He had brought with him one of his elders, a man of like spirit, gentle,
kind, tender, ever ready to obey the command to "weep with those that weep
and rejoice with those that do rejoice," a man silver-haired and growing
feeble with age, yet so meek and lowly in heart, so earnest and childlike
in his approaches to our Father, that he seemed on the very verge of
heaven.

"Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God." Often had these two
been in that sick-room, comforting the aged saint as she neared "the
valley of the shadow of death."

To-day they had come again on the same Christlike errand, and for the last
time; for all could see that she stood on Jordan's very brink, its cold
waters already creeping up about her feet.

Mr. Dinsmore, Mr. Travilla, and Elsie were present; also, a little
withdrawn from the others, Aunt Chloe, Uncle Joe, and a few of the old
house servants who were Christians. "The rich and the poor meet together;
the Lord is the Maker of them all."

It was a sweetly solemn service, refreshing to the soul of each one there;
most of all, perhaps, to that of her who would so soon be casting her
crown at the Master's feet. "I am almost home," she said with brightening
countenance, her low, sweet voice breaking the solemn stillness of the
room; "I am entering the valley, but without fear, for Jesus is with me. I
hear Him saying to me, 'Fear not; I have redeemed thee; thou art mine.'"

"He is all your hope and trust, dear friend, is He not?" asked her pastor.

"All, all; His blood and righteousness are all my hope. All my
righteousnesses are as filthy rags; all my best services have need to be
forgiven. I am vile; but His blood cleanseth from all sin; and He has
washed me in it and made me mete for the inheritance of the saints in
light."

"Dear sister," said the old elder, taking her hand in a last farewell,
"good-bye for a short season; 'twill not be long till we meet before the
throne. Do not fear to cross the river, for He will be with you, and will
not let you sink."

"No; the everlasting arms are underneath and around me, and He will never
leave nor forsake."

"'Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints,'" said the
pastor, taking the feeble hand in his turn. "Fear not; you shall be more
than conqueror through Him that loved us."

"Yes, the battle is fought, the victory is won; and I hear Him saying to
me, 'Come up hither.' Oh! I shall be there very soon--a sinner