The Young Lady's Counsellor by Daniel Wise

70 THE YOUNG LADY'S COUNSELLv)R.
Again : you breathe a sweet song into the air. It
falls, you know not, think not, where ; but long, long
afterwards, you may find it in the heart of a friend !
It is thus with influence, for good or evil. Its consequences
are often hidden from the eye for many
years, iviany of them — j)erhaps the most — vvill remain
thus secret until the day which will discover
to a universe the thing? that were done in public or
m private life.
Picture to your mind n young mother, with her little
boy scarce seven years old. She lifts him from his
couch in the morning, and with mild words bids
him
kneel and say his infant prayers. Obediently he
drops upon his knees. With upraised hands, closed
eyes, and gentle voice, he sends up his oft-repeated
petition. Presently he is silent. Then, with her
hands softly resting upon his head, a voice of touching
melody, and a heart overflowing with true maternal
love, she breathes a holy prayer for her child.
Sweet is the air of that chamber; delightful the
emotions of that little bosom ; and pure is the love
with which he embraces his devoted mother, when