Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1858-04-28
EaSits' 9rpartmsnt,
Written for the spiSe6 the Age.
OAK DALE "Reminiscences.

10 IllH WHO saul GNlltI lHcH W NOIlG
to be the light Of the missionary's home? d
II is not a life Of case, Efie but the re-
ward is glorious. When this world, with Ii
all It's alluremcuts, has passed away, and i
YOU, surrounded by whitc-robed saints from
Asia's distant shore, stand to receive your
reward, you will not regret that you chose
q life of toll and suffering here below. |
had thought TO place you in a luxurious
home, and there toll for you, to make you
happy. This ] could do but now | pre-
fer to toll Nth you for imperishable riches,
laid up above where they will remain for
ever. Efie, my own, with you rests the
decision. Will you go2 With a strong
arm and a fond heart will ] protect you
from all harm that human aid can prevent"
Down low before the mercy seat Effie
bowed, and with an agitated heart she
mourned her ~vileness, her unworthiness.
Home, sweet home her friends, the sane
tuary where she had given her heart to
God and worshipped there for years-all,
all seemed dcarcr than ever before. How
eoa1d she give them mp and GOV away,
where midnight darkness reigns, and know
athat on this earth she would never more
~hcar the sweet voices Of her friends, or hear
the sacred songs Of Zion in her own sweet
village home. The struggle was long and
painful, butthe blessed promise 10! l am
with you diWay,' Gained her heart,and on the
altar ofIIis love who left heaven for her and
wandered DER earth's dark and sinful scenes
n houseless wanderer, she laid herself as an
Offering. Was the sacrifice accepted =
Efie felt by the calm and holy peace which
filled her heart by the JOY which she had
never felt before, that the promise was be-
ing fulfilled. lie Wds with her even now
and His word was given :-AhOdy al
aoay : even to the end of the world. Why
should she fear or doubts
But Willie. Leave himl Oh could the
sacrifice be demanded2 She said-"Willie,
l cannot leave you. Oh, ! was not think
ing how hard to give you up. l cannot,
cannot leave you"
"You will not, Efie darling. This sac
riice will not be required. shall leave
you. Long before you leave our own dear
home for your home far away, | shall leave
it for the bright chimes of bliss. Do you
not sec how kind, how wisely our Father
is dealing with us, Efie? ] am passing
away. | have known it for months-Le
liza and but we knew you did not sus
pect; but now, sister, let this thought com
fort You've WiH meet again L! YES, II
PART NO MORE Go on in tic high an
noble way You have chosen. God wi
bless you / feel and know He will fc
he has promised, and lie will PERFORM
Yea, though heaven and earth pass ava,
yet will His word remain. Charley wi
protect YOU. You will be instrument
perhaps in accomplishing some good.
az
not this enough T.
nuLclia saw that their paths were diver
looked 70 her Tor kind iqSt Y46SS5hhs "A If 9aiG
The last lingering sunbeam of a mi
April day fell lovingly on the low couc
where Willie Arlington was reclining, pa
and weary. Around his bedside stoc
those he loved most on earth. They 81
that death would soon bear him away b
still for him they could not grievc. Deaf
had lost its sting-to the christian matu
for heavenly glories. But a feeble viii
per is heard :-Charley,'-a noble for
was bending low over him. 'Efie,' an
he took her hand and placed it in his
viii you love her always and protect he
my " sweet sister z Il will, while Ii
lasts will you be to Leila what | won
have been. Forever she shall be my 81
ter; and aunt Mary will be her mother
"Lcave us, Willie, in His hands who b;
guided us thus far. Yes, yes, guided U.s.
loved us always"
For some moments Willie lay quiet
calm with a smile lowering over his ma
face. Looking up he whispered, sing ]
sus | love thy charming name They 9
Joined their voices and sang around tn,
dying bed, the hymn which has comfortf
many sad hearts. As the concluding lin
were sung;
And dying clasp thee in my arms
The antidote Of death"
A smile again frightened his deatb-lil
features; and with one sweet word hove
ing around his lips-HEAvES 7 he passe
away.
August came Charley and Efie we,
soon to say a final farewell to home ar
loved ones. They were to be married car
IN the morning and embark immediate
for their home in India. Charley Vradu
ted IN June, and was ordained to the mi
istry in July. The night before their 4
parture, Ellie and Leila were having for d
last time one of their old-time talks.
quiet so pie sant. "Lelia, are you qui
willing | should goP'
"Etie, | love you to idolatry. You q
dearer TO me than any one. | shall
left alone-yes aione-no one to love !
but aunt Mary-but, Efie, l am glad
give you up for so glorions a cause. o
Saviour left his home for us; what can
doin returns Nothing but we can ma
sacrifices to advance his cause. Go !
sister, and you will be blessed. Peace v
be yours: but my happiness is gone fore
CT. Yet will not repine. All, all is ripl
l know ii is well. l will live to meet I
mother, and Willie and you, and all \
dear friends-in heaven"
"Lelia, be not offended if / ask You O
question Why did you reject Wall
Glynnl He loves you he is worthy
your love; why could you not love hin
He is so noble, so good"
"Efie, if ever woman loved, | do no
am not offended, Efio, that YOU ask. {
have hear eo xvpaAo6oJ