Grace Darling, Heroine of the Farne IslandsFarningham, Marianne
History
Grace Darling, Heroine of the Farne Islands
Farningham, Marianne
Darling, Grace, 1815-1842; Women heroes -- England -- Northumberland -- Biography
And the maiden had her reward long before her deed of heroism had been
published in the papers, and brought upon her the thanks and praises of
the whole land. In the quiet recesses of her girl's loving heart there
was great joy that night. She did not care whether or not anybody
heard of her or her deeds. Nine persons had been saved from a watery
grave through her strong persistance and courage. Nine lives were
saved for usefulness and pleasure. Perhaps nine homes were preserved
from sorrow and darkness, because an intrepid girl had ventured out
upon the stormy sea. And as she thought of this, it was in no spirit
of boasting, but rather in that of thankful humility, which drew her
down to her knees, while she offered her devout prayer to God who had
thus prospered her work. And surely, to complete her joy, there must
have come to her before-hand the loving words of Him whose example
Grace Darling had but copied. Did not the Master of all faithful souls
come to "seek and to save that which was lost?" And would not He say
to her, "Well done, good and faithful servant," and of her, "She hath
done what she could?"
We cannot but praise her. Knowing what epithets of adulation were
lavished upon her, we yet cannot help feeling that she deserved all the
honest commendation which she received. It was a sublime deed of
heroism; a splendid example of womanly unselfishness and love. That a
timid girl should thus brave danger, by cleaving her way through the
seas which she had thus grave reason to fear, with none but her father
by her side, was indeed a matchless achievement. Grace Darling forgot
herself, or she could not have done it. And she showed, on that day,
how weakness can become strong, and timidity courageous; and it is
little wonder, indeed, that even the cold world should have been
stirred to give her most loyal admiration and praise.
Long, very long, indeed, may it be before the memory of the gallant
deed shall die out! May hundreds of thousands of girls, alike in
humble or lofty positions, be taught by it to be self-forgetful, brave,
and eager to save others. And may many noble Englishwomen arise who
shall have reason to thank God for the lesson which they learnt from
the life of the heroine of the Farne Isles, Grace Darling!
It may be that to those who read these pages such an opportunity as
that afforded to the lighthouse-maiden may never come. But none the
less does every woman's life need the same qualities that she
possessed; for courage, intrepidity, self-forgetfulness, and tender
sympathy for the suffering, are the needs of each day.
"The trivial round, the common task,
Will furnish all we ought to ask:
Room to deny ourselves--a road
To bring us daily nearer God."
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account