draw them to the world instead of to Christ.  Matt. xviii. 6.
+
+4.  Perhaps you forget the necessity of the _Holy Spirit’s power_.  Isa.
+xliv. 3, 4, 5.
+
+  Pray this night for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon
+  yourselves—your husbands—your children.  Matt. vii. 11.
+
+  Remember, ‘except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye
+  shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.’  Matt. xviii. 3.
+
+
+
+
+XXI.  THOU, GOD, SEEST ME.
+
+
+God’s penetrating eye.  Rev. i 14.
+
+I.  He sees _all_.  Prov. v. 21.
+
+  Bad and good.  Prov. xv. 3.
+
+II.  _Where_ does He see you?
+
+1.  He sees the mother _in secret_.  Matt. vi. 6.
+
+  Each secret prayer—each sigh—each tear.
+
+  No privacy from Him.  Eccles. xii. 14.  Ps. xix. 12.  Jer. xxiii. 24.
+
+  Many would give worlds to hide from God.
+
+2.  In her _daily path_.  Job, xxxiv. 21.  Ps. cxxxix. 3.
+
+3.  In _every circumstance_.  2 Chron. xvi. 9.
+
+III.  _What_ does He see?
+
+1.  The mother’s _heart_.  Jer. xx. 12.  1 Sam. xvi. 7.  Her
+motives—desires—yearnings.
+
+  You may deceive _others_.  You may even deceive _yourselves_, ‘but all
+  things are naked, and opened unto the eyes of Him with whom we have to
+  do.’  Heb. iv. 13.  Luke, xvi. 15.
+
+2.  The mother’s _sins_.  Ps. xix. 12; xc. 8.  Isa. lvii. 18.  Amos, v.
+12.
+
+  Sins of omission and commission.
+
+3.  The mother’s _sorrows_.  Exod. iii. 7.
+
+  Both inward and outward trials.  2 Kings, xx. 5.  Ps. cxlii. 3.  Acts,
+  vii. 34.
+
+  There are many sorrows it is not well for a wife and mother to speak of
+  to others, but take comfort!  Your Saviour knows each grief—each
+  trouble—each tear for your own sins or the sins of others.
+
+4.  The mother’s _need_.  Matt. vi. 8, 32.
+
+  And He promises to supply it.  Ps. xxiii. 1.  Philip, iv. 19.
+
+
+
+
+XXII.  JESUS THE MOTHER’S FRIEND.
+
+
+I.  Mothers need a friend!
+
+  In joy and in sorrow, in dark hours and in light, in life and in death,
+  they need a Friend who is always the same—even ‘the same yesterday,
+  to-day, and for ever.’
+
+II.  You may have such a Friend.
+
+  1.  Even Jesus.  Prov. xviii. 24.  John, xv. 15.  The Friend of
+  sinners.  Matt. xi. 19.
+
+  2.  He loveth always.  Prov. xvii. 17.
+
+  3.  He is faithful.  Prov. xviii. 24.  John, xiii. 1.
+
+III.  Is He _your_ Friend?
+
+  Can you point to Jesus and say, ‘This is my Beloved, and this is my
+  Friend?’  Cant. v. 16.
+
+  If not, do not rest until you can say so.
+
+IV.  If Jesus _is_ your Friend.
+
+1.  Go to Him in _trouble_.  ‘Pour out your heart before Him.’  John, xi.
+3, 11.
+
+  In sorrow lean on His bosom, as John did.  John, xiii. 23.
+
+  ‘He weeps with those who weep.’
+
+2.  Go to Him in _joy_, for He ‘rejoices with those who do rejoice.’
+
+3.  Do not have hard thoughts of Him because He afflicts.
+
+  ‘Faithful are the wounds of a friend.’  Prov. xxvii. 6.  Ps. cxli. 5.
+
+  He sympathises in every sorrow.  Heb. iv. 15.
+
+  And has borne your griefs.  Isa. liii. 4.
+
+
+
+
+XXIII.  HELPS FOR MOTHERS.
+1.
+
+
+A mother has many hindrances in seeking Christ.  She needs much help from
+the means of grace.  To obtain this is often difficult, and requires much
+effort.  Outward means are, therefore, too often neglected.  If you would
+grow in grace this must not be.
+
+Be diligent, therefore, in the use of—
+
+I.  Daily prayer.  Matt. vi. 6, 11.
+
+  No business should prevent this.  David had the business of a kingdom
+  upon him, nevertheless, he says, ‘Evening, and morning, and at noon,
+  will I pray.’  Ps. lv. 17.
+
+II.  Daily Scripture reading.  Acts, xvii. 11.  Ps. cxix. 103.
+
+III.  Family prayer.
+
+  Judgment pronounced on those who neglect family religion.  Jer. x. 25.
+
+  Promise to united prayer.  Matt. xviii. 19, 20.
+
+IV.  Attendance on the public means of grace.
+
+  Observe the command.  Deut. xii. 12, 18.  Heb. x. 25.
+
+  What a blessing rested on it in the case of Lydia.  Acts, xvi. 13, 15.
+
+  There are great difficulties to the mother of a young family in going
+  to Church on Sunday, but make an effort to overcome them.  This can
+  generally be done if husband and wife make a _united effort_.
+
+  If you are truly hungering and thirsting after righteousness, you will
+  earnestly use every means for obtaining the bread and the water of
+  life.  If you are careless in this respect, it is because there is no
+  real hunger, no craving of soul for heavenly food.
+
+
+
+
+XXIV.  HELPS FOR MOTHERS.
+2.
+
+
+We will notice this evening three more things which are, or ought to be,
+‘helps’ to mothers on the heavenly race.
+
+I.  Husbands and wives should be _mutual_ helps, (see Marriage Service)
+‘for the mutual help and comfort the one of the other.’
+
+  Gen. ii. 18.  1 Pet. iii. 7.  Eph. v. 28, 29.
+
+  Fellow-pilgrims, fellow-sufferers, fellow-travellers they _must be_;
+  but what an unspeakable joy is it when they are also fellow-helpers,
+  fellow-labourers, fellow-heirs, fellow-citizens!
+
+                                * * * * *
+
+    ‘O happy house, where man and wife are one,
+       Thro’ love of Thee, in spirit, heart, and mind;
+    Together joined by holy bands, which none,
+       Not death itself, can sever or unbind;
+    Where both on thee unfailingly depend,
+       In weal and woe, in good and evil days,
+    And hope with Thee eternity to spend;
+       In sweet communion and eternal praise.’
+
+II.  Christian friends.
+
+  2 Cor. i. 24.  Rom. xvi. 3.
+
+  What comfort and _help_ may be derived from the visits, counsels, and
+  sympathy of a Christian neighbour, a kind and devoted district visitor,
+  or minister.
+
+  Especially may Christian friends help each other by _prayer_.  2 Cor.
+  i. 11.  Jam. v. 16, 18.  Matt. xviii. 19.
+
+  How valuable is a Prayer Union, such as we have connected with our
+  Mothers’ Meeting.
+
+III.  But lastly remember that these ‘helps’ are worth nothing unless you
+have _the Lord for your Helper_.  Ps. liv. 4.  Heb. xiii. 6.  Exod.
+xviii. 4.
+
+  He is different to any earthly helper, for He is a Helper at all times,
+  and in all circumstances.
+
+  In trouble.  Ps. xlvi. 1.
+
+  To the widow.  Ps. lxviii. 5.
+
+  To the fatherless.  Ps. x. 14.
+
+  Take, therefore, this short prayer and use it in your daily life,
+  ‘Lord, be _Thou_ my helper.’  Lift up this prayer in the midst of your
+  work—of temptation—of trial, and you will be enabled to add, ‘My heart
+  trusted in Him, and _I am helped_!’  Ps. xxviii. 7.
+
+
+
+
+XXV.  TEACH YOUR CHILDREN.
+
+
+A mother may not have much time for instruction, or be very capable of
+teaching, but she should make it her daily duty to give her children some
+instruction in the Scriptures.  She may know but little herself, but let
+not this discourage her; for in watering others she shall herself be
+watered.  Prov. xi. 25.
+
+I.  Teach, seeking the help of the Holy Spirit.  Isa. liv. 13.  John,
+xvi. 13.  Luke, xii. 12.  Job, xxxvi. 22.  Ps. xciv. 12.
+
+II.  Teach in the spirit of prayer.
+
+  Eph. vi. 18, 19.
+
+  Remembering these words, ‘Without Me ye can do nothing.’  John, xv. 5.
+
+III.  Teach, leaning on the promise.
+
+  Isa. lv. 10, 11.  Eccles. xi. 1, 6.
+
+IV.  Teach, expecting a result.
+
+  Ps. cxxvi. 6.  Prov. xxii. 6.  Gen. xviii. 19.  2 Tim. i. 5; iii. 15.
+
+
+
+
+XXVI.  THE PARTING PLACE, AND THE MEETING PLACE.
+
+
+The following circumstance took place not long after the last meeting.
+Two mothers, who were both present at the Class, about a fortnight after
+met in the Cemetery, sorrowing at their children’s graves.  Each had
+during that interval lost a child, but not having heard of each other’s
+trouble, the meeting was unexpected.
+
+On this occasion the following subject was taken.
+
+I.  The parting place—the child’s death-bed.  This is,
+
+  1.  A parting place.
+
+  All must die alone.  The mother may have watched over her child with
+  untiring care during its years of infancy, the trials of youth, and the
+  snares and cares of riper years, but here they _must part_.  2 Sam.
+  xii. 15, 23.
+
+  2.  A weeping place.  Gen. xxi. 16.
+
+  2 Sam. xii. 21.  Jer. xxxi. 15.
+
+  Mark, v. 38.  Luke, vii. 13.  Not _wrong_, for Jesus wept at the grave
+  of Lazarus.  John, xi. 35.
+
+  3.  A birth place
+
+  To a new and heavenly life.  But not so to _all_.  To _some_, namely,
+  to those who have indeed been born again.  Luke, xvi. 22; and to babes.
+  Isa. xl. 11.
+
+  Contrast David’s sorrow for his infant, (2 Sam. xii. 23) with his
+  sorrow for Absalom, 2 Sam. xix. 4.  To one death was the door of
+  _life_, to the other of _death_.
+
+II.  The meeting place—the judgment-seat.  Rev. xx. 12.  Rom. xiv. 10.
+
+  You cannot avoid it.
+
+  It will be.
+
+  1.  To all a place of recognition.
+
+  The child you led to Christ—the child you led astray.  The child you
+  trained for heaven—the child you trained for hell.  _All_ will be
+  there.
+
+  2.  To many a place of weeping.  Matt. xxv. 30.  Luke, vi. 25.
+
+  3.  To many a place of rejoicing.  Matt. xxv. 34.
+
+  Believing mother!  Your night of weeping will then be over, your
+  morning of joy will dawn, of which the sun will never set!  Ps. xxx. 5.
+
+  Which will it be to you—a meeting-place of joy or sorrow?
+
+  May you and your children be so united in Christ here, that you may
+  both part and meet in peace!
+
+
+
+
+XXVII.  THE MOTHER’S DEATH-BED.
+
+
+On the occasion of the death of a young mother, which took place not long
+after the first meeting in the new year.
+
+I.  How near it may be.  1 Sam. xx. 3.  Job, xxi. 13.
+
+  In the midst of life we are in death.
+
+  We have had a solemn lesson.  Almost the youngest in our class cut down
+  the first.
+
+II.  The hour of death is an hour
+
+1.  Of deep solemnity.
+
+  It is a dark valley.  Ps. xxiii. 4.  Job. x. 21.
+
+2.  Of much regret.
+
+  Conscience awake, looks back on duties undone—things done—words
+  spoken—words unsaid, &c.
+
+3.  Often of great suffering.  Ps. cxvi. 3.
+
+  Not the time to begin to seek the Lord.
+
+4.  Of parting.  Philip, i. 23, 24.
+
+  Must die alone.  Must leave husband and children.  They may go with you
+  to the edge of the river, but no further.
+
+5.  Of weeping.  Gen. xxxv. 18; xxiii. 2.  John, xi. 31.  2 Sam. xix. 4.
+
+6.  It is an hour when Christ, and _Christ alone_, can save you.
+
+  Thus we pray, ‘In the hour of death, and in the day of judgment, Good
+  Lord, deliver us.’
+
+  His rod and staff alone can help you.  Ps. xxiii. 4.
+
+  He alone can take away the sting from death.  1 Cor. xv. 55, 57.  Rom.
+  viii. 38, 39.  Isa. xliii. 2.
+
+  It is only if washed in His blood, and clothed in His righteousness,
+  that you need not fear to appear before God.
+
+
+
+
+XXVIII.  NEW YEAR’S DAY.
+
+
+    ‘I must work the work of Him that sent me while it is day: the night
+    cometh, when no man can work.’—John, ix. 4.
+
+    Time _past_—is gone, thou canst not it recall.
+    Time _is_—thou hast, improve the portion small.
+    Time_ future_—is not, and may never be.
+    Time _present_—is the only time for thee!
+
+Therefore,
+
+I.  _Hear to-day_. (Ps. xcv. 7.)  ‘See that ye refuse not Him that
+speaketh.’
+
+  _Exhort to-day_ your children.  (Heb. iii. 13.)
+
+  _Work to-day_ (John, ix. 4) for your children’s souls.
+
+  Never postpone.  Jam. iv. 13.  2 Cor. vi. 2.
+
+  _Now_ it is high time to wake out of sleep.  Rom. xiii. 11.
+
+II.  Because the _night_ cometh when no man can work.  John, ix. 4.
+
+  The night of _your_ death—your _husband’s_ death—your _children’s_
+  death.
+
+  Perhaps this sentence has gone forth against you, or yours, ‘This year
+  thou shalt die.’  Jer. xxviii. 16.
+
+  Luke, xii. 20; xiii. 7.
+
+                                * * * * *
+
+  Mothers, _awake_! to your own, and your children’s danger.
+
+  _Awake_ to the importance of safety in Christ.
+
+  Mothers, _work_! for yourselves, for your families.
+
+  ‘Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which
+  endureth unto everlasting life.’  John, vi. 27.
+
+
+
+
+XXIX.  FIRST MEETING IN THE YEAR.
+
+
+I.  Look backwards on the past year.
+
+1.  On your _sins_.
+
+  They are many—great—mighty.  You need forgiveness, and Christ is
+  _ready_ to forgive.  Neh. ix. 17.  Make this your prayer for the past
+  year, ‘Lord, pardon mine iniquity, for _it is great_.’  Ps. xxv. 11.
+
+  On your sins towards your _husbands_.  Provocation—temper—carelessness
+  of their comfort—an unyielding spirit.  Again must you say, ‘Pardon
+  mine iniquity, for it is _great_.’
+
+  On your sins towards your _children_.  Neglect—bad
+  example—prayerlessness—cross tempers—hasty slaps.  Again you must say,
+  ‘Pardon mine iniquity, for it is _great_.’
+
+2.  On your _sorrows_.
+
+  Poverty—sickness—death.  Yet your sorrows not so many as your sins.
+  How have you been helped through them!  Have you _profited_?  Heb. xii.
+  10.  God has been teaching you, have you learnt the lesson?
+
+3.  On your mercies.
+
+  You can count your sorrows.  Try and count your mercies, they are more
+  than can be numbered.  Ps. xl. 5.  How undeserved they were!  You have
+  counted your days of sickness—have you those of health?  Your hours of
+  mourning—have you those of joy?  Your children taken—have you counted
+  your children spared? &c., &c.  Were you thankful?  Gen. xxxii. 10.
+
+II.  Look forward on the opening year.
+
+  On what?  Can you tell?
+
+  How uncertain, you know not what will be even on the morrow.  Jam. iv.
+  4.  Prov. xxvii. 1.  Who will be taken?  Whose husband?  Whose child?
+
+  You know not.
+
+  Therefore, ‘be ye also ready, for in such an hour as ye _think not_ the
+  Son of Man cometh.’  Matt. xxiv. 44.
+
+  Can _you_ say, ‘Even so come, Lord Jesus, _come quickly_?’
+
+
+
+
+XXX.  LAST MEETING IN THE YEAR.
+THE CRADLE AND THE GRAVE.
+
+
+God has been speaking to us during the past year.  Two mothers have gone
+to their long home, and ten of our children.  Let us reply, ‘Speak, Lord,
+for thy servant heareth.’  1 Sam. iii. 9.
+
+God speaks to us from the cradle, and the grave.
+
+I.  From the _cradle_, and says,
+
+  1.  ‘Take this child, and nurse it for _me_.’  Exod. ii. 9.
+
+  2.  Pray for it—train it—love it—comfort it.
+
+  3.  He speaks in a voice of _comfort_ from our cradles to our souls, if
+  we are His people.  ‘Mother, can you forget this sucking child?  Yea,
+  you _may_ forget, yet will not I forget you.’  Isa. xlix. 15.
+
+  Again—Do you comfort your babe—do you soothe its fears? do you wipe its
+  tears?  Even so, believing mother, will God comfort you.  Isa. lxvi.
+  13.  Yes, even ‘wipe away all tears from your eyes.’
+
+  Oh! precious voice from the cradle to your soul!
+
+II.  God speaks from the _grave_—and says,
+
+1.  ‘Give an account of thy stewardship, for thou mayst be no longer
+steward.’  Luke, xvi. 2.
+
+2.  ‘Time is short.’
+
+  1 Cor. vii. 29.  1 Pet. iv. 7.
+
+  What a little life—gone as a spark!
+
+  You may die—your children may die—or Christ may come.  Do not say,
+  ‘to-morrow.’  Jam. iv. 13.
+
+3.  ‘Be ye also ready.’
+
+  Matt. xxiv. 44.
+
+4.  Your child shall rise again.
+
+  ‘I am the resurrection and the life.’  John, xi. 25. (See Burial
+  Service.)  Jer. xxxi. 16, 17.
+
+  If both parent and child are in Christ, what a blessed reunion, for He
+  adds, ‘Whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall _never die_!’
+
+  If it should be the Lord’s will during the coming year again to take
+  many of our little ones from their mothers’ arms, and to lay them in
+  His own bosom, may each sorrowing one amongst us be enabled to say in
+  the spirit of true and loving submission, ‘The Lord gave, and the Lord
+  hath taken away; _blessed be the name of the Lord_!’
+
+                                * * * * *
+
+                                 LONDON:
+          Printed by JOHN STRANGEWAYS, Castle St. Leicester Sq.
+
+
+
+
+By the same Author,
+_Short Tracts for Mothers_.
+
+
+No. 1.  Give an Account of thy Stewardship.
+
+2.  Praying Mothers.
+
+3.  In the Morning Sow thy Seed.
+
+4.  Shine as Lights in your Families.
+
+5.  Parental Affection.
+
+6.  Cast thy Burden upon the Lord.
+
+                    THE SIX TRACTS IN A PACKET, 4_d._
+
+
+
+
+By the Rev. E. HOARE,
+
+
+_Vicar of Trinity_, _Tunbridge Wells_, _& Hon. Canon of Canterbury_.
+
+1.  ROME AND TURKEY.
+
+  Lectures in Connection with the Second Advent.  16mo. cloth, 1_s._
+  6_d._; paper, 1_s._
+
+    ‘Short, to the point, clear and forcible.’—_Christian_.
+
+2.  SANCTIFICATION:
+
+  Second Edition, enlarged.
+
+  Square fcap. 8vo. cloth, 2_s._ 6_d._
+
+3.  THE COMMUNION AND COMMUNICANT.
+
+  Fourth Edition, revised and enlarged.
+
+  Fcap. 8vo. sewed, 6_d._
+
+4.  BAPTISM.
+
+  As Taught in the Bible and Prayer-book.
+
+  Sixth Edition.  Fcap. 8vo. sewed, 4_d._
+
+5.  INSPIRATION: its Nature and Extent.
+
+  Sewed, 6_d._
+
+6.  SERMONS FOR THE DAY.
+
+  Fcap. 8vo. sewed, 6_d._
+
+                                * * * * *
+
+                    HATCHARDS, 187 PICCADILLY, LONDON.
+               H. COLBRAN, Calverley Road, Tunbridge Wells.
+
+
+
+
+***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE CHRISTIAN MOTHER***
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