We may easily imagine who this
Jerrold was.
As to May, with the advice of Father Fabian and Mr. Fielding to aid her
in the distribution of her wealth, she became gradually reconciled to
the idea of being rich, because it afforded her an unfailing source of
happiness in the reflection that she could now, in an extended view,
become the benefactor of her kind. And from that day to this she has
been the busiest--the most untiring--the most loving friend of the poor
and afflicted. Decorating the sanctuary--visiting the widow and
orphan--relieving distresses, not only by alms, but by words of
cheer--raising up the fallen, and soothing the broken-hearted, was the
business of her life; a business sweetened by such ample consolations,
that she sometimes dreaded lest she should seek more her own comfort
than the kingdom of heaven. And then she often paused, and wondered
and feared, because no wild torrents swept across her way, and no
ruggedness wounded her feet in life's pathway. But she need not. The
love of God--a perfect charity, smoothed and brightened all. Where
others would have made gloom, she made sunshine; where others found the
waters of life bitter, she sweetened them by her perfect union with the
divine will.
And better than all, her practical works of charity were continually
adding members to the Church of Christ. But we must bid her adieu.
She is growing old, but her step is light, and her cheeks still tinted
with the hue of health; and, perchance, in some future sketch of life,
we may meet her again in her ceaseless round of charity.
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