SOME happy weeks were spent here, and then Emmie's uncle, by her grandmother's wish, went into a pretty country village, and took a house.
Elizabeth had seen a doctor, who gave her the glad news that the voyage had arrested the disease, so this country home, and pure air around, were likely to restore the invalid to health.
She was ever anxious not to lead an idle life, so begged to be allowed to prepare the home for the little family. This was granted, thinking to give her pleasure.
One lovely day, Emmie with her grandmother and aunt were seen traveling towards this rural retreat, far away from smoke and dirt. And once again at a railway station does little Emmie espy her mother, and what a welcome does she give the little one. The last time they met at a railway station poor Elizabeth had no home to take her child to; now all is changed. And how good was God to the widow and fatherless. So Emmie and her darling mother, with her grandmother, were driven along through green lanes, till they stopped outside a pretty cottage, with roses entwined around the door, a beautiful field of golden grain on the other side, and the Derbyshire hills in the background.
The travelers alighted, and to Emmie's wondering gaze the inside of this pretty abode was exposed. The parlor, the play-room, the garden, all seemed wonderful to her, especially when the child was told this was to be her home with her mother and grandmother.
Elizabeth had been told to trouble about nothing, that all would be provided for her, as she had every comfort she needed and a comfortable income; still she had to study economy, and she delighted to move about the house in domestic enjoyment, thankful to the God of With her own hands, the.
With her own hands, the trio are made happy. The home-made bread, the clotted cream, and new-laid eggs are often added to the usual plain fare, and on certain occasions (red letter days to the little one) Emmie is seen running with out-stretched arms to welcome her uncle and aunt, who always are so loving and kind, and what joy is seen in her grandmother's countenance at such glad reunions.
The little one's prattle and her loving ways are helping to brighten the aged pilgrim's days as she descends the hill of life to ascend the heights of glory; and Elizabeth can thank the God of Israel for giving her such a mother, for through her she first learned to know the One who had been her Guard and Guide when she had breasted oft the crested wave of this world's troubled sea, and had at last given her rest.
This world has many attractions for the young and inexperienced, and that mother is blest indeed who has attracted her children around her own fireside, who has sought to make home the happiest place on earth, and early taught them a Savior's love and to love the name of Jesus, until those children have learned to say,
“There is no Friend like Jesus,
There is no place like home.”
That home unto which all His are hastening
“That home which is better far
Than any earthly home can be.”
Poor Elizabeth, after all she had gone through, was truly thankful for this haven of rest, where she could train and educate her child, if spared to her. She dwells not on the past in sorrow, but only to remember all the way the Lord hath led her.
And thus the days passed smoothly and happily on, God had dealt very tenderly with the widow and fatherless. After the storm came the sunshine, and oft could be heard coming from that widowed heart:
“How good is the God I adore,
My faithful, unchangeable Friend,
Whose love is as great as His power,
And knows neither measure nor end.
“'Tis Jesus, the First and the Last,
Whose Spirit will guide me safe home;
I'll praise Him for all that is past,
And trust Him for all that's to come.”
Elizabeth does not expect to be exempt from all trouble; but she knows that He who has brought her hitherto, and who has said, “As thy days, so shall thy strength be," will be with her all the way, even unto the end, until she bids adieu to earth and rests forever in the fair Eden above.
Farewell, Elizabeth! It is a rugged road that leads to God—
“But there with all the blood-bought throng,
From sin and sorrow free,
Thou'lt sing the new eternal song,
Of Jesus' love to thee.
“Now in a song of grateful praise,
To our dear Lord the song we'll raise:
For above the rest this note shall swell—
Our Jesus bath done all things well.
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