Preface

1 SUCH as we are in word by letters when we are absent, such will we be also in deed when we are present’ (2 Cor. x. n). So, only those who saw St. Paul could verify his touchstone of deeds not words. And so with the beloved sister, whose letters are now unveiled j only those who saw her, could rightly estimate how truly her deeds of loving faithful labour for her Master were as golden seals to her words. Even these letters do not fully reveal all the wonderful submission of her home-life, or how the hand that takes the crown, may first be pierced with many a thorn.

It should be borne in mind that these letters were written chiefly to near and dear relatives and friends, who she knew would sympathize in the details of her service for the King.

Especial thanks are due to our eldest sister, J. Miriam Crane, for her valuable help in suggesting and revising.

Much gratitude is felt to those correspondents who now share their treasures with the ever-widening circle of F. R. H.’s readers. Attention has been given to their wishes in printing initials or names.

Her letters from Switzerland are not included, being already printed in Swiss Letters.

Frequent reference will be found to F. R. H.’s laborious editing of Havergal’s Psalmody, containing her own and her father’s tunes, which are now combined in one volume with the Rev. C. B. Snepp’s selection of hymns, viz. The New Musical Edition of Songs of Grace and Glory (Nisbet & Co).

May these * Letters ’ cheer and guide some —

‘Footsteps weak and weaiy
Through the desert dreary
Through the valley of the night.’

Again her words may be quoted —

‘Ye read her story,

Take home the lesson with a spirit smile:
Darkness and mystery a little while,
Then — light and glory,
And ministry mid saint and seraph hand
And service of high praise in the Eternal Land.’

This closing record of the loved and loving one is laid at her Master’s glorious feet, praying that interwoven with her life-story, His praise and glory may shine forth.

MARIA V. G. HAVERGAL.

August 1885.