A MOTHER'S BIBLE.
Reading edition
A pathetic incident occurred some years ago in connection with one of our wars abroad. A youth who had been wounded, and who died in the field hospital, clutched in his last hours an old worn copy of the Bible, on the flyleaf of which were inscribed these touching lines:—
TO MY BOY.
Remember, love, who gave you this, When other days shall come, When she who had thy earliest kiss Sleeps in her narrow home. Remember! 'twas a mother gave The gift to one she'd die to save. A mother sought a pledge of love, The holiest, for her son; And from the gift of God above She chose a godly one— She chose for her beloved boy The source of light and life and joy. And bade him keep the gift, that when The parting hour should come They might have hope, and meet again In an eternal home: She said his faith in that should be Sweet incense to her memory. And should the scoffer in his pride Laugh his fond faith to scorn, And bid him cast the pledge aside Which he from youth had borne— She bade him pause and ask his breast If he or she had loved him best. A mother's blessing on her son Goes with this holy thing, The love that would retain the one Must to the other cling. Remember! 'tis no idle toy, Thy mother's gift! Remember, boy!
