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Sometimes, her eye was fixed so intently on that golden horizon, and she became so eager to make progress thither, that the little ones, missing her care, did languish or stray. Then it was that the angel over the left shoulder,lifted his golden pen, and made the entry, and followed her with sorrowful eyes, until he could blot it out. Sometimes, she seemed to advance rapidly, but in her haste the little ones had fallen
back, and it was the sorrowing angel who recorded her progress. Sometimes, so intent was she to gird up her loins, and have her lamp trimmed and burning, that the little children wandered away quite into forbidden paths, and it was the angel over the left shoulderwho recorded her diligence.

Now the observer as she looked, felt that this was a faithful and true record, and was to be kept to that journey’s end. The strong clasps of gold on those golden books, also impressed her with the conviction that, when they were closed, it would only be for a future opening.

Her sympathies were warmly enlisted for the gentle traveller, and with a beating heart she quickened her steps that she might overtake her. She wished to tell her of the angels keeping watch above her–to entreat her to be faithful and patient to the end–for her life’s work was all written down–every item of it–and the resultswould be known when those golden books should be unclasped. She wished to beg of her to think no duty trivial which must be done, for over her right shoulder and over her left were recording angels, who would surely take note of all!

Eager to warn the traveller of what she had seen, she touched her. The traveller turned, and she recognized or seemed to recognize herself. Startled and alarmed, she awoke in tears. The gray light of morning struggled through the half-open shutter, the door ajar, and merry faces were peeping in.

“Wish you a happy new year, mamma!”–“Wish you a Happy new Year!–“A happy noo ear!”

She returned the merry greeting most heartily. It seemed to her as if she had entered upon a new existence. She had found her way through the thicket in which she had been entangled, and a light was now about her path. The Angel over the Right Shoulderwhom she had seen in her dream, would bind up in his golden book her life’s work, if it were but well done. He required of her no great deeds, but faithfulness and patience to the end of the race which was set before her. Now she could see, plainly enough, that, though it was right and important for her to cultivate her own mind and heart, it was equally right and equally important, to meet and perform faithfully all those little household cares and duties on which the comfort and virtue of her family depended; for into these things the angels carefully looked–and these duties and cares acquired a dignity from the strokes of that golden pen–they could not be neglected without danger.

Sad thoughts and sadder misgivings–undefined yearnings and ungratified longings seemed to have taken their flight with the Old Year, and it was with fresh resolution and cheerful hope, and a happy heart, she welcomed the GladNew Year. The Angel over the Right Shoulderwould go with her, and if she were found faithful, would strengthen and comfort her to its close.