An affecting scene was witnessed a few days ago in a cemetery near New York. A funeral procession wended its way through the winding paths to a newly opened grave. It was only a child’s funeral, such as may be seen any day. But little more than one year had passed since the little form-which was being carried to the tomb had entered the world. Yet how much it represented to the poor mother who followed it! The light and joy of the home were carried out of it when the little casket was brought out and put in the hearse. The daily and hourly cares of the mother, which the little one’s presence had brought, were over. The delightful occupations associated with the tiny dependent frame were gone, and the sweet lisping’s of “Mamma” and the merry laughter were hushed. It seemed as if the very life of the household had stopped, too.
The simple ceremonies were soon performed, and the earth was falling on the coffin lid, when the mother stepped forward. Falling on her knees at the edge of the grave, she raised her eyes to heaven and said solemnly, “Lord Jesus, I give myself to Thee, here and now.” It was a strange scene. Grief was natural, and resentment against God is too common in such circumstances. Resignation is not so usual. Whether the mother had recognized in the loss of her child a call to repentance and consecration is not known. What struggle she may have endured before she could thus kiss the Hand that had stricken her, no one can tell. Those who saw her say that a light came on her upturned face as she registered her vow.
She was no longer her own, but belonged to Him, who had died for her, and who in mercy had afflicted her. (Lam. 3:3333For he doth not afflict willingly nor grieve the children of men. (Lamentations 3:33)).