The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1886-11-03
I Would Not Choose.


The light burned dim in the sick-room
and cast long shapeless shadows upon the
wall. The nurse from her low seat by
the fire glanced uneasily towal DIS the bed
where restless movements indicated a
wakeful condition of her charge She
arose and went to the bedside to smooth
again the pillows, and again offer the
ssoling drink.
II cannot sleep" said the sufferer,
whose bright eyes cleaned with more
than natural brilliancy. How long the
night isl
The nurse soothed her with gentle
words, and turned away with an anxious
face. Entering an adjoining room where
the mother lay in heavy sleep, she soft
ly awoke her.
Alice has not slept she said. Il
fear the most serious consequences if she
does not rest to night. Can it be that
something weighs upon her mind? 1t
seems like that"
81 will go to her, said the mother;
and in few moments she had taken her
usual place by the bedside.
"Alice," she said. taking her hand,
can you not sleep?'
No, mother, l seem to grow more
wakeful and restless. Tell me, mother,
am | going to die?
II hope not, dear we think you will
be better soon if you rest we'll to- night"
What does the doctor say? Does he
think there is hope?'
He thinks there is hope, but there is
danger also. l tell you the truth, my
child, for know you do not fear death"
i do, mother" and the flushed face
wore an expression OF acute distre 8. Il
cannot die yet; am not ready. think
l love my Saviour; I have given myself
to him, but want to live in this beauti.
tul world. Heaven is 80 indistinct we
know 80 little of it. want to live so
very much, mother"
The appealing look that accompanied
these last words gave the mother strength.
1 hope you may, my dear, but you
know our times is IN his hand. l love
to think OF death as sleep from which
we shall awake in heaven"
but do not want to go to heaven
nolO," said the agitated girl, =" 1 want to
live longer"
Listen to me, Alice" replied the
mother, holding firmly the restless hands.
" Would you like to live until old age
takes from you sight, hearing, strength,
and intellect?"
ooh, no not go long as that
You would rather stay here to see
more suffering, sorrow, and care; to lose
father, mother, brother, sister, one by
one, until you are the last OF the family?'
Oh, no, mother, no T.
"Would-you wait until you enter the
new home that will be made destitute by
your death, leaving, perhaps, children
who need mothers care? Would it be
better to live until new pursuits, new
friendships new ties bind you more firm
ly, and lead you, perhaps, to wander
from your Saviour"
The restless hands grew more quiet,
the excited expression of the eyes more
mild, as she answered.
! could not choose the time, mother.
ut will come to US all soon OF late.
Would you choose to die in foreign
land, by accident, by loathsome disease,
dear, or here quietly with loved ones by
your side ?"
would 90 when he willie, and as he
Wills, mother. Please tell him sofor me,
and let me say, Thy will be done.
When the mother arose from her knees
she saw a look Of peace upon the trou-
bled face, and a sweet smile accompanied
the scarcely audible "Thy will be done"
The bright eyes closed, the restless move.
ments ceased, and with smile repeated {:
Lord. / would clasp thy hand in mine
Nor ever murmur nor repine
Content whatever lot / see,
Since It's Gods hand that leadeth me-"
In the morning, when her mother en-
tered the room she greeted her with a
glad smile, saying, 81 am better, mother;
can it be that / am TO get well p