Surrender it to Him, therefore, with Christian resignation. He does not
demand it without a cause. It may offend thee, though it be a right hand or
a right eye. Let the branch be cut off. At the resurrection you shall see
it again. Give it up willingly; for it is the Lord's will that you should.
Have the meek submission, to exclaim, "Not my will, but Thine be done!"
Whatever may be your pleas to the contrary, they are all selfish; when, you
come to look at your bereavement, with the candid, discerning eye of faith,
you cannot murmur; but will bend under the stroke with silent tears and
with grateful submission. Faith in God, the hope of reunion in heaven, and
true Christian love for the object taken from us, will effectually quell
every uprising of complaint in our hearts:--
"My stricken heart to Jesus yields
Love's deep devotion now,
Adores and blesses--while it bleeds--
His hand that strikes the blow.
Then fare thee well--a little while
Life's troubled dream is past;
And I shall meet with thee, my child,
In life--in bliss, at last!"
CHAPTER XXVII.
THE MEMORIES OF HOME.[A]
[Footnote A: In this, as in the preceding chapter, we have introduced
poetry, for the same reason.]
"The home of my youth stands in silence and sadness:
None that tasted its simple enjoyments are there,
No longer its walls ring with glee and with gladness
No strain of blithe melody breaks on the ear.
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