EDWARD, his wife, and Emmie, went together for the last time to the home of Edward's boyhood, and after a few days set out for the great Metropolis. It was requisite to find a lodging for the night before going on board, so about ten minutes before the train steamed into the terminus, Edward, his faith being always so simple, and such a bright example to Elizabeth, said, "Let us ask the Lord to direct us to a lodging." And on passing down a street they bent their footsteps in the direction of a lodging-house, and a clean, homely person received them, and on being informed of their so quickly leaving England, she showed the lonely emigrants no little kindness; but what was better still, the woman was a Christian. She was a member of the Church of England, but worship where she may, she was a member of the Church of Christ, that invisible one, that none can sever. After a comfortable meal in a pleasant parlor, Elizabeth was shown to her room, and there over the mantel-shelf was that beautiful text in large type, "Rest in the Lord." Turn which way she would, her eyes fell back on those precious words. In the dim hours of night, by the lowered gaslight would she behold those words, and when on the stormy deep, that soul-refreshing text would cheer her saddened spirit.
On the morning of September 26th, 188—, the parents and child left the London Docks in the ship R—. Many prayers ascended far and near for the safety of that vessel, for a large number of her living freight were not only bound for the southern seas, but were also bound for the evergreen shore, and were in that vessel, with Jesus at the helm, who was guiding them towards that blissful haven:
“We are out on the ocean sailing,
To a land that hath no storms.”
This was not the case with that mighty ship R., for when off the coast of Africa, one morning about five o'clock, a tornado arose, and the noise of falling timber, &c., awoke Elizabeth. To her oft repeated question, to her husband, could she get no direct reply. He was ever anxious to save Elizabeth trouble; but she heard the steward inform a passenger that a tornado had arisen. All hearts quailed; but "Rest in the Lord" again came to Elizabeth. She thought it was about the time when many at home would be offering prayer for her safety, and those dear to her, she fell into a sound slumber, calmed by this assurance.
The little one, too, slept far beyond her usual hour, while Edward sat in his chair and calmly rested on his God. No breakfast was taken that morning by any of the passengers, and Elizabeth did not awake till the storm was over. The sun was shedding his glittering rays on the calm waters beneath. Often did Elizabeth repeat that beautiful hymn of Charles Wesley, in the dark hours of the night, as she lay in her berth listening to the mighty waves dashing up against the side of the ship:—
“Jesus, lover of my soul,
Let me to thy bosom fly,
While the billows near me roll
While the tempest still is high.”
The evenings were spent by Christians of every class, meeting in the evening in the steerage for prayer, and the reading of God's word, a Church of England clergyman, Wesleyans, Presbyterians, &c., all meeting on one common ground. A Christian steward was heard to say, such a sight he had never seen before; not in that vessel, at any rate. There is One above who knows the good received and done at those meetings, and all of that little Christian band are scattered now, but—
“Though sundered far, by faith they meet
Before one common Mercy Seat.”
On this vessel sped in her hourly course, till again a storm appeared. The heavens were black and ominous. The cold south wind penetrated everywhere; but again the mighty Creator heard the cries of His people, and spoke peace to the troubled ocean, and soon the lovely island of Tasmania was sighted, where the vessel touched for some hours.
Such an Eden did the port seem to all the lovely terraces, villas, and beautiful gardens.
The blue vault of heaven above, looking down on the calm waters of the harbor. With such a sight from the deck, one would have scarcely realized that the vessel had so recently battled with gigantic waves. After the storm, how sweet the peace, and if earth can afford such experiences, what must our feelings be when our vessel is anchored safely in the fair Eden above.
Again the vessel struck out for the ocean wave, and in a few days our emigrants were landed safely in a harbor of a lovely island. The harbor itself was enclosed by steep rugged hills, with here and there a group of houses of a very primitive appearance.
Edward and his little family landed and started for the chief town of the island with only a few coins, and not an earthly friend. He had, however, his heavenly Friend, and what needed he more. The emigrants arrived at the town, and put up for the night at a second-rate boarding house.
The following day Edward sought for a cottage where he might live and store his boxes, till he could find employment. He was successful, and the landlady who lived in the next house, invited him and his little family to go at once to her house till his own could be made somewhat comfortable. Elizabeth on hearing of the kind invitation, soon got herself and little one ready to go to this good woman. She gave them a hearty welcome, and when Elizabeth was taken to her room, she saw hanging on a wall in a homely frame, "True religion is to visit the fatherless and widow in their affliction, and to keep ourselves unspotted from the world.”
The lonely emigrants soon found out that they were in the house of Christian people, and although refinement and English comfort were wanting there, yet true and noble hearts were in that little home, as after events proved.
Four days later the little family entered the cottage that they were to call home. They thought that their boxes would have to serve as chairs for many a day; but when they entered, a blazing fire was in the grate and a small table in the center of the little parlor, two chairs and snowy curtains hanging from the windows, all put there by this kind-hearted christian woman.
Edward sallied forth to get some eatables—not quite so much at home in this occupation as in teaching the rising generation. He soon returned, however, when the trio partook of their first meal in their colonial home. Such feelings of thankfulness arose from the hearts of the parents, that no words could ever express. Now in truth did they sing: —
“How good is the God we adore,
Our faithful, unchangeable Friend,
Whose love is as great as His power,
And knows neither measure nor end.”
He had showed his power by bringing the emigrants across the stormy deep, and although He is the upholder of the vast universe, His love could come down to touch the heart of this poor woman to show His children kindness. May a rich reward be in store for all she did for Edward and those dear to him.
He applied to the Colonial Board of Education for a school. Many candidates were already in the field, but Edward believed that his Father and God could give him an appointment if it were good for him. And so he calmly rested in child-like faith.
A few weeks passed away, and one day on returning from a visit to a neighboring town, when the travelers unlocked the door of their lowly abode, Edward saw lying on the floor a letter, and on opening it, to his wondering gaze, he read that he was appointed master of a small school near the bush, on the mountains, with a salary of £100 a year, and a house to live in. Such was his Father's care over him. What thanksgiving arose that night from hearts glowing with gratitude to Him "whose love is as great as His power, and knows neither measure nor end.”