The Last of Earth by T. DeWitt Talmage

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Apr 30, 1908

The Last of Earth

By T. DeWitt Talmage

God bless all the aged women up and down the land! What a happy thing for Pomponius Atticus to say, when making the funeral address of his mother: “Though I have resided with her sixty-seven years, I was never once reconciled to her, because there never happened the least discord between us, and consequently, there was no need of reconciliation.” Make it as easy for the old folks as you can. When they are sick, get for them the best doctors. Give them your arm when the streets are slippery. Stay with them all the time you can. Go home and see the old folks if you are away from them. Find the place for them in the hymn-book. Never be ashamed if they prefer styles of apparel a little antiquated. Never say anything that implies that they are in the way. Make the road for the last mile as smooth as you can. O, you will miss her when she is gone! I would give the house over my head to see my mother. I have so many things I would like to tell her, things that have happened in these many years since she fell asleep. Morning, noon, and night let us thank God for the good influences that have come down from good mothers all the way back.

Don't forget your mother; don't forget your grandmother. And hand down to others this patrimony of blessing. Pass along the coronets. Make religion an heirloom from generation to generation. Let the mothers of America consecrate themselves to God, and they will help consecrate all the ages following. Do not dwell so much on your hardships that you miss your chance of wielding an influence that shall look down upon you from the towers of an endless future.— T. DeWitt Talmage.