ABOUT twenty years ago Eliza F. formed one of a class of girls who might be found each returning Lord’s Day gathered round a faithful teacher, listening to the words of life.
Eliza, though at that time a child of some seven years of age, did not listen unmoved to the story of the Saviour’s love. She was early deprived by death of the care of her tender mother, and her naturally thoughtful and affectionate heart often longed to know the gracious Lord as her own personal Saviour.
But these desires were only “as the morning cloud and as the early dew.” Year passed on. Eliza left the school and sought happiness in the unsatisfying pleasures of the world.
United in marriage to one to whom she was deeply attached, Eliza thought that the rest and satisfaction of heart she had so long vainly sought would be hers at last. The new duties and interests now opening before her looked bright and joyous. But God loved her with an everlasting love, though as yet she knew Him not, and He had thoughts of mercy and of grace toward her. Soon after her marriage Eliza was laid aside by severe wasting illness, and about the same time found herself residing near some Christian people, who heard with interest of the failing health of the young wife, and often asked the Lord that He would unfold to her His love. The prayers were heard, for after some weeks a message reached one of these Christians, that Eliza (now Mrs. L—), would value a visit from her.
Wondering yet rejoicing that the door was thus opened, the lady lost no time in going to Eliza. After a little conversation about her health, &c., the visitor inquired whether she knew the Lord Jesus as her own Saviour? and if she had peace with God?
Mrs. L.’s reply was given with deep feeling; and very simple and touching it was.
“Peace with God? I have known about it ever since I was quite a child, but I have only known it a very few weeks.”
Then she spoke of the grace of God to her, telling how hard it had seemed when she first saw that Death was written upon her prospects of earthly happiness. Yet the deep bitterness of her sorrow was the dread that she must meet God.
To whom could she turn for comfort? Years before, the much-loved teacher of her childhood had gone to be with the Lord.
But those teachings were yet to bear fruit. Mrs. L. turned the pages of God’s word. The old lessons setting forth God’s saving grace, and the necessity for faith in the work of His Son came vividly back to Eliza’s memory, and by these means in the quiet of her sick room the Lord Himself led her into peace.
C. J. L.