CHAP. IV.
A little while between their hearts
The shadowy gulph must lie;
Yet have they for their communings,
Still, still Eternity.
The following extracts from letters written soon after their sad bereavement, will shew that while Mr. and Mrs. F. keenly felt as parents, they also suffered as Christians. The first is from a highly esteemed member of the family circle.
December 12, 1838.
My very dear Miss F.
* * * * Mr. and Mrs. F. have charged me to tell you how graciously the Lord has supported them thus far: and we must not distrust, although many a bitter pang awaits us all in days to come. When we took the last farewell of our dear, dear Mary, it was a heart-breaking scene. We knelt around the lovely clay of our hearts' treasure, and it was long before the solemn silence was broken. So far Mr. and Mrs. F. are wonderfully supported; and while, as fond parents, their hearts bleed, they can and do say, " Good is the will of the Lord." But years cannot heal the wound, for she was just like a lovely bud, bursting into beauty, and becoming the endeared companion of her mother.
FROM MRS. FISHWICK TO HER SISTER-IN-LAW, MRS. HOPWOOD.
Springfield, March 12th, 1839.
My very dear Sister,
Well knowing the kindness and affection with which you ever
regarded our beloved Mary, I feel pleasure in offering the enclosed memorial
for your acceptance, believing that it will afford you a mournful gratification,
thus to remember one, who always cherished feelings of warm and grateful attachment
to you and her dear uncle Hopwood. We are all much better now than we were a
few weeks ago. I am thankful that deeply as we feel our loss, we are yet supported
under the trial, and prove that we have strength given according to our day.
March 15 1839
My dear Miss F.,
* * * * Oh, how cheering the thought, that now our beloved Mary feeds on heavenly manna, and knows neither want nor satiety, being fully and for ever satisfied. I find her loved remembrance associated with everything around me. In the returning beauties and enjoyments of the spring, she is constantly in my mind, as she was associated with all my ideas of enjoyment; yet I am thankful I am enabled to look upon her gain as well as our loss; and to feel that what the Lord does, is well done. Still sometimes unbelief whispers, that if this or the other means had been tried, she might have been spared to us, and the thought is painful; however, as regards her, all is well; and with. respect to us, is designed for good, if we, only endeavour to reap the intended advantage.
TO HER NIECE, MISS FISHWICK.
March 20, 1839.
My very dear Betsy,
I am not sure whether or no you may have received a parcel I sent from Liverpool, containing two small writing desks, for sister Sarah and yourself, with a work box for sister Anne. If they have not yet arrived, I expect it will not be long before you receive them. I hope you may find them useful, and I trust they may sometimes serve to recall to your remembrance, the affectionate, regard and serious advice of your dear departed cousin; who felt a warm interest in you all, and cherished an earnest wish that you might tread ill the footsteps of your sainted mother, whom she ever remembered with grateful affection; and, ill her last hours, she delighted to think she would be ready to welcome her to those regions,
Where death shall till be done away,
And bodies part no more.
Your dear cousin remembered her Creator in the days of her youth, being convinced, when very young, that she had an evil, corrupt heart, which frequently caused her to grieve God, by sinning against Him; and knowing front the Word of truth, that till her heart was changed and renewed by divine grace, she could never be acceptable in the sight of “Him, who is of purer eyes than to behold evil," she earnestly sought inward, heartfelt religion, and rested not until she was assured that, for Jesus' sake, all her sins were forgiven. The reality of the change. then wrought, was evidenced by a life of cheerful piety and active benevolence, and by the calm and holy triumph with which she was enabled to meet the “final foe," and joyfully to testify that to her “to die was gain” May you, my dear Betsy, and your dear sisters, prove, as she did, the pleasure and happiness true religion can afford in life, and the consolation it can yield in death; so that finally you may be received by those who are gone before, and are waiting your arrival in that better land, where sorrow can never enter.
If we are all spared till summer, I hope your clear father will allow you to visit us, and we will do what we can to make you comfortable and happy. We have been obliged. by aunt Kay's kindly staying with us a little while, for the great loss we have sustained makes us feel lonely.
With kind love to my dear Sarah and Anne, in which uncle and cousin Crane join, as well as in the same. expressions of regard to yourself, believe me, my dear Betsy,
Your affectionate Aunt,
TO MISS F.
My very dear friend,
* * * * You ask particulars respecting our missionary
meeting at Garstang. * * * *
It was a time altogether of deep feeling and painful recollection. My thoughts
were more with the departed than the present; but I am thankful that much as
I feel., I can pretty generally avoid the appearance of it; and, for my husband's
sake especially, I am glad that this is the case. Still I feel more than I can
ever express: daily and hourly do I miss her loved society and cheering countenance.
But again, I remember I have much to be thankful for; and, as my mother used
to say, when I am disposed to be low, I find it good to look at my mercies:
there must be some “crook in the lot."
Many a time have I looked round for the last two years, and thought my cup of earthly bliss was too full for continuance. O, my dear friend, pray that this dispensation may be sanctified.
We talked with Mr. —— about the memoir; he appears quite interested in the thing, as he says, from what he has heard of Mary, he thinks it would be useful, and this is all that we wish.
TO THE SAME.
April, 1839.
* * * I have been in Liverpool this week. Mr. F. had business, and though I feared the journey, I did not like to miss the opportunity of going with him. We found my aunt Emett, almost as feeble as we could think it possible for her to be; evidently sinking, but so gradually that it is only by looking back a week or two that any change can be perceived. When she was first told of our dear Mary's sudden removal, she feebly but significantly articulated, “It is well: she is taken from the evil to come." Her speech is now so affected as to be almost unintelligible; she is wholly confined to bed, and life is indeed a burden to her. All the sign of recognition she gives, is an earnest look, and a cordial squeeze of the hand. Lydia can occasionally understand what she says, but it is more by knowing what she may want, than by any intelligible words. O, that we may be ready when our summons comes.
____________________
Ere this month closed, the summons was given to this aged saint, and she escaped from the burden of the feeble flesh, to the home of the Redeemer.
The following interesting sketch of her life's closing hours,
is given in a letter from Miss P.
April 26, 1839
My dear Miss F,
I am uncertain whether you will have heard that dear Mrs. Emett is no longer a sojourner in this vale of tears. She continued gradually and almost imperceptibly to sink, until Wednesday, the 18th, when about one, P.M. she peacefully closed her eyes on earth, to open them on the glorious splendours of the new Jerusalem. On Tuesday evening, her speech so far returned that she distinctly exclainied, in reply to a friend who was speaking to her about Jesus, "He is with me now! yes, I have Him now." A little before she died, she appeared to be holding communion with happy departed spirits, and pointing to different parts of the room called out, “My husband, my husband!"
Thus has our God graciously taken his dear and honoured
saint to himself. I have, thought much of the joyful meeting there would be,
as she carne up triumphant from the swellings of Jordan.
Surely it seems sometimes as if
A convoy attends
A ministering host of invisible friends.
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In June, Mr. and Mrs. Fishwick paid a short visit to Mrs. F.'s relatives in the north. The following extracts are front letters written by Mrs. F. during this tour.
June 15th, 1839.
My very dear friend,
We set out by coach from the Hollins, and had a very pleasant and comfortable journey through a beautiful country, some parts of which much reminded me of Welsh scenery. We arrived a little before six at the Railway station, half a mile beyond Carlisle, where a very handsome hotel is built. After tea we visited the city; went through the principal streets, saw the exterior of the Castle, Cathedral, Courts, &c., and the interior of the County Jail, capable of containing 200 prisoners, but at present has only 80, nine of whom are debtors. Next morning, at nine A. M., we left by rail for Dilston, where we arrived safely before eleven, and were kindly met by my cousin Grey at the station, a short mile from the hall. The scenery through which we passed is rich, varied, and highly interesting. Four times we passed and repassed the river Tyne in as many miles. Its windings are beautiful. Dilston House is in one of the loveliest situations we could imagine. Standing almost on the verge of a rock, on one side a small river rolling at its base; on the other, the ruins of an old castle, formerly the property of the unfortunate Earl of Derwentwater, a fine vale in front, and at the back a park and splendid mansion, from every window the eye may rest on something to please or charm it. As to wood, water, and extensive prospects, it is one of the pleasantest places I have ever visited. Mr. G. was also at home, which. made it still more agreeable to Mr. F. We met with a most kind reception, and so far have greatly enjoyed the excursion.
19, Duke street, Edinburgh,
June 22, 1839.
We arrived here safely last evening about nine o'clock,
and met with a very friendly greeting from my cousin Atkin, who met the coach
for us. Our visit to Dilston was really a great treat; my cousin pressed us
very much to stay over Sunday, but as we had fixed to spend that day in Alnwick,
we left by train on Saturday morning for Newcastle. We visited the old orphan
house there, and saw Mr. Wesley's study. The Museum, the new Central Exchange,
a very fine building, to be opened on Monday; also many of the handsome new
streets, which are in building on the Edinburgh plan.
We were kindly welcomed and accompanied by Mrs. Morrison, the eldest daughter
of cousin Grey. We dined with her, and left for Alnwick at four o'clock, where
we were again kindly met by an old servant of my dear mother, a true Northumbrian
of the old school. To us her speech was not a little amusing, but it was not
good to understand. We were very comfortable with my cousin Smith, and have
seen more than I can particularize at present. Alnwick Castle is a fine old
place, and kept in excellent order. The rooms are splendid, and the grounds,
the woods, and park, all beautiful and stately.
We also visited Howick Hall, the seat of Earl Grey; a fine
modern building, with extensive grounds and gardens. Some of the paintings here
are very striking. We were greatly pleased likewise, with an excursion to Warkworth
Castle, and the Hermitage, of which you have read, and also Alnemouth.
We were kept very busy while here. A many old friends of those who are gone,
shewed us no small kindness. One very old person spoke most warmly of the good
received through my dear father's preaching there once. They have a very good
chapel, the foundation stone of which was laid by Mr. Wesley. It is a much better
town, and finer and richer neighbourhood than I thought it was. We left yesterday
morning, by coach, for this place (85 miles); we arrived safely, but sadly tired
and wearied. It was the first wet day we have had, and being very misty, it
spoiled our prospects, as we came through what is called the garden of Scotland.
Edinburgh is grand, very grand; but we have not seen much as yet. We have a delightful situation here, in the new town, with cousin A. Our journey has been one of mercy hitherto, and we have greatly enjoyed it. I hope when I see you to tell you a good deal more about it. Often has the thought arisen, how Mary would have been delighted with the scenes we have passed through; and at times I could not help feeling the loss keenly. But it is well with her.
Believe me ever yours very affectionately,
A. E. F.
------------------
From this excursion, Mrs. Fishwick returned to prepare for another scene of important and self-denying duty.
This was the centenary year since the commencement of Wesleyan Methodism. Its Conference, to be held in Liverpool, was now approaching. Mr. and Mrs. F. had generously determined to keep open the house of their late worthy relative there, Mrs. Emett, that they might attend themselves, and also accommodate some of their esteemed friends, the ministers who were expected to be present. Many of the seniors among these, whoso lodgings were at some distance from the Conference chapel, found daily rest and refreshment round their hospitable table; and other friends, who were kindly invited to join them, felt at times in that hallowed circle, something of “the communion of saints."
Mrs. F.'s retiring disposition, and her late bereavement, had caused her to shrink from the prospect of these daily onerous duties, but she went through them nobly. “The calm retreat, the silent shade," were far more congenial to her tastes and habits; but while attending to the messengers of the churches, for the sake of their Master, and in His spirit, she found a present reward.
She was much interested with many of the devotional services in the chapels, particularly with what was called the Centenary sermon, by the Rev. Thos. Jackson.
She still deeply felt the loss of her beloved Mary, yet constantly tried to hide the wound, for the sake of those around her, and to cultivate a spirit of thankfulness and cheerfulness. She was always ready to carry out the wishes, and promote the enjoyment of her friends, in visiting the public buildings and places of interest in Liverpool. Her motto, in reference to these things, was —
I would not to this world be blind, deaf, dumb,
Yet see, admire, love most, the world to come.
Walking up Bold-street one day with a friend, and admiring many things as they passed along, she suddenly remarked, “How many things there are which I do not want: what a mercy it is I have all I need." Those who best knew her simple tastes, well understood how little, comparatively, she needed to satisfy them.
A few more extracts from Mrs. F.'s correspondence will close this eventful year,
and delineate the unabated ardour with which she entered into the cause and
interests of her Redeemer.
TO MISS F.
Springfield, August 30, 1839.
My very dear friend,
We arrived here last week, and were all, I assure you, very thankful to breathe a purer atmosphere, and get out of the bustle, and dust, and turmoil of Liverpool. I have never felt home more calm and peaceful: but oh, amid all, how my heart yearns sometimes for our beloved Mary!
You know we were expecting Mr. Archbell for our missionary services here, last Sunday and Monday; but were disappointed, in consequence of a vessel sailing for Africa earlier than was expected, and which it was desirable he should go by. Mr. Dernaley, however, supplied his place on the Sunday, and there was a very good feeling. We had a most excellent meeting — all spoke well. My brother Fishwick, who preceded the collection, gave a most telling address. There was a sweet and hallowed feeling. O how Mary would have rejoiced over it; but she has higher joys; and I feel increasingly thankful to know that she is saved for ever. Oh, that thought is such a sweet solace to my mind, whenever I am disposed to mourn her loss.
TO THE SAME.
Springfield, Nov. 1, 1839.
* * * Our Centenary services have been of a very interesting character: the best of all is, that God has been with us, and caused the hearts of his people to rejoice. The mill was stopped on Friday, the 25th, at noon; at two, P. M., we had a prayer meeting. A chastened hallowed feeling seemed to rest on all present. While in prayer, we reviewed the way the Lord had led us, as individuals, and. as a people, and each seemed ready to exclaim, —Not one of all the good things which the Lord had spoken concerning us had failed. The scenes of the past year flitted again and again over my mind, and I thought of that countless multitude before the throne, who were adoring the same Saviour, and extolling the same grace.
After the prayer-meeting, the whole of the society took tea in the school-room, and then Mr. F. gave an interesting sketch of the introduction of Methodism into Scorton, and of its effects on his own heart.
On the following Sunday, we had a very full attendance at
the school. Montgomery's centenary hymn was sung with a feeling that will never
be forgotten. After prayer, Mr. F. addressed the children, giving them an account
of the rise and spread of Methodism, its general influence, and what, under
God, they each owed to it. He made a touching and powerful appeal to their hearts
and consciences; urging the claims of God upon them. Many wept, and a holy influence
seemed to rest upon all.
Afterwards, when the smaller centenary volume was presented to each teacher,
and a medal to each child, it was gratifying to see so many happy faces as,
our school presented.
TO THE SAME.
November 15, 1839.
I owe you many many thanks for your very kind letter, &c. The return of my birthday brought with it painfully mingled feelings; indeed almost every day now reminds us of some circumstances with which she was connected, who shall gladden our eyes on earth no more. But oh, when I recollect that she is “eternally saved," it seems so to console and comfort my mind, that I can only wait and hope for a reunion where parting is unknown.
TO THE SAME.
December 13, 1839.
* * * * Mr. F. is at present at Long Holme, in consequence, I am sorry to say, of brother Fishwick's continued and serious indisposition. Last week, we hoped he was coming nicely round again, but since then, our worst fears have been excited, and he has had further medical advice. I do sincerely hope that he may be restored. His life seems very valuable to many, besides his own family; and he will have many a heartfelt prayer offered up for his recovery. O, may they be effectual; and may he come out of this furnace prepared for greater usefulness, and long be spared to be a blessing in the church and the world, as well as in the domestic circle.
______________
A few days after this, Mrs. F. accompanied her husband to Long Holme. It was a time of great anxiety to all the family, for their beloved and honoured brother was apparently on the brink of the grave.
Deep sympathy was felt throughout the neighbourhood. It was remarked by one well calculated to judge, that if the prayers of saints could detain Mr. W. F. on earth, he must be given back to them again: such was the interest excited on his behalf, at Long Holme, Burnley, Colne, and other places. But the Great Master whom he loved to serve, had now sent for him, to come up higher. “Where I am, there shall also my servants be." Early in the morning of the 26th December, he was permitted to put on the robes of immortality.
All connected with him felt that a “prince" in the
realm of mind, and a great man in Israel, had been taken from amongst them.
It was a mysterious dispensation of providence, when he was removed, in the
midst of his days, and in the zenith of extensive influence and usefulness.
Mr. and Mrs. F. were, at his particular request, among the watchers over his
departing hours; and to their care, along with other relatives, the dying parent
trustingly commended his three orphan girls. His wishes were religiously fulfilled,
and upon the marriage of their aunt, these orphans were taken as their own by
Mr. and Mrs. Fishwick to their own home, and to their hearts' best affections.
Mrs. F. deeply felt the responsibility of such a charge, but she willingly undertook, and faithfully attended to it, though at that time her own health and vigour were already on the decline. She shrank not nor faltered in what she believed to be the path of duty.
It was little more than a year since the tomb had been opened to receive the lovely and youthful form of Mary Fishwick. Her noble and beloved uncle William was now laid by her side. The following letter from Mrs. F. gives an account of the mournful procession, and of her own feelings when she again looked into that silent vault.
TO Miss F.
Long Holme, January 4, 1840.
Your kind and sympathizing letter was indeed truly welcome, and seemed like a reviving cordial to our minds. * * * It is comforting in the midst of sorrow, to know that we are remembered by those we love; and especially to feel assured that we are interested in the prayers of those who have power with God. This privilege we have been favoured with, and have felt the benefit arising from it in no ordinary degree. I am thankful to say, we have all been supported in a way my unbelieving heart did not anticipate. Truly the Lord is good to all who put their trust in Him. My dear George is greatly and sensibly supported under what seemed at first an overwhelming stroke; but with him it will be a constantly recurring, as well as an irreparable loss. The Lord, who has hitherto been his helper, will, I trust, still be his refuge and strength.
Thursday was, indeed, a distressing day; and yet mingled with much mercy. Our dear brother was followed to the grave, not merely by his deeply sorrowing relatives, but by such a multitude of mourning friends as seldom assemble on such an occasion. When we approached Burnley, in addition to those who were invited from thence, we were joined q quarter of a mile from the town by the local preachers, stewards, and leaders of that society, with the principal friends, to the number of 80 or 100, who followed two and two in the line of procession. As we drew near the churchyard, the crowd was so dense that both out and inside you might have walked upon their heads: yet all behaved in the most respectful manner, and many evidenced that they were not mere spectators of the solemn scene. You may perhaps be aware that he was interred in the new vault; and though you may think I have a strangely constituted mind to feel as I did, yet, after I found I could see into the vault, and behold what contained the earthly remains of our dear departed Mary, my mind was so cheered and raised to where they now together dwell,
In joy and light ineffable,
that the sight, so far from being a melancholy one, was a comfort and consolation to me.
Mr. Booth is to improve the solemn event either on the 12th or 19th inst. The Lord grant the dew of His blessing to rest upon the congregation. How uncertain are all our plans and projects. I had quite hoped to have been now enjoying myself in the company of my dear friends at S——, but that pleasure must be postponed for a time.
The following are extracts from letters written to Miss P.
Long Holme, December 30, 1839.
I received your kind and sympathetic letters, and in m heart I thank you for all your kindness. Knowing you will be anxious to hear from us, I sit down to write a line. I am thankful to say that every individual here seems better than I could have expected. I trust I feel truly thankful to see my dear George so supported. I feared at first he would be quite overwhelmed; but oh! what a blessing it is, that Christianity gives a hope beyond the grave a bright and blooming hope of reunion with those we have loved; and that amid all the trials and perplexities of life, we still have the satisfaction of knowing that it is but for a little while, and then the cares and turmoils of these things will be over for ever!
I do not know what I said in my last letter; but the clear and decided testimony my dear brother gave, is a great comfort to us all; for though no one who knew him but would feel assured of his preparation for such a change; yet, to know that lie was conscious of his circumstances, and that he met his final enemy without being harassed with a doubt or fear, is indeed a comforting reflection to his sorrowing friends; and his dying remarks may in future years prove a spirit stirring recollection to the dear children. May this painful bereavement be sanctified to them, and to us all! * * *
Your very affectionate but sorrowing friend.
Long Holme, January 2, 1840.
After the excitement, sorrow, and bustle of the day is over, I sit down to write a line to my own dear friend — and what shall I say? The Lord has graciously supported us through all; and much as I felt the parting — the last sad parting, with all that was mortal of our much loved brother, yet you know not what a melancholy, as well as unexpected pleasure it was to me, to behold once more that which contained the earthly remains of our beloved Mary. The coffin was so fresh, it might not have laid there a month.
But I know you will wish to have some particulars of our sorrowful day. All was arranged the night before, so there was no hurry. A little before ten, Mr. and Mrs. Holgate and Mr. and Mrs. Hopwood arrived. Both my sisters were overwhelmed with sorrow; so much so, that I was afraid of their seeing Mrs. Stead or George. However, before we left, they were able to control their feelings rather more. Mr. and Mrs. H. Fishwick and Mr. J. R. Kay, Mrs. Kay, sen., and Mr. Hardman arrived in due time.
The service was beautifully and impressively read by the
Rev. R. Master, and it was truly “in sure and certain hope of a glorious resurrection,"
that we left two such lovely ones, till the morning of reunion.
On Sunday we purpose attending the church at Burnley, and dining at Brown Hill.
Long Holme, January 13, 1840.
My dearest Jane,
How shall I thank you for this additional token of your kind remembrance, sent by Crane. You know that I can feel obligation much better than I can express it, and on this occasion I really know not how suitably to thank you. Crane got well here; his cousins went to meet him. The letter he brought w as from cousin Grey, giving an account of the death of her little grandson, Johnny Morison. He was the most intelligent child I ever saw at his age; and had I believed the old wives' tale, which sends all the best and wisest children to heaven at a very early age, I should have thought him too remarkable to live. He had been on a visit to Dilston, and his grandmamma took him home. Two days after, he was taken ill, and in less than a fortnight he left this world of woe and weeping. O how I feel for his dear young mother! May it be sanctified to her and the family.
With love to all your dear friends, ever yours.
Springfield, February 4, 1840.
I owe you many thanks for your kind letter, received to-day. I assure you we shall be most happy to see you back again. I am ready to say “it is not home without thee!" * * * I have thought much to-day of your first coming here: how little did I then know that you were to supply to me the place of my much-loved Mary, or that you were to be one instrument in preparing her for such an early and glorious rest. * * *
With every wish that affection can frame for your present and future happiness, believe me, your most faithfully attached friend,
ANNE ELIZA.
--------------------
The following letter seems to have been addressed soon after the death of Mr. W. F. to her beloved niece, Miss R, the daughter of her late esteemed brother-in-law.
Wednesday evening.
My very dear Betsy,
Along with this I have sent some American apples for you and your dear sisters, which I hope you will enjoy. Your uncle and I were both much pleased with the letter you wrote to your aunt Kay: we were glad to see you had taken pains with the writing, and I hope you will. always continue to do so in every thing, and then you will give pleasure to all your kind friends, as well as fulfil the fondest hopes which your dear lamented father and mother cherished with regard to you all. You have been privileged as few children have been in possessing such excellent parents; and though they have been so early called to their reward, yet, as it respects your beloved father, it has not been before you have been able in some degree to appreciate his excellencies. I trust the respect shown to his memory will make an indelible impression upon your mind, and lead you to seek the same steady and unwavering piety and benevolence of character, which rendered him so respected in life, and so honoured in death. Ever remember, my dearest Betsy, what threw the brightest charm over his character, was his humility. With all his natural and acquired excellencies, had it appeared that he valued himself on that account, it would have tarnished the lustre of all his actions: but he was ever ready to esteem others more than himself, and to recollect that any endowment he possessed, only laid him under additional obligation to improve it to the glory of God.
I have written in haste, and with so many interruptions, and so bad a pen, that I fear you will scarcely be able to read what I have written. With best and kindest love to yourself and dear sisters, in which your uncle and cousin join, I remain, my dear Betsy, your ever affectionate aunt.
TO THE MISSES FISHWICK,
Springfield, 1840.
I begin to fear you will think I have almost forgotten you, it seems so long since any communication passed betwixt us; but I assure you this is far from being the case. I often, very often think of you all, and esteem it a privilege to remember you where I know you consider remembrance most valuable; for you have been early taught the efficacy of prayer, and blessed with hearing the fervent supplications of one, who as a prince had power to plead with God, and to prevail; and still you are favoured with many dear relatives and friends, who intercede at the footstool of mercy on your behalf; but ever recollect, my dear girls, that in order to derive benefit from the prayers of others, you must yourselves be in earnest at the throne of grace. The lines your lamented father wrote in your dear cousin Mary's album are very pretty, and as applicable in your case as in hers:
Full oft before a throne of grace,
Has prayer parental sighed for thee;
Go then to that inviting place,
Thou wilt not there a stranger be
And daily plead before thy God,
Parental prayer through Jesu's blood."
Perhaps you were aware that a portrait of your lamented cousin was in preparation for your beloved father, at the time when Providence saw fit to summon him to rejoin her in that land of blessedness, for which he had so long been preparing. Believing that as it was designed for him, you will feel pleasure in possessing it, it has this week been sent to Long Holme, and your uncle and I beg your acceptance of it, as a token of our love. I hope it will arrive safely, and serve to remind you of one whose industry, humility and zeal, are deserving of your imitation.
I suppose your holidays will be here soon. We have nothing to interest you at this season of the year, or we should have quite hoped that your aunt Kay would have allowed you to visit us before your return to school. Should we be all spared till longer days and warmer weather, I hope we shall be able to render a visit pleasant to you, and we shall look forward to the time with pleasing anticipation. Your uncle, cousin, and Miss P. all beg to be very kindly remembered to you all, and with much love to each of you, believe me, my very clear nieces,
Your affectionate aunt.
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