IT was with mingled feelings that Elizabeth looked upon the scene of her short labors, sorry to bid farewell to the scholars she had loved so well, yet glad for the sake of her child to return to her native land. The parents of the pupils presented her with ten pounds. Here was another manifestation of a Father's care, for she needed the money to help to defray the expenses of the voyage.
One day towards the end of summer, she and her child left that loved spot. A hurricane arose as she was on her way to the railway station. The same evening towards dusk, amid torrents of rain, she arrived at the terminus of the town, near the port from where she had to embark for her native shores. Here, according to previous arrangements, after a pressing invitation, was Elizabeth met by her old friends—those who had always befriended her. In the same lowly cottage, where she had experienced such love and care, did she find another welcome, and here she remained for a few days ere she set sail. Near this spot she bade farewell to scenes that she would never visit on earth again, where some of her greatest trials had been, but where, too, her Father's care had been so manifest. One spot, the dearest on earth to her, had to be left, never more to be looked on, the spot where her dear husband lay; still, while weeping over that grave, she could lift her eye heavenward to that serener clime where sorrow can never enter, and where she will see her beloved husband again.
Her friends accompanied her to the seaport where she was to embark. Elizabeth much dreaded seeing this place. Those hills reminded her of the time when she and Edward landed, as lonely emigrants; and now she was going to embark from the same place a widow, yet not alone; for the God of Israel, who was going to guide her across the deep, supported her now. For the moment the feeling was agonizing, but the same calm assurance stole over her that she was not alone, and with a firm step she ascended the gangway, nerving herself to face the stern realities of life for the sake of her darling child.
Elizabeth possessed some of the characteristics of her race: she had a vast amount of the power of endurance, together with indomitable perseverance, that during the last few months had been called into action. These are naught without the blessing of the Lord; still He works in us not only to will but to do according to His good pleasure, and He nerves the feeble hand for fight.
She at last bade farewell to her faithful friends. How they had befriended her, God only knows. There are some noble ones on earth, and among them do these friends of the friendless stand, God used them as instruments, so thanksgiving must ascend to the Fountain Head for all our mercies; still may God abundantly bless the instrument: "I will bless them that bless you" is not effaced from the written word.
As Elizabeth saw the receding forms of her true friends, a feeling of loneliness crept over her; but in gentle whisper she heard the words of that mighty Comforter saying, "'Tis I, be not afraid.”
In a short time the good ship A. was out on the ocean wave and "Homeward Bound.”