1879
New Year’s sunshine — Journal of mercies — (Fucsimile of Bible pages) — Prayer and intercessions — ‘ Work, if the Lord will” — London — His law a delight — Prospering — ‘‘ Loving all Along” — ‘‘Bruey” success — Irish plans — Temperance work — The oldest friend’s visit — ‘‘Can I go to India?”
—Last Y. W. C, A. address — ‘‘ Little Nony” — Last letters — Costly stones — The last ‘‘ Sunday crumb” card.
“AND so the years flowed on, and only cast Light, and more light, upon the shining way, That more and more shone to the perfect day; Always intenser, clearer than the past; Because they only bore fer, on glad wing, Nearer the Light of Light, the Presence of Aer King.” (“Zenith.”)
REMEMBER her New Year’s greeting, (z.e. January 1, 18709,) “‘He crowneth the year with His goodness,’ and He crowneth me ‘ with loving-kindness and tender mercies.’ You, dear Marie, are one of my mercies; and I do hope He will let me do something for you up in heaven!” A diary she never kept; but Mrs. Charles Bullock sent her a little “Journal of Mercies for T
1879.” The entries in this are a mirror of her very self, “in every thing giving thanks.” Frances wrote in acknowledgment:
“Thanks for the charming Journal you sent
me, I like it greatly. I put down whichever
‘mercy’ seems uppermost in my mind for each
day; not one in a thousand though
We believe the entries for the first three months will interest our readers.
»”
!
F. R. H.’s “JourNnaL oF MERCIES” FOR 1879.
Jan. 1st. Able to come downstairs first time.. 2nd. “sleep. 3td. Maria, and all her care of me. 4th. Opportunities of speaking of Christ, 5th. Rest and leisure to-day. 6th, Warmth and comfort. 7th. Spirit of prayer in answer to prayer. », 8th. Relief from mental pressure. 9th, Maria’s health and strength renewed. », 10th. Being enabled to cast care on God. », 11th. Having money to give away. », 12th. Finding great spoil in the Word. 13th. Deliverance out of many trials and difficulties. », 14th. Being withheld from resuming work, and sense of God’s wise hand in it. », 15th. For His hand upon me in weakness. 16th. Finding something of the adit of trust, », 17th. A little respite from letter writing, », 18th. Milder and beautiful weather.
Jan. 19th.
2oth.
21st.
2end.,
23rd.
24th.
25th.
26th.
27th.
28th.
29th.
30th.
gist.
Feb. 1st.
2nd,
3rd.
”?
2?
”?
??
4th.
5th.
6th.
7th.
8th.
goth.
toth.
11th.
r2th.
13th.
14th.
15th.
16th.
17th.
Opportunity of help to Mrs. M:
That blessing may reach the Princess Beatrice.
Clearance of my path.
My study!
More strength.
Help in writing for C. S. S. M.
The promise in Deuteronomy xxx. 6.
Head and eyes decidedly better.
Being evidently sent to the Mumbles.
Travelling mercies.
Travelling opportunities (to London).
Kindness from Mr. and Mrs, W — — .
Being allowed to give a word of real comfort.
Being in N. and Co.’s hands.
A happy Sunday.
Acceptance by Hutchings and Romer of
“« Loving all Along.”
Immediate answer to prayer.
Strength for extra pulls.
Shielding from cold and rain,
Need supplied.
Pleasant guidance.
Dr. D “5 sermons.
Safe transit to Rev. C. Bullock’s,
Quiet day.
Hettie B.’s friendship.
Portrait finished.
Pleasant interviews with good men,
Finishing “‘ Echoes,” and seeing Amy and
Clement.
Frustration of plans, and solemn lessons.
Such a comfortable nest to come back to.
Feb.18th. Our good maid, Mary Farrington.
= xOth... Bresit ait.
», 20th. Immediate answer to prayer for a token for
good.
2 est.) .Elelp in need.
», 22nd. Done with some musical work,
23rd. Freedom from pain.
24th. Able to walk about.
», 25th. Opportunities of usefulness,
», 26th. Figding the Zord’s poor.
27th. Maria returned all right.
,, 28th. Fulfilment of Psalm xxxvii. 5, 6.
Mar. Ist. Spring sunshine!
2nd. Strange experience.
5) ate. Freedom.
4th. Maria’s writing letters for me.
5th. Preservation from cold.
Oth, Finding myself freed from what was temptation.
», 7th. Answer to prayer that the Lord’s call might
not be wasted.
- 8th. Beautiful spring sunset.
9th. Irresponsibility to any but my Master.
oth. Finishing my “Kept.”
y 1th. Donkeys!
12th. Special application of 1 Peter iv. 14.
13th. For God’s withholdings all my life.
14th. A good day’s work done.
9, 15th.. Contentment in walking by faith, zot by sight.
», 16th. Having been guided here.
», 17th. Succeeded in starting Mary F — — with a
Sunday school class.
Mar.r18th. Clearer views of Jesus.
», Igth. Acceptance among poor.
20th. H — — converted, and O — — P.
crated.
», 21st. Irish Society success far beyond my asking.
», 22nd. Study comforts.
», 23rd. Grace not dependent on means.
24th. Preservation from fire.
», 25th. Pardon and victory.
26th. Permitted to speak out to, and setting Board School Lzdle reading afloat.
27th. Instant guidance in sudden emergency,
28th, Preservation from a serious fall.
29th. Faculties.
9, 30th. A gospel sermon at church.
9 31st. Musical gifts.
conse-It is at our brother Frank’s suggestion that the accompanying facsimiles have been taken from my sisters Bible. She had thus referenced two of Bagster’s Bibles, the Old Testament, as well as the New, showing her diligent searchings. Truly, her delight was in the law of the Lord, it was always her standard of appeal; and, by comparing Scripture with Scripture, she grasped its all-sided truth, rejoicing therein as one that findeth great spoil. To her niece Cecilia she wrote:
In reading the Scripture it is best to combine plans, Once a day read straight on, with prayer and careful referencing. But always try to give a half hour to Bible study; work out Bible subjects, and make notes of them. I will give you two or three which I have found profitable.
in Himself?
What does the Bible say God zs
to usP
“Everlasting.” Search out and classify the places where it is used. (This is very comforting, ‘‘ everlasting covenant,” “everlasting joy,” etc.)
‘““Called.” How is our “calling” described? Unto what are we “called’’?
“Keep.” Who will keep? Whom does He keep?
From what does He keep?
“Able.” See how applied to Christ; arrange in order.
Keep a fine steel pen on purpose at hand, and mark the references you thus find in your own Bible, this will greatly enrich it.... This plan is very helpful, both for intellectual and spiritual .knowledge of His word.
The other facsimile is taken from one of the fly - leaves of my sister’s Bible, and shows the way in which she constantly arranged Bible teachings.
SUBJECTS FOR Prayer. (ound in F. R. H.’s Bible.) (1878-9.) “I have greatly enjoyed the regular praying of the Lord’s Prayer, and take a petition each morning in the week. Intercession for others I generally make at evening. I take the fruits of the Holy Spirit in the same way, and find this helpful.”
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The Epistle of PAUL the Apostle to the HEBREWS.
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Gontrasts) Son af Bock 2. S
5 Bae ee
belweer J Son Ff OE RSUR I, Son of bod.
HOD, who at sundry times and in
divers manners, spake in time past unto
Ho. /2./0the fathers by the prophets, ev Ve. g, 302,2.3
Jo. /2.30.2 Hath-in these last days spoken’ unto
%./0.u8 by his Son, whom he hath appointed
Fo.f./pheir? of all things, by whomé also he
P. 2. I. (made the worlds; 42.4. 77.
3 of being the brightness
A.D.64. 5 For unto the angels hath he not put — — — — y in subjection the world to come, whereof 4/27 aNu, 12.6, 8. we speak. De. 18.15. 6 But one in a certain place testified,
5 pe: $4 &e-) saying, What is man,¢ that thou art mindeJohn 1.3, ful of him? or the son of man, that thou Bor, a little Visitest him?: i
le infe 7 Thou madest him 8a little lowerZv.??
Jo./4.9. glory, and the exptegs image of his glory and honour, and didst set him over £. 11¢./76 son, and upholding Col.1.15..17.| the works of thy hands: ’ xg Lt. 4y 2. 8 power, when he 8 Thou hast put all things in subjection Wilke our sins, sat down on the right ler his feet. For in that he put all in the Majesty on high; subjection under him, he left nothing the‘ made so much bette is not put under him. But now we! see!) /22 Jun 13.46 angels, as hath byinherifance obtained all things put under him. ¢e x72
?h.2-G. w rmore excellent name than they. 4 0. r ich of the angela said he N ower than the angels, yfor the sul- ¢.F.5 any time, Thou! ar Son, this day have Sree I begotten thee? And again, 1* will be to him a Father, and he shail be to me a Son? 6 5 And again, when he‘bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And Re. f-/,/elet* all the angels of God worship him. And Sof the angels he sait maketh his angels: spirits, and his
ters a flame of fire.. (09.4. 8 But unto the Son he saith, Thy 4.6. /g.throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a P47.2. sceptre of “righteousness is the sceptre
of thy kingdom:
9 Thou hast loved righteousness, and y%
¢4,/F. Yated iniquity; therefore God, even
3) anointed thee with’ the of
t.
showld taste death for every man,
10 Fer it‘kecame him,? for whom’ are
thi andlpy whom ave all things, in/e?.9.6:
ringing y sons unto glory, to makes.“4
the captain® ef their salvation perfect */@/37 1.3 Hirous sufferinne. 70 /3./2..0. 1°. Merah if ’ rPs. 97.7. |7 11 For both he that sanctificth and they2> 2Hhty
Ps, 104, who are sanctified, are all” of one: forde/7i x S — ~, Which cause he 3s not ashamed to calle Yop 5.8,9.| them brethren; War, 9. 35°.¢//.“b /
‘39, 12 Saying, I* will declare thy name, 2 7 5. 6.7.| unto my brethren; in the midst of thet. 5 John 17. 21.ychurch will I sing praise unto thee. Ze.7./7; yrighiness,or,| 3 And again, IY will ee my trus$/injo4,37 straitness. him And again, Behold L* and the/chil-Ge 43g
‘ dren Which God? hath given meJGo“4. /4.
14 Foragmuch then as the children are
flesh and blood,/he* alsog 22?
imse) € took part of the same;;
that through dea é€ might destroy
him that had the power of’death, that is,#2./2/4.
the devil; 75 4. s.
15 And deliver then of death were all th bondage. Ge. 4 5-7 not hold of 16 For verily 9he took not on him the angels, but nature of angel but he took on him the of the seed of| seed of Abrahpia.</ 7? / 4.
Abrakon ke 17 Wherefére in all things it bchovedc.7.%.
Ete ie him to be/made like unto his brethren,
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garment;
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up, and they shall be cha
Job /o.§. the same, and thy years shi
13 But to which of the ai
at any time, Sit’ on my right
I make thine enemies thy footstool:
14 Are they not all ministering sp
24/.H. sent forth* to minister for them who s
be heirs! of salvation?
CHAPTER IT. Sa» of Man|;
THEREFORE we ought to gite the
De.4./¢ more earnest heed to the things which we
#o.4.6,/ohave heard, lest at any time we should
Ma. /3./9.* let them slip. Re. 2, 25.
rish, but thou remainwax old as doth a
6 Jno.17.6..12
e Jno. 1. 14.
41 Co. 16. 54.
vho through fear 7, 9.
lifetime subject to/>2/
lt Gate fold them
Ea high pri¢st in things pertaining to God,
make/reconciliation for the sins of tht
people: Vy. 28. /3. Gol. /, 20.32.
48 For in that he himself hath suff
tempted, he is able to suce
oO
xrun out, as
64al.3./9.2 For if the word spoken angels!| leaking at are tempted, was stedfast, and every transgressio vessels. CHAPTER and disobedience received a just regdm-|! Ac- 7.53.: pence of reward;, 7 ane Te W HEREFORBE, holy” brethren, par-Me. 92.5.3 How ) we” ete if wi ‘Revlect Ae ae - the bers i pie consider /2 3, Mie Sao great poe on by the harden saeco eed zeke 4. 14, atlas eterat Be Priest? of our prov oe: ed oes yee tee eard hem 4 ‘i Gneelanse 2 Who was Beate to him he a ap-2e./g. 4) ‘od? also bearing them witness, both rNu. 12. 7, inted him, as also s” was faithful with signs and wonders, and with divers or, disfri- ie all his house. 2.424. Pe@.b.4. miracles, and “gifts of the Holy Ghost,| utions. 3 For this man was counted worthy of
‘more glory than Moses, inasmtch.as he
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GENERAL.
Morning.
For the Holy Spirit.
Perfect trust all day.
Watchfulness.
To be kept from sin.
That I may please Him.
Guidance, growth in grace.
That I may do His will.
That He would use my
mind, lips, pen, @//.
Blessing and guidance in
each engagement and
interview of the day.
Lvening.
For forgiveness and cleansing.
Mistakes overruled.
Blessing on all said, written,
and done.
For conformity to His will
and Christ’s likeness.
That His will may be done
im me.
For a holy night.
Confession.
For every one for whom
I have been specially
asked to pray.
SPECIAL SUBJECTS. — SUNDAY.
That I may make the most of Sabbath hours, and gain
much from the word.
Deliverance from wandering thoughts,
Pure praise.
Blessing on services and choir.
“Hallowed be Thy Name.”
Intercessions.
(Initials of many clergymen, of her
brother, her godchildren, and “our servants.”)
Monpay.
“For Joy and Peace.”
That the life of Jesus may be manifest in me. “Thy kingdom come.” Intercession for Church Missionary Society and Irish
Society. (Initials of her eldest sister, 2/7 her family, and “‘Oakhampton servants.”)
Turspay. “For Longsuffering.” That my unconscious influence may be all for Him. “Thy will be done.” Intercession for Mildmay (and initials of Fer brother Henry’s children and many Leamington friends).
WEDNESDAY. “Gentleness.” For spirit of prayer and shadowless communion. ‘*Give us this day our daily bread.” Intercession for the universities and public schools, for many friends, for M. V. G. H., and E. C.
THurspay. ‘ Goodness.” For much fruit to His praise. Soul winning. Spirit
of praise.
“Forgive us our trespasses.”
Local work. Swansea, and Mrs. M — — . For my sister Ellen, all at Winterdyne, and ‘ the servants.”
Fripay. “Faith.”
Wisdom to be shown more of His will and commands,
“Lead us not into temptation.”
For my brother and all at U. B.
SaturDay. “AMeekness and Temperance.” That the word of Christ may dwell in me richly, open treasures of Thy word to me, fill my seed basket. “Deliver us from evil,” For the Church of England and the Queen, Initials of many friends.
Work For 1879: “If the Lord will.”
(In F. R. Hs Desk.)
To write “Starlight through the Shadows,” daily book for invalids. Six more Church Missionary Society papers. “Marching Orders.” Set ‘‘ Loyal Responses” to music, * Prepare “Kept” for press. To write “Lilies from the Waters of Quietness” (poem). “About Bible Reading and Bible Marking,” magazine article. * “All Things;” work up my notes. ‘ Particularly good to me,” verses or short article. “The Stray Kitten,” juvenile paper. Work up C.S.S. M. anecdotes into papers or book. * Complete twelve “Wayside Chimes” for Home Words. *Select or write “Echoes from the Word” for Day of Days. * Double sets of New Year’s mottoes (Caswell), ‘Bright Thoughts for Dark Days.” Series of Irish Sketches for Day of Days. On “Sunday Postal Burdens”; how to relieve the postmen. “Our Brother”; or daily thoughts for those who love Him. * “Morning Stars,” daily thoughts about Jesus for little ones. “Evening Stars,” or promises for the little ones. Complete the series of “Sunday Morning Crumbs.” Six poems for Sunday Magazine.
[The daily pressure of letters prevented many of these being attempted; * denotes those completed, ]
January 28th she went to London, visiting Mr. and Mrs. Watson and the Rev. C. Bullock. Other visits were purposed, but singularly frustrated by the appearance of infectious illness in her dear friend’s (Mrs, Bullock’s) family, and she thought it right to return speedily to Wales. The day she went to town I read (at prayers) the Christian Progress chapter for the day, Deuteronomy xxxiii. 1-17. Afterwards Frances said: “I wondered if you would read the eighteenth verse. It is a fresh promise for me. You say I belong to the tribe of Zebulun, ‘them that handle the pen,’ and early this morning I read ‘rejoice Zebulun in thy going out,’ and so I do in going to London. I never went a journey I feel so delighted about. I gave up the thought of going, last week, for I wanted to make the most of my time and money for my King, and didn’t want to please myself a bit. Then, after prayer about it, that promise seemed to direct my going, ‘Certainly I will be with thee,’ and I have had no misgiving since.”
On her return from London her work seemed to increase; letters poured in; many came for advice or instruction, and she gave up every available moment. I distinctly remember the gladness of her service, delighting to do whatever seemed the will of the Lord. One morning she said to me: “Marie, it is really very remarkable how everything I do seems to prosper and flourish. There is my ‘ Bruey Branch’ growing and increasing, and now the Temperance work. And so many letters tell me that God is blessing my little books. I thought this morning why it was so; in the first Psalm we have the condition and the promise: ‘his delight is in the law of the Lord; - -. and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.’ You know how Ido love my Bible, more and more; and so, of course, the promise comes true to me.”
To our Vicar and other friends she sent this simple request for prayer, asking them to sign their own names and secure others to join:
“I agree to pray every evening for three months from this date, (God helping me,) for the outpouring of His Holy Spirit upon this parish and neighbourhood.” — F. R. H., Wlarch 7, 1879.
It was as answer to this prayer that my sister attributed the awakening interest which much encouraged her in daily conversations in the cottages around us.
In the village school her frequent visits and bright words won the deepest love. To encourage them to learn God’s word perfectly, she offered a new Bible to every child who would repeat the 53rd chapter of Isaiah. Good Friday was the day fixed, but she was ill then. A few days after, she was delighted with the perfect repetition by many of the children; and, though she would not excuse a single mistake, she gave some another trial. I was often struck with the pains she took with very little children, so really making the gospel story glad news to them.
Once she went rather unwillingly to return a stranger’s call. She afterwards told me she was quite ashamed of her reluctance (though it arose from weariness), for she had “found such direct work,” adding: “I must screw up to a notch higher, and improve all conversattons. Certainly my King is very good, to give me such nice little bits of work for Him.”
In the early part of March, Frances re-wrote and completed her last book, “Kept.” “She told me she could work but slowly and with some difficulty, owing to pressure of other things. Again and. again, she said how strongly she felt that her pen was to be used only for the Master, and how she had found His blessing in that course hitherto. My sister had also begun a series of papers for invalids; but it seemed strongly impressed on her that the children should have a turn, and so she rapidly wrote “Morning Stars.”
She was interested in looking over some musical settings to her words by Mr. Purday, an old correspondent of our father’s. She approved of the title, “Songs of Peace and Joy”; and against some of his tunes wrote “very sweet,” “very good,” “fair, third strain interesting,” etc.
“LOVING ALL ALONG.” 285
My dear sister -was delighted that Messrs,
Hutchings and Romer accepted for publication
her music to Mr. Prout’s words “Loving all
Along.”
(ToS. GP)
- «. About your ‘ Loving all Along.” I wrote the music to suit myself, and I never yet found words which were so exactly what I wanted. I hope to sing it in many drawing-rooms, it is delightful to do the King’s business there, and singing often opens the door for quiet conversations. I do so pray the words may touch some weary hearts under silks and satins, and dress-coats too, may-be.:
All the same, I do not think the song will ever be popular, because it is just one of those which are utterly ruined if stumbled over, or even if well played by one who does not dash off the recitative-like style with real
spirit, and bring out the sharp contrasts which give effect.
Seriously, dear friend, the points have been carried one after another; Hutchings and Romer accepting it, Sankey saying it haunts him, and taking it to America; now two prayers, that God will make it acceptable, and most of all that He will let it do real work and send the great power of His Spirit with it.
P.S. — The Jest last! — — converted by “N.S. D.” He was slightly ill; I called, talked, and prayed twice or three times, and gave him “‘ Never Say Die.” And that was blessed! Now give thanks!
THe Mumstes, March 25, 1879.
DEAREST G — — ,
I am being answered about my ‘“Bruey Branch” to an extent that literally alarms me! I don’t know how I can keep pace with the influx of young collectors, and the Dublin secretaries are “astonished.” Isent up £108 a few days ago, and that is only what comes to me; Mr. Roe tells me hundreds of “Bruey” cards are being taken all over the kingdom, and I see the whole thing will want complete organizing. I myself have sent up, including Miss E. Titterton’s, no less than seventy-nine collectors’ lists and amounts, and I begun two years ago with a list of ezgf¢ collectors, consequently I am believing in prayer a little more than ever!
THe Mumpt.es, March 28.
DraR WILLIE AND ALFRED [SHaw].
Is the Green Isle big enough to hold you and me at the same time, do you think? Because, if it is, I am thinking, please God, of coming over about the beginning of June. ‘The real reason why I have made up my mind to brave the terrors of the deep, z¢. of the ladies’ cabin, is that things are growing so marvellously fast in my department of the Irish Society work, that I must go and see for myself what zs being done in the fields of work, and also have a regular consultation at head quarters about organizing the “Bruey Branch,” which is sprouting like anything in all directions. And now the thing is, I want one of you to come with me, (of course at my expense,) on a sort of tour round some of the Irish stations. I think it will be delightful. The fun would be to nave you both; but that might complicate matters as to accommodation in some of these “backwoods,” so how would it be if one of you came, for the first week or two, and then change over? I thought it would be such a very nice opportunity for you to see something of the land of your birth beyond the civilization ot college and the metropolis! Think it over and pray over it, and let me know what conclusion you come to. If one of you could come, you would probably be a great comfort, as you would see to such matters as hiring cars for me and other small services. It is not only that I really want to see the work for myself, as I am getting more and more deeply pledged to it, but we have got Mr. Bullock to make the Day of Days a sort of guast Irish Society organ, he having put two pages of the magazine at our disposal every month, instead of our going to the expense of setting up a separate magazine for the Society’s information. This was my scheme, and we are starting pretty well; but they want me extremely to write some papers for it, and I tell them I can’t make brick without straw, and therefore if I am to write I must go to Ireland. Let me know as soon as you can when your term ends, and you would be at liberty. Mr. Fitzpatrick is very anxious to make part of his inspecting tour fit in with mine, so as to show me that part of the work, which of course would be a great advantage to my papers; but I tell him that I wish, also, to see some of the undress as well as the full parade, so he is to be with us part of the time, and I am to visit some stations by myself. I have stipulated that I only go to observe and take notes, o¢ to take classes or give addresses, as I have not strength for that; and, to keep myself fresh for the writing, which I want to do as much as possible on the spot, is far more important. Your loving Aunt.
The following letter refers to the action taken by her on the Total Abstinence question.
(Zo Eustace Havergal.)
April 12, 1879.
DEAR EvuSsTACE, —
; As to actual signing I only deferred that, that I might use the act at good interest, which I did by getting six persons to sign with me.... Ihave found by experience, as thousands of other Christian workers are finding, that this “outward and visible sign” is just the needed means to prevent the beginnings of that terrible evil. See now, I have here eight growing lads, besides several others, all in surroundings of more or less temptation, who have signed my book and are thus helped to say zo; and, instead of swimming with the stream, not one has been into a public house since, trying their best to get others to abstain also.... I could not feel impatient at your not seeing it yet, because four or five years ago I felt exactly as you do; but, hearing so much of the great work done by this means, I set myself to pray for clear light and guidance about it, asking that 1 might be able to lay aside prejudice on the one hand, and that I might be kept from going without God’s leading on the other. From that time, conviction gradually dawned and deepened in my mind that I could not hold aloof from a movement on which God has set so very evident a seal Of blessing: 54.
Endorsed on a pamphlet dealing with the Total Abstinence question, enclosed in the same letter, is the following.
I have gone in altogether for it now, and find it gives me opportunities at once which I had not before.
May 1, 1879.
.».. I haven’t taken up teetotal work, but teetotal work has taken up me! Morgan and Scott made me accept a big, handsome, pledge book in February, and somehow the thing has fairly caught fire here. One led to another, and yesterday boys were coming all day to sign! I had twenty-five recruits yesterday alone, and a whole squad more are coming this evening! and we are going in for getting Every boy in the whole village! And now, “Please, miss, mayn’t the girls sign?” So I’ve got to open a girls’ branch aswell! So work grows!
I adopt the title of ‘“‘ The Newton” Temperance Regiment,” to please my boys, who are a strong majority in it, and very hearty about it. I do love these little lads.
Our dear and faithful friend, Elizabeth Clay, was with us at Easter. Frances was deeply interested in the details of her Indian journeys and Zenana work, and consulted with her as to the possibility of eventually going to India herself, that she might be able to write for her King in Oriental languages. Frances was not at all well, and a feverish cold prevented her from singing when Mr. and Mrs, Sankey paid us a pleasant visit. To them she
U spoke much of the bright City, and that music which alone could satisfy her intense craving.
Almost the last time we walked to church together, she turned round to me and said: “Marie, I’ve come to the conclusion it will be very nice to go to heaven! The perfect harmony, the perfect praise, no jarring tunes. You don’t know the intense enjoyment it is to me to sing in part music. I don’t think I could hear the Hallelujah Chorus and not sing it; but there — !”
Another Sunday evening, not being able to go to church, she called Mary to read with her. Searching into the meaning of those words (John viii. 51), “If a man keep My saying he shall never see death,” her conclusion was, “so, when we come to die, our eyes will so really see Jesus Himself that we shall not see death.”. Thus it was to her:
—
* Death is a hushed and glorious tryst,
With Zee, my King, my Saviour Christ!”
Truly, her loyal life shone brightly, day by day. Her appeals stirred many a one to choose the King’s service. I think it was in April she took (once only) the Young Women’s Christian Association meeting in Swansea for her friend, Mrs, Morgan. They well remember how she played and sang with them, “Precious Saviour, may I live, only for Thee!” (to her tune “Onesimus,”)
At the close of her address she took round to each a copy of
“Take my life, and let it be
Consecrated, Lord, to Thee,”
with a blank space, where each might sign her name who could do so, in true and loyal allegiance. My dear sister always went to such meetings, in the truest humility of spirit. She often said, “I can only ask the Lord to give me words; I am only learning, myself, day by day”; but a real power seemed to rest on all her words, and especially during the last years.
Our friend the Baroness Helga von Cramm joined us in.May. She thought dear Frances looking well and young and bright. We had some pleasant seaside walks; and Frances sat by her friend, on the sands, when she sketched the “Mumbles Lighthouse.” Many kind friends near us, and their children and servants, wondered at the sweetness and power with which my sister spoke to them for and of her Lord and King.
(Zo Mrs. 1.) May 5, 1879. Thank God for her! and thank God that you are able to thank Him. I never read anything sweeter than Nony’s welcome to her Lord’s coming for her. I have ventured to keep a copy of your beautiful letter to:
Would you let me make some extract from it in my next circulars? I should so like to tell my dear little collectors about Nony, whose name will be highest on the list in the next report. I feel it such a privilege to have been permitted to number this little saint of God among my little band of collectors. One from the seniors (E. R. N.)* and one from the juniors are “safe home” now, and both such abundant entrances. How beautiful Nony must be now! Yours, in most loving sympathy.
(Zo the same.)
May 20.
- .«. On further consideration and prayer, I see that I cannot write Nony’s memoir, at least not unless the autumn shapes itself quite differently from what God is at present indicating. After Christmas, I may be free to decide on fresh work, and then I might try and do my best. But I think you would not like to postpone the. memoir so long... .f
EXTRACTS FROM LAST LETTERS.
May 17, 1879.
DEAR Mr. SNEPP, —
I cannot forbear just a line of affectionate sympathy in reply to your note. And I do so rejoice with you in the brighter parts of it.
I begin my Irish campaign, please God, on June 4th;
* E. R. Nicholas, Esq., long revered in Bewdley, who died April 30, 1879, the day before little Nony.
+ This memoir of her little friend is now published by Messrs, Nisbet & Co., ‘* The Memorials of Little Nony.”
“SUNDAY MORNING CRUMBS.” 293
I stay first with the good Bishop of Cashel. Really a wonderful little Temperance work here; all the rising generation have joined the pledge except about twelve, and now the men want to speak to me, and I am to meet them to-night at the corner of the village (open air, having no place else) with my pledge book. I have got 118 pledged, and each with prayer over it, and personal talk about better things. In haste, etc., etc.
(Zo Mrs. Charles Bullock.)
- Ido not want to work out a text this morning because I want to give the same time to working a few, in the chapter for to-day, with the Baroness. But I choose for next Sunday (May 18) r Kings v. 17: “Zhe King” “commanded” “great stones,” “costly stones,” “‘hewed stones,” ‘foundation of the house.” Those six points will bear a lot of referencing; ¢#e point that struck me being that all these great, costly, and hewed stones were to be laid owt of sight, yet making the strong and needed foundation for a beautiful superstructure. Do you see my thought?
This letter leads to the remark that for many months my dear sister had selected texts on some verse in the Christian Progress chapter for Sunday mornings. She sent them on postcards to her friend Mrs. Bullock on the previous Fridays, calling them “Sunday Morning Crumbs.” We give only two others, for her friend will publish them with the title of ““My Bible Study.”
Zech. vi. 11: ‘‘ Make crowns, and set them on the head of Joshua the high priest.” Rev. xix. 12: ‘ Many crowns.” Is it not our privilege to have something to do with preparing the crowns, and the jewels in them? You see it is ‘‘ make,” not merely “take.” Meanwhile “we see” Him already “crowned with glory and honour” (Heb. ii. 9). Outsiders don’t see it at all, and many of us don’t “see” because we don’t steadily “look.” I suppose it is the coronation day of Jesus in our hearts when we “take” all that is most precious to us, typified by the silver and gold, and “make crowns” with it for Him in the double aspect of High Priest, z.e. Atoner and Mediator, and Joshua our accepted and recognised “Leader and Commander.”
May 23, 1879.
For May 25: 1 Kings xii. 24, “This thing is from Me” (railway to ver. 15). If anything wasn’t from the Lord, one would have thought Rehoboam’s infatuation was that thing! So, it seems a lesson of acquiescence in those most difficult things to acquiesce in, z.e. what seem to arise from man’s (or lad’s) foolishness and tryingness. See 2 Cor. v. 18, “all things”; and 2 Cor. iv. 15. Compare Gen. xlv. 8, andl. 20.... So thankful for the good news in your note, as to both your sister and your friend. Thanks for your dear husband’s. Very kind to register it!