is patient waiting. We are such
many-sided creatures that I do not doubt you are getting pleasure and
profit out of this European trip, although it is alloyed by so much
mental suffering. But such is life. It has in it nothing perfect,
nothing ideal. And this conviction, deepened every now and then by some
new experience, tosses me anew, again and again, back on to that Rock of
Ages that ever stands sure and steadfast, and on whom our feet may rest.
It is well to have the waves and billows of temptation beat upon us; if
only to magnify this Rock and teach us what a refuge He is.

I went, last night, with Mr. Prentiss and most of the children, to hear
the freedmen and women in a concert at Steinway Hall. It was _packed_
with a brilliant, delighted audience, and it was most interesting to see
these young people, simple, dignified, earnest, full of love to Christ,
and preparing, by education, to work for Him. They sang "Keep me from
sinking down" most sweetly and touchingly. I see you have the blues as I
used to do, at your age, and hope you will outgrow them as I have done.
I _suffer_ without being _depressed_ in the sense in which I used to be;
it is hard to make the distinction, but I am sure there is one. I do not
know how far this change has come to me as a happy wife and mother, or
how far it is religious.

_Aunt Jane's Hero_ was published in 1871. It is hardly inferior to
Stepping Heavenward in its pictures of life and character, or in the
wisdom of its teaching. The object of the book is to depict a home whose
happiness flows from the living Rock, Christ Jesus. It protests also
against the extravagance and other evils of the times, which tend to
check the growth of such homes, and aims to show that there are still
treasures of love and peace on earth, that may be bought without money
and without price.

* * * * *

III.

"Holiness and Usefulness go hand-in-hand." No two Souls dealt with
exactly alike. Visits to a stricken Home. Another Side of her Life.
Visit to a Hospital. Christian Friendship. Letters to a bereaved Mother.
Submission not inconsistent with Suffering. Thoughts at the Funeral of
a little "Wee Davie." Assurance of Faith. Funeral of Prof. Hopkins. His
Character.

She entered the new year with weary steps, but with a heart full of
tenderness and sympathy. A circle of young friends, living in different
parts of the country, looked eagerly to her at this time for co