YOUR MOTHER by M. S. Avery

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jun 30, 1868

YOUR MOTHER.

By M. S. Avery

Who cared for you, for you, my child, When you were thoughtless, young, and wild, Reproving with a voice so mild? Your mother.

Who watched you when you lay so low, With fever burning on your brow, And loved you tenderly till now? Your mother.

Who tried with all her power to win Her wayward child from death and sin, The Christian faith to follow in? Your mother.

And who so ready to forgive Your deeds amiss, and still believe That you'll grow better while you live, As mother?

Oh! will you try to wiser grow, And do much good to all below? For this will well repay, you know, Your mother.

Then listen to her loving voice, And wisdom make your early choice, By doing which, will e'er rejoice Your mother.

She loves to see obedience, too, A loving, tender heart, and true, All of which is most justly due Your mother.

As childhood's day is passing by, She's growing old, and dim her eye Soon in the grave perhaps will lie, Your mother.

Then never let her once detect In you, a cruel, cold neglect, Or want of gentle, sweet respect For mother.

Oh! soothe her cares, make light her load, While journeying o'er life's weary road, Then ask the blessing of your God For mother.

And when at last, her bed is made, Low in the dark and solemn shade, And when the long farewell is said To mother,

Then may your heart be free from pain, Her lessons given, may you retain, And the sweet hope to meet again Your mother.

M. S. AVERY.

Locke, March 7, 1868.