Children's stories; Christian life -- Juvenile fiction; Conduct of life -- Juvenile fiction; Poor -- Juvenile fiction
"She expressed a desire to receive the Lord's Supper, and commemorate
his precious death and sufferings. I told her as well as I was able
what it was to receive Christ into her heart; but as her weakness of
body increased, she did not mention it again. She seemed quite
resigned before she died. I do hope she is gone from a world of death
and sin to be with God for ever.
"Sir, I hope you will not be offended with me, a poor ignorant person,
to take such a liberty as to write to you. But I trust, as you are
called to instruct sinners in the ways of God, you will bear with me,
and be so kind to answer this ill-wrote letter, and give me some
instruction. It is my heart's desire to have the mind that was in
Christ, that when I awake up in his likeness then I may be satisfied.
"My sister expressed a wish that you might bury her. The minister of
our parish, whither she will be carried, cannot come. She will lie at
---. She died on Tuesday morning, and will be buried on Friday or
Saturday (whichever is most convenient to you), at three o'clock in
the afternoon. Please to send an answer by the bearer, to let me know
whether you can comply with this request
"From your unworthy servant,
"ELIZABETH W---."
I was much struck with the simple and earnest strain of devotion which
this letter breathed. It was but indifferently written and spelt. But
this the rather tended to endear the hitherto unknown writer, as it
seemed characteristic of the union of humbleness of station with eminence
of piety. I felt quite thankful that I was favoured with a correspondent
of this description; the more so, as such characters were at that time
very rare in the neighbourhood. I have often wished that epistolary
intercourse of this kind were more encouraged and practised among us. I
have the greatest reason to speak well of its effects both on myself and
others. Communication by letter as well as by conversation with the
pious poor has often been the instrument of animating and reviving my own
heart in the midst of duty, and of giving me the most profitable
information for the general conduct of the ministerial office.
As soon as the letter was read I inquired who was the bearer of it.
"He is waiting at the outside of the gate, sir," was the reply.
I went out to speak him, and saw a venerable old man, whose long hoary
hair and deeply wrinkled countenance commanded more than common respect.
He was resting his arm upon the gate, and tears were streaming down his
cheeks. On my approach he made a low bow, and said,--
"Sir, I have brought you a letter from my daughter, but I fear you will
think us very bold in asking you to take so much trouble."
"By no means," I replied; "I shall be truly glad to oblige you and any of
your family in this matter, provided it be quite agreeable to the
minister of your parish."
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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