I cannot remember the time when I did not love and revere Aunt Rebecca; but my most precious remembrances of her are connected with the sabbath school, where, to my mind, she was incomparable; and even now, after the lapse of twenty-five years, the precious lessons that she taught her class are still in my mind and heart, and have greatly influenced my life and kept me from forbidden paths. You must know, as long as I attended Gouldtown Sunday School, which was from the reorganization of the school (which, under God, was wholly through Aunt Rebecca's influence), I was a member of her class.
There was one lesson that she used frequently give us, from the second chapter of first Peter, it seems to me, that I shall ever remember. With what earnestness and with what solemnity did she strive to enforce its beautiful teachings upon our hearts. Again I remember one particular lesson she gave personally to me, and, as I remember it well yet, it must prove how faithful she was in teaching. Among her very words were: "Search the Scriptures, and may they make you wise unto salvation! May they be a guide to your feet and a light to your path, and may your sins be blotted out!" Very likely Aunt Rebecca had forgotten it long since, but I never have. When I was fifteen years of age, I was strongly exercised in mind about salvation, and it was Aunt Rebecca who helped me then; and ever since, in my somewhat chequered life, my heart has always turned to her, and, I must say, that never once have I left her presence without feeling better, stronger, and wiser. She was a kind of inspiration to me. I have gone to her when I have felt that I was in the depths, and have left, feeling as if I could brave all things, and endure all things for the love of Christ. I have been so comforted by her words of wisdom and encouragement, and, sometimes, by her words of reproof also; for she never failed in her gentle, sweet, and yet decided manner in telling me wherein she thought I was wrong, for which to-day I thank her. In one instance, I went to her, overwhelmed with my sorrow, and ready to despair; she reflected a while, and then asked: If I had ever prayed for C——? I found that I never had. She showed me my duty in such a plain way, and said, that if I prayed for him, that I would not have such bitter feelings; and how earnestly she entreated me to begin praying for him. Among the words she used, were: "You could not bear to see that man lost, cut off from Christ forever. Think of the relationship he holds to yourself and your children. You must pray for him!" This was four years ago, but the seed, that was sown that day, is still bearing fruit, and I have been blessed myself while praying for him. * * * * I now know that she had been taught of Christ. When I lost my little girl, Annie, though she was unable to walk without a staff, like an angel of mercy, she came to me in my sorrow, and prayed and talked with me, and now, my more than aunt, my almost mother, who, or what will fill your place to me? With tears in my eyes, and pain in my heart, I ask who? Ever since I can remember, I have gone to you with what I could not go to any one else; always sure of a loving welcome, and always the gainer, through your words of wisdom! Oh! how I loved Aunt Rebecca! I remember, when she was confined to her room so long, of her once saying to me, that she often prayed for me. I was overcome to tears, thinking how good, how charitable she was, to remember me in her afflictions. That parlor seemed to me then, and has ever since, like the gate of heaven and house of prayer. When I think of my dear aunt's goodness, and of her truly noble womanhood, of her grand intellect, and, withal, of her sweet humility, of her perfect faith and trust, and obedience to the Father's will, and of how she labored for the advancement of Christ's Kingdom, I can but say: "Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all." She never lost an opportunity of saying a word for Jesus, and no one ever came near her influence, without knowing, that she had learned of Christ. I never remember of asking for instruction of her, upon any subject, without getting it; and I have heard many others say the same. It seemed to me, that she always had a word in season. She was certainly the most self-sacrificing of any woman that I ever knew. She was always willing to do good, no matter at what expense to the body, if she could; and, it seemed to me, that she was always looking for an opportunity.
In the purity and loftiness, and expansiveness of her nature, there was no room for that narrow-minded selfishness, which cannot rejoice with those that do rejoice. Of her it can be truly said: She loved her neighbor as herself; and she was pleased with the advancement of every one.
As long, and as well as I have known her, I have never known her to speak of the shortcomings of others, only, in what seems to me, as the highest and broadest charity of a pure-minded christian woman, with sorrow and regret that they had so failed.
Another admirable trait was her straightforwardness. Her clear insight, that seemed to grasp and hold the most difficult truths, while the rest of us were struggling with doubts and fears, scarcely telling gold from dross, led her to seize always the pure gold.
Truly, she was ever ready for every good word and labor of love. I call to mind deeds of charity, of which the world knows nothing, which greatly benefitted the recipients; and her ever ready sympathies with the wants and woes of others, assures me, that she won the approbation of Him, who said: "Inasmuch, as ye have done it to one of the least of these, my disciples, ye have done it unto me."
Dear cousin, there may be many more learned and eloquent tributes paid to your mother's memory, but none can be more loving than mine; and, if you will permit this letter (crude I know, for I am not accustomed to writing out my thoughts), to share a place among them, I shall feel honored.
Your cousin,
LIB.
