INCHMAHOME, The Child-Queen's child garden, with her little walk and its boxwood, left to itself for three hundred years. Yes, without doubt, 'Here is the first garden of her simpleness.'INCHMAHOME,The Child-Queen's child garden, with her little walk and its boxwood, left to itself for three hundred years. Yes, without doubt, 'Here is the first garden of her simpleness.'
JJames V., of Scotland, was dangerously ill owing to severe disappointments and defeats experienced in his border war with Henry VIII., of England, and dying at Falkland, when, on the 8th of December, 1542, a message came to him from Linlithgow Palace, stating that his Queen, Mary of Guise, had a baby daughter. The king, rendered sorrowful by his trials and his sickness, replied, in his own expressive language, "Ay, it cam' (meaning the kingdom of Scotland) wi' a lass, and it will gang wi' a lass," and this prediction seem fulfilled in Mary's fate.
James V., of Scotland, was dangerously ill owing to severe disappointments and defeats experienced in his border war with Henry VIII., of England, and dying at Falkland, when, on the 8th of December, 1542, a message came to him from Linlithgow Palace, stating that his Queen, Mary of Guise, had a baby daughter. The king, rendered sorrowful by his trials and his sickness, replied, in his own expressive language, "Ay, it cam' (meaning the kingdom of Scotland) wi' a lass, and it will gang wi' a lass," and this prediction seem fulfilled in Mary's fate.
The king, her father, only lingered five more days, and on his death the tiny infant became Queen of Scotland and the Isles.
When about nine months old, Mary was solemnly crowned, on the 9th of September, 1543, at Stirling Castle, having been carefully taken there from Linlithgow for the coronation by Cardinal Beaton, who performed the ceremony. Her mother was presently appointed regent.
After a few months, Mary went to reside on a small island in the Lake of Monteith, called Inchmahome.
Four other noble children were her companions, and all these four children bore also the name of Mary; Mary Beaton, Mary Fleming, Mary Seaton, and Mary Livingstone, and all were of the same age.
Mary remained on this island until she was nearly six years old. The five young girls, so isolated and lonely as regards the rest of the world, must have amused themselves with the usual routine of baby pastimes, but a great change now took place. The Queen of Scots was removed to France, and the four companions of her baby days also accompanied her to the gay scenes of the French Court.
Henry II., King of France, received Mary with great enthusiasm and respect, and a triumphal procession was arranged to convey her to the palace of St. Germain-en-Laye.
Her extreme beauty drew much attention. Shehad bright auburn hair, dark hazel eyes, a fair complexion, and a "dimpled chin."
When the king saw her, his surprise at her loveliness made him enquire, with truly characteristic French politeness and love of compliment, "Are you not an angel?"
Mary was shortly afterwards placed in a French convent to receive a royal education, and appears to have been much attached to those who instructed and tended her. She said adieu to them all very reluctantly, when she returned to the gay Court life at a still early age.
The description of her at this time is that she was very accomplished, having acquired some skill in music, singing, dancing, and even in poetic effusions. She also had pursued more serious studies, both historical and classical, and was altogether so bright and intelligent that Brantôine remarked, "Ah! kingdom of Scotland! I cannot but think your days must be shorter, your nights longer, now you have lost the Princess by whom you were illumined!"
Her dress appears to have been a subject of much whim and caprice: sometimes she would wear a Highland costume, then again the fashionable French or Italian mode of those days, and her time was spent completely in gaiety and amusements.
Mary, Queen of Scots, was born and educated in the Romish religion, and was, in after life, a rigid Papist. Lord Shrewsbury, who had charge of her by Queen Elizabeth's orders, intimates in his letters, which are still extant, that he thought of her rather "as a mischievous, cunning Papist, than as an injured Queen."
Owing to various conspiracies and plots, Mary was sentenced to die, eventually, by Queen Elizabeth, and her execution took place on February 7th, 1587.
There is a touching little story about her favourite dog. The tiny animal hid itself in her dress when she was taken to the scaffold, and, after her death, he refused to leave her body, and had to be forcibly taken away.
Mary, Queen of Scots, led a gay, dissipated life, and her death was sad and solemn. Having been trained a Romanist, the Holy Word of God was not placed in her hands and made the guide of her life, and her sins brought much sorrow and difficulty which seemed to draw her on from sin to sin, instead of leading her to humble repentance and simple faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
The Bible alone is the guide which God has given both for this present life, and for the future life; and God has given this book to each and all, to read andto study with earnest prayer for His Holy Spirit's teaching, that each and all may understand it, and may act upon itsteaching.
Perhaps if Mary had read God's Word herself, and seen the beauty and purity of its commands, and learned from it all the great love of God, and His way of salvation for sinners through the "One Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus," she would have escaped the temptations of her own great beauty and of her royal position, and not have perished as she did. We ought, indeed, to value our Bibles, and to seek grace to study them, so that, although there are snares and temptations around us, we may always know what God's will is, and also know how to resist those temptations through His mighty help. And we should also thank God that He has given us His Holy Word to lead us safely through all earth's changes to the unchanging Heaven, and that He has promised to give those who trust in Jesus and love Him now, far more than an uncertain crown of gold, even a "Crown of glory that fadeth not away."
LLong ago, and far away, this Indian Princess was born, in 1594.
Long ago, and far away, this Indian Princess was born, in 1594.
Pocahontas was a distinguished woman for two reasons, which render her short life one of singular interest.
One of these reasons was the effectual aid she rendered when quite a young girl to the early English settlers in the United States.
The other reason, and a far higher one, was that Pocahontas was the first heathen amongst the Red Indians who was converted to Christianity in Virginia. The readers of "The Rosebud" will be interested to know that a young girl bearing the name of Pocahontas, which means "The Rosebud," was thus the earliest native of those dark lands whowas led from the sad shadows of heathen superstition, ignorance, and idolatry, to that Jesus who is truly "the Light of the world."
The father of Pocahontas was a Red Indian chief in the state of Virginia, and the dark little baby grew and played under the shade of the sugar-maple, or the long-leaved India-rubber tree, probably gathering with her tiny fingers the large blossoms from the trailing passion-flower, or the snowy white magnolia, and grouping them with the crimson rhododendron, or gorgeous drooping fuschias, which grew wild in the tangled forests near to her father's wigwam.
When very young, she boldly induced her father, who was the great chief Powhattan, to spare the life of an English captain, one of the first settlers in North America, who had been taken prisoner by a native tribe. This captain, James Smith, had been sentenced to a very cruel death, and Pocahontas, then only thirteen years old, interceded so bravely and eloquently that Captain Smith was spared. He was allowed to live in Powhattan's wigwam, and, after a short time, was set completely free.
Rather more than two years after this, the Indian tribes became alarmed as to the movements of the English residents, and again endeavoured to take the Captain prisoner. Pocahontas, with the brave resolutestrength of both mind and body which characterised many of those swarthy natives, started on a lonely journey of nine miles, through the wild, overgrown forests, threading her way amongst uncultivated cotton trees, or trampling down the smaller tobacco plants; alike heedless of the lovely beauty of the gay flowers along her path, and fearless of the grisly bear, the treacherous boa constrictor, or the powerful vulture called the condor, as she pursued her mission of mercy. Having found Captain Smith, and apprised him of his peril, Pocahontas sped home again, lest her father should miss her and enquire about her absence.
The persevering Princess continued pleading well and earnestly for some time in behalf of the English settlers, but at last her father, perhaps weary of her entreaties, sent her away to the chief of another tribe. Instead of protecting the girl thus placed under his care, the treacherous chief sold her to an English Captain, named Argill, who intended to make good use of his bargain in transactions with her father, Powhattan. These transactions failed, and poor Pocahontas, the Rosebud, remained a captive. The English treated her with extreme courtesy and kindness; and amongst the number of officers was a Mr. Thomas Rolfe, who offered to teach the native girl the English language.
She proved a very gentle, amiable scholar; and Mr. Rolfe, being himself an earnest Christian man, also taught that dark mind the bright and lustrous truths of God's most Holy Word. The Spirit of God blessed that teaching, and the light thus introduced by His influence, alone became the means of revealing to the warm heart of Pocahontas, the love of that living Saviour of sinners, who died for all, that all may live for Him. His blood can purify the Red Indian girl just as effectually as the fair English maiden, and both equally require that blood to take away the sad stains of sin in heart and life, which are as dark, as deep, and as deadly in the one as in the other.
Powhattan seems to have been permitted some intercourse with his daughter, for with his consent she eventually married Mr. Rolfe, and subsequently Pocahontas came over to England, and was presented at Court in 1616. Queen Anne appears to have been very friendly with the Indian Princess. Her intelligence was great, and her modesty and unaffected manners interested all who knew her.
She did not live to carry out her intention of returning to her own native land, Virginia, but died at Gravesend in 1617. Her little son remained in England for some years, and was educated as anEnglish boy. He then sought his mother's country, and from him many of the well-known families of the State of Virginia claim descent.
Pocahontas, or the Rosebud, has been the heroine of many stories and songs, but the most beautiful thought connected with her memory is that those to whom her generous help and interest opened a fair land on earth, should be the means, through the power of the Holy Spirit of God, of opening to her that "land of pure delight, where saints immortal reign;" and that from our own dear native country she should have passed away, to enjoy for ever that "infinite day" which "excludes the night," through Him who is "The Way," for the dark daughter of another soil, as well as for the favoured children of our own.
NORWICH CATHEDRAL. (Copied from a Photograph, by permission)NORWICH CATHEDRAL.(Copied from a Photograph, by permission)
NNorwich has been called "The City of Gardens;" for behind the large houses belonging to professional men, and business men, which front the narrow irregular streets, there are sweet lawns and well-cared-for flower borders, with trees and shrubs planted so thickly round the walls, or the walls themselves so covered with the trailing tendrils of fresh creepers, that imagination might fancy the scene one of pure country loveliness.
Norwich has been called "The City of Gardens;" for behind the large houses belonging to professional men, and business men, which front the narrow irregular streets, there are sweet lawns and well-cared-for flower borders, with trees and shrubs planted so thickly round the walls, or the walls themselves so covered with the trailing tendrils of fresh creepers, that imagination might fancy the scene one of pure country loveliness.
The beautiful taper spire of the rather small, but very elegant Cathedral, appears above the verdure-covered walls, its stone notches resting softly in attractive clearness upon the cloudless blue sky; or, perhaps the battlements of the square, massive block of the Castle, rise quietly above the grave oldbuildings of the city, the slopes of the castle moat, gaily draped with innumerable lilacs in the spring, resting in drowsy dignity below.
Another feature of the fine old city of Norwich is the quaint churchyard, with blackish stone walls around and sometimes intersected diagonally with a narrow paved walk, or perhaps surrounded by a roughly-paved street, with posts to guard each entrance, and with the dignified name of "Church Alley."
In a house which stood in one of these churchyards—St. Clement's—a physician, named Dr. Alderson, lived rather more than a hundred years ago. He had only one child, who was born on the 12th of November, 1769. This little girl was christened Amelia, after her mother, who taught and trained her both wisely and well.
To this, probably, the success of Amelia Alderson, afterwards Mrs. Opie, as a writer, was mainly due, although the great care of the parent did not altogether enable the daughter to conquer all faults, for Sydney Smith once plainly told her that "Tenderness is yourforte, and carelessness yourfault."
Amelia was a bright, cheerful, golden-haired girl, with lively fancy and strong imaginative powers, decidedly talented and capable of high cultivation.
When a very tiny thing, she would lie quietly in bed to listen to the church bells which had awakened her, and, looking up to the sapphire sky at early dawn, she gazed and listened, as her mistaken ideas suggested that the chaste chime was the music of the angels hidden in the depths of the blue!
But her thoughts were not always thus happy, for the child invested other objects with attributes of terror, and black beetles were a source of inconceivable dread and horror.
She was also extremely timid about deranged people, perhaps the more so because the large "Bethel" in Norwich is a conspicuous building, and forms a home for poor lunatics, and possibly her father was interested in the restless patients who were located there.
Negroes also appear to have produced the same amount of fear in the little girl as the black beetles.
Mrs. Alderson was too wise and sensible to allow these nervous fancies uncontrolled play, and most earnestly applied herself to teaching and helping Amelia to overcome them.
Both teacher and taught were indeed successful; for before long the child would shake hands with an imbecile whom she sometimes met, speak kindly to her, and at last even begged to be taken over the"Bethel" itself, where the sorrowful sights and sounds moved the warm heart to a deep and sincere pity for trials which no human love can mitigate.
This judicious mother died when Amelia Alderson was about fifteen years old, and from that time until she was eight-and-twenty, household cares and superintendence occupied her largely, for she entirely managed her father's home and presided at his table.
The literary and poetical career of this reputedly pleasant woman commenced after her marriage with Mr. Opie, the celebrated portrait painter, which marriage took place at Marylebone Church in London, on the 8th of May, 1798.
Much later still in life, and after even the earlier years of widowhood had passed, her far higher career as a Christian character was ushered in by Mrs. Opie becoming a member of the Society of Friends, and for more than twenty-five years, consistency, peace, and quiet, marked her calm course. Ere joining the "Friends," she had been induced to give up, not only writing fiction, but reading it also.
Mrs. Opie died on the 2nd of December, 1853. Just as the day passed away, the dawning of her eternal day began—a day that we cannot measure with our present ideas, it is so long, so bright, so cloudless. The day of grace closed, and the day ofglory opened, for Mrs. Opie loved and served Jesus on earth, so that she was taken to serve Him in Heaven.
The early teaching of the mother appears to have been blessed to the child in later life, even as its influence also preserved her amidst some difficulties during younger days, for Mrs. Opie writes very sweetly of her mother's care thus:—
"Oh! how I mourn'd my heedless youth,Thy watchful care, repaid so ill:Yet joy'd to think some words of truthSunk in my soul, and teach me still.Like lamps along life's fearful way,To me, at times, those truths have shone,And oft when snares around me lay,That light has made the danger known."
"Oh! how I mourn'd my heedless youth,Thy watchful care, repaid so ill:Yet joy'd to think some words of truthSunk in my soul, and teach me still.Like lamps along life's fearful way,To me, at times, those truths have shone,And oft when snares around me lay,That light has made the danger known."
The truths of God's most Holy Word will always brighten each day of this life, not only cheering, but sufficiently lighting it for the safety of those who seek also the help and guidance of the Holy Spirit. The long, long day with Jesus, by-and-bye will have no snares, no dangers, no regrets to cast their sorrowful shadows across its pure, sweet sky, for His presence will be everlasting light, and He has taken away all the sins of His people who believe in Him, and as there is no sin in Heaven, there is no suffering, and no shade of pain.
OOne of the most dangerous and rugged coasts of England is that of Northumberland. This is partly owing to the proximity of the group of tiny islands called the Farne Islands; which number about twenty. When the sea is at all rough, and the wind high in this vicinity, the wild waves rush with violence between the somewhat narrow island channels, and lash themselves into fretted fury, as they curl over in frothy foam. Many years ago, on one of the Farne Islands named the Longstone, a lighthouse was built, that vessels might be duly warned of the danger and difficulty of the rocks and shore.
One of the most dangerous and rugged coasts of England is that of Northumberland. This is partly owing to the proximity of the group of tiny islands called the Farne Islands; which number about twenty. When the sea is at all rough, and the wind high in this vicinity, the wild waves rush with violence between the somewhat narrow island channels, and lash themselves into fretted fury, as they curl over in frothy foam. Many years ago, on one of the Farne Islands named the Longstone, a lighthouse was built, that vessels might be duly warned of the danger and difficulty of the rocks and shore.
In 1815, a tiny, gentle baby girl was born in the little lighthouse home, who presently received the name of Grace Horsley.
Her father was William Darling; a most suitable man for his post as keeper of the lighthouse, being vigilant, steady, attentive, and careful, not only in the special duties to which he was appointed, but also in training a numerous family with diligence and discretion.
So little Grace was not a lonely child in a quiet home; but one of a merry, active, happy troupe of northern children; sometimes playing in the clean, white-washed rooms and staircases of the lighthouse, or at other times clambering about the rough rocks, and watching the eddying waters all around.
Still the life of the young girl was not all play, with the dear brothers and sisters whom she loved.
Lessons had to be learned, and they were well learned too; copies had to be written, and in these little Grace soon excelled, for she "wrote a beautiful hand."
The kind, homely parents, too, taught her to think, and as she read nicely, and was bright and quick in acquiring the information within her rather limited grasp, she became very intelligent.
A fair share of household duties also fell to her lot, and these were discharged in a quiet, orderly, and unobtrusive way.
Though very neat in her dress, she was neversmart; the only trace of feminine vanity was this:—After her brave conduct in the shipwreck of the "Forfarshire," the Duke and Duchess of Northumberland sent for Grace Darling to Alnwick Castle, and presented her with a gold watch, which she always wore when visitors came to the lighthouse; taking care that the watch-seal should be slightly conspicuous on the plain, simple striped cotton gown!
Thus the childhood and girlhood passed gently on in almost unvarying home love, duty, and quiet happiness, until the 5th of September, 1838, Grace being then in her twenty-third year.
On that night an awful storm rose in tempestuous fury and swept up to the Farne Islands, raging and swelling around, and tossing the black billows into surging foam amongst the cliffy little isles that chafed it into such majestic madness. A steamer had left Hull a day or two before, and as her boilers were not in good repair, she was soon rendered helpless in the wide ocean, and presently drifted on towards the perilous Longstone Lighthouse. She struck on one of the dreaded islands, and the cries of the few survivors who could cling to that portion of the wreck which was forcibly driven between the rocks, reached the ears of Grace Darling, who immediately awakenedher father. Utter darkness prevented them from seeing where the wreck lay, and both father and daughter watched till the dawn. An attempt to rescue the moving forms which they could faintly discern in the misty daylight was almost hopeless, but for all that it was made, and the two stepped without hesitation into the frail, small boat, which they then rowed towards the wreck. Here the difficulty increased, as the tempestuous sea threatened to dash the boat and its occupants on the rocks where the "Forfarshire" was stranded. But the father succeeded in landing, Grace pushing off with the boat to avoid its being engulphed, and with her oars balancing it amongst the rolling billows until the nine survivors and her father were safely with her in the tiny craft. Then both rowing back to the lighthouse, they carefully nursed, cheered, and tended those rescued men, Grace especially devoting herself to them with unremitting care.
This event gave Grace Darling the notoriety which her noble conduct so well merited.
It was on the 20th of October, 1842, when the wild equinoctial gales had not long swept over the surrounding seas, that she died gently in the midst of her own loving family circle, at the early age of twenty-seven.
It is easy to imagine the gratitude and joy of thenine perishing men who were rescued from an awful death!
May you, dear young readers, value far more highly that eternal salvation from darker death than the one which threatened them, that salvation of those who trust themselves fully to the loving Saviour's power and willingness to save! To savefromboth the guilt of past sin, and the power of present sin of heart and life, through the influence of the Holy Spirit of God, and to saveforthe calm, unshaken rest of a bright Home of Light, when the last wave of this stormy sea of life is left outside, and exchanged for the unbroken beauty of heaven's crystal "sea of glass!"
ST. CLEMENT'S CHURCH, NORWICH.ST. CLEMENT'S CHURCH, NORWICH.
EElizabeth Fry, subsequently so well known as the kind visitor and instructress of the females in Newgate, was born on the 21st of May, 1780, in St. Clement's parish in the old city of Norwich.
Elizabeth Fry, subsequently so well known as the kind visitor and instructress of the females in Newgate, was born on the 21st of May, 1780, in St. Clement's parish in the old city of Norwich.
Her father's name was John Gurney; her mother, whose maiden name was Bell, was a lineal descendant of Robert Barclay, the Apologist of the Quakers.
The Gurneys of Norwich trace their family back to the days of William Rufus, if not to the times of William the Conqueror.
Elizabeth was one of twelve children, and the third daughter in this large family of Quakers.
When she was four years old, her parents removed from the city to the beautiful estate of Earlham,where her childhood passed away in much worldliness and gaiety, for the Quakers of this period were extremely lax in carrying out their peculiarities.
Earlham Hall is scarcely two miles from Norwich, and is a stately mansion surrounded by a lovely park, the river Wensum adding its charms to the scenery by its graceful windings in the vicinity. It was here, surrounded by luxury, beauty, and profusion, that the child played; and the old Hall was her bright, glad home.
Her mother seems to have been very fond of Elizabeth, and in writing about her, remarks:—"My dear little Betsey never offends, and is, in every sense of the word, truly engaging."
This may have been maternal partiality, for whilst a mere child, she was somewhat obstinate in disposition, and averse to study. It is even stated that she was thought a very dull child as to lessons, but this was probably because she had a great dislike to routine; and preferred a ride on horseback, a merry dance—for she was particularly fond of dancing—or a song with her sister Rachel, with whom she sang duets well.
However, Elizabeth evidently made progress in accomplishments, and was taught drawing, as well as music and dancing.
The young girl was naturally extremely nervous and sensitive; when only seven years old, she would quietly watch her mother when asleep, with a terrible dread that that beloved mother should not wake again. Or at times the wish would come into her heart, that the walls might close upon herself, and her dear parents, brothers, and sisters, and bury them in one grave together, rather than that she should ever have to suffer separation from them.
When her mother died, Elizabeth was a fair-haired, sweet-looking child of twelve, with soft blue eyes, and a silvery attractive voice, which in later life told the beautiful story of the love and life of Jesus, with wonderful influence, to the poor degraded outcasts in prison. One poor woman, on hearing her read, said, "Hush! the angels have lent her their voices!"
After the mother's death, the father and friends remained as gay as before, and an almost sceptical tendency crept over the family. With Elizabeth's nervous disposition, a dread of death was inevitable; she frequently alluded to it, calling it "This wonderful death," and in her diary she complains of dark restlessness of mind, and some disbelief in the truths of the Bible.
Happily this was arrested, for before Elizabeth was eighteen, an American "Friend" came to Norwichand his addresses given in the chapel roused the attention, and led the unsatisfied spirit to deep sorrow and mental anxiety. Elizabeth, who appeared as one of the listeners, in such gay clothing that her boots—purple laced with scarlet—were the especial envy of a younger sister, left the "Meeting" humble and weeping; and at night she remarked that she had for the first timefeltthat there was a God, and added, "May that belief never leave me, or, if it does, may I at least always remember that Ihavefelt there is a God and immortality."
She had a long struggle with herself, being fond of notice and flattery, and possessed of considerable pride.
When "His Royal Highness of Gloucester" was in Norwich, she wished him to visit Earlham, but confessed, after she had seen the Prince, that her wish was the result of pride.
Soon after this she went to London, and was introduced to London life, but immediately after her return to her home, she gave up the gaiety which she had proved to be utterly unsatisfactory, and commenced a life of devotion to God, that resulted in loving obedience to His will.
Elizabeth's first efforts to teach to others the way of life, which the Holy Spirit had revealed to herthrough Christ, was attention to a dying servant. This was followed by instruction to an increasing class of boys whom she had in the laundry at Earlham Hall, and on her marriage with Joseph Fry, these lads numbered eighty-seven. Shortly after this marriage, which had removed her to London, she began her work of love in Newgate, where for many years she taught the poor women of the sympathy and care of Jesus. She passed away at the age of sixty-seven, with a beautiful, lingering smile, and the simple words of trust and faith, "It is a strife, but I am safe."
LLet us turn to an old Westmoreland family, residing between three and four hundred years ago, in the style of the period, at Sizergh Castle. Sir Thomas Strickland, the head of that family, manifested loyal attachment to the house of Stuart, and some of the lands and hereditary possessions, both in Westmoreland and Lancashire, were eventually lost through the steady adherence of Sir Thomas and his relatives to this cause.
Let us turn to an old Westmoreland family, residing between three and four hundred years ago, in the style of the period, at Sizergh Castle. Sir Thomas Strickland, the head of that family, manifested loyal attachment to the house of Stuart, and some of the lands and hereditary possessions, both in Westmoreland and Lancashire, were eventually lost through the steady adherence of Sir Thomas and his relatives to this cause.
We read of one daughter of the house in the time of Henry VIII., whose name, like that of the character we are sketching, was Agnes Strickland, marrying Sir Henry Curwen, of Workington Castle. And their son received Mary Queen of Scots, when she landedupon his estate. Camden, the historian, is also descended from the same branch of the family of Strickland.
A second Agnes Strickland married the eldest son of the Archbishop of York, Francis Sandys, and the family of the Stricklands appear to owe their conversion from Romanism to the Protestant faith to the influence of another son of the Archbishop, named George, who was a poet about two hundred years ago. They then became as staunch in the principles of the Reformation as they had previously been firm in papal policy.
One branch of the Strickland family settled at Raydon Hall, in Suffolk, and here the third Agnes Strickland was born, who has been so justly celebrated as the Historian of "The Queens of England from the Norman Conquest." Raydon Hall is a very lonely place on the sea coast, quite a mile from the nearest village, and there is no dwelling at all near to it, except one farm-house upon the estate.
The seclusion being thus extremely great during the long, bleak winter on the eastern coast, the family residing there would have passed many dreary months but for the intellectual tastes of its talented members.
There were eight children. Agnes was the third daughter, and the girls were very amicable and sociable in their simple life, varying the sterner workof severe study with delightful games, or in the care of pet animals, or by strolls in the gardens and grounds around the Hall. A governess had the partial training of Agnes and her sisters, but their father, himself a literary man, and intensely fond of history, topography and genealogy, principally conducted their education; compelling the girls to master subjects far beyond the usual attainments of young ladies, and requiring some knowledge of algebra and mathematics from the not always compliant and obedient daughters.
Mr. Strickland suffered from gout, and was frequently confined to his chair or bed.
He then supplied abundant work for Elizabeth, Agnes, and the other sisters in reading to him. This they were delighted to do, and took almost as much interest in history as the father. But Mr. Strickland also endeavoured to carry out his wish that the girls should be proficient in mathematical studies, and in this Elizabeth alone seemed to be docile, for she would patiently pore over the figures on her slate, whilst Agnes and the others bestowed very sisterly pity upon her.
Agnes had a more classical turn, preferring the history, and also poetry, making sundry attempts at versification herself; but this taste Mr. Stricklandrigorously checked, considering the effort as a waste of time. At last the child obtained her father's consent to let Latin take the place of problems, and she then set to work upon an old book in that language, learning to repeat a number of dialogues:—a mode of studying language extremely irregular, and by no means commended by the anxious parent.
Still Agnes also managed to write verses which presently came under Mr. Strickland's notice, and when twelve years old she composed a poem called "The Red Rose." This was intended as a sketch of the fortunes of the House of Lancaster, but was so severely criticised by her father, that she tore up the manuscript by his advice, and promised not to try poetry again. But three years afterwards she made another venture in that line under the title of "Worcester Field," which was published, although, however, it is not well known.
Her fame arose gradually soon after this period, when, through the death of the father, reverses of fortune induced Agnes and her sisters to make literature a profession. She then assumed her true taste, and evinced marvellous talent as a writer of history, making the lives of England's Queens no longer dull, dry, and uninteresting, but beautiful sketches of true character, and of real, though bygone times; painting,too, in vivid colours, the social positions of our royal matrons with wonderful skill and ability.
Agnes Strickland died on the 13th of July, 1874, leaving us a powerful proof of the importance of early and attentive education.
The young girl, living in such seclusion on the Suffolk coast, little imagined in her childhood that her future fame was depending upon the interesting and valuable information which she was beginning to accumulate, and which she was learning to love as she read in dutiful diligence the books indicated by her careful father.
And yet that quiet commencement led to high honour, and England has well acknowledged her debt of gratitude to Agnes Strickland for her splendid additions to historic lore. Large labour, constant care, and stern study enabled her to use the talents which God had given, talents, of which she was unconscious as a child.
May not this thought induce a spirit of earnest effort in each young heart now? God has given talent in some degree, and of some description, to all, and He requires the improvement of that talent, whatever it may be.
In conclusion, Agnes Strickland wrote with womanly and wonderful beauty the history of England'sQueens. There was once a history written, of far greater beauty, and by far higher power, of Him who is the "King of kings and Lord of lords;" a history traced by His own hand alone, as He guided "Holy men" of old by the power of the Holy Ghost. One portion of this History is traced in blood—the "blood of Jesus Christ, His Son, which cleanseth from all sin" those who receive in penitence, faith, and love, the "record that God gave of His Son." May the same Holy Spirit, which dictated the Holy Word of God, write the History of His character and love so deeply within our hearts, that we may receive His full salvation now, and the "eternal life" which He so freely gives hereafter!
finis.finis.
PRINTED BY JARROLD AND SONS, NORWICH.
BY THE SAME AUTHOR.
Crown 8vo., 3/6. Handsomely bound in Cloth, Gilt Edges:
FROM ADVENT TO ADVENT:OR,Pieces in Prose & Poetry,
On Subjects selected from Sunday Services.
"A series of brief, thoughtful, and ably-written meditations. The poems are the spiritual utterances of a devout mind. We recommend the book with the greatest pleasure."
Hand and Heart.
"Each prose composition is followed by a poetical one; 'collect,' 'meditation,' and 'poem' succeed each other in due order throughout the book, and every page contains instructive and edifying matter. The verses show a command of metre in all its varieties, the ideas are well expressed, and the rhymes are good.... We sincerely wish it success."
The Voice of Warning.
REVIEWS.
"Very high praise is due to the talented wife of the Vicar of Ringland, not only for the conception of this work, "From Advent to Advent," but for the admirable way in which she has carried it out, and the remarkable literary ability therein displayed."
The Norfolk Chronicle and Norwich Gazette.
"We hardly know which to commend most—the admirable arrangement of the work, or the excellence of its composition. Both afford abundant evidence of great genius and tact, to which is added the advantage of a large and ripened experience.... An unceasing stream of meditation and praise, in language which no Christian lips could refuse to utter.... They simply breathe the pure spirit of the Gospel, and express it with a beauty and pathos which will attract every reader. The work supplies a long-felt want. It forms an admirable companion to the Prayer Book.... Even the verses, taken by themselves, would form a second 'Christian Year,' of which a Keble need not be ashamed. To the prose compositions like praise must be accorded. The work is well-bound and printed, and forms an attractive little volume, well suitable for Sunday School prizes, for presentation to friends, and for the general circulation which it deserves extensively to obtain."
Derbyshire Advertiser and Journal.
"A valuable volume."
The Rev. Hely H. Smith.
Transcriber's Notes:
Punctuation has been normalized.Page 14: "caresssing" replaced with "caressing".Page 50: "Inchmahone" replaced with "Inchmahome".Page 67: "troup" replaced with "troupe".Page 69: "engulphed" retained as printed.Page 81: "latin" replaced with "Latin".
Punctuation has been normalized.Page 14: "caresssing" replaced with "caressing".Page 50: "Inchmahone" replaced with "Inchmahome".Page 67: "troup" replaced with "troupe".Page 69: "engulphed" retained as printed.Page 81: "latin" replaced with "Latin".