We have a different economy in the nation now, and individual charity is dispensed in a different way. But one might be led to wonder if always it is dispensed in a better way, so far as preserving spiritual values are concerned. This applies as much to those who give as to those who receive. Certainly the old home as we knew it, in what is now that far-off day, is a richer and more inspiring memory because of the loaf that was shared with those in greater need. And who knows, so far as the fortunes of the family are concerned, if it does not prove the truth of the proverb, that bread cast upon the water will return again, and in many ways, to make life richer and fuller, and even more secure than it otherwise might have been. But this part of the narrative would not be complete if we did not state that the home as it exists today is still being made richer in life and blessing by the presence of a near kinswoman, Anabel Murdock, one of Mother’s nieces, representing a family with whom our family has been closely associated through the years. The home is also blessed by the presence of Mr. Shoemaker, a retired farmer and neighbor, who at the death of his wife a dozen or more years ago, was invited by Clayton and Edith to cpme and make a visit at the farm. He has remained as a member of t|re family, and now over 80, with eyes undimmed and strength unabated, continues to make his contribution to the family welfare. What about the future? What about this family whose history we have charted in part at least for the last century and a quarter? Will its history continue to be the same? Who can say? New occasions teach new duties, and time makes ancient good uncouth. Certainly the social habits of the family must necessarily change, at least in its open-handed hospitality. Such hospitality is no longer needed, and help is no longer available to prepare it. But there is a part of this history which should not change. From what we have learned from this study it is one thing which must be held at all costs—its religious emphasis, and especially the maintenance of the family altar. No, James MacMillan did not make a mistake when he brought Martha Elizabeth Murdock to the home. True there were some things which they didn’t know were going to happen to them. They didn’t know the hard times that would come knocking at the door; neither did Mother dream that she was 42
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTM4ODY=