Humbly she walked with God,
Listening to catch His voice,
And 'twas His work for her,
Not her own choice.
And when that work was done,
Life's quiet evening come,
What then awaited her?
Only a tomb?
Nay, but a mansion fair
Near to the great white throne,
And the dear Master's word
Saying, 'Well done.'"
ELLEN L. COURTENAY.
ELIZABETH, DUCHESS OF GORDON.
I.
EARLY DAYS.
Just a hundred years ago there was born one who in a marked degree endeavoured to do her duty in that state of life to which it had pleased God to call her. That state of life was a very exalted one, with many opportunities of doing good. The Duchess of Gordon had many talents given to her for improvement, and she was not unmindful of the stewardship with which she was entrusted. Her rank and wealth were held as trusts for her Master's use.
Dr. Moody Stuart tells us in his interesting and graphic memoir of the last Duchess of Gordon[1], from which the following incidents are taken (by kind permission of both author and publishers), that Elizabeth Brodie was born in London on the 20th of June, 1794. Her father was Alexander Brodie, a younger son of Brodie of that ilk. Amongst her ancestors there were many remarkable men, some remembered for their faithful service of their heavenly as well as of their earthly King. The memory of one has passed down to posterity in the phrase "the Good Lord Brodie." His diaries reveal a life lived in great humility and special nearness to his Lord. Those around him found in him not only a benevolent neighbour but also a faithful instructor in the highest learning. His delight was to visit the sick, and to declare the love of Christ whenever he had the opportunity. He longed for his children to be great in grace, rather than in worldly distinction. His wish for them is expressed in the words he left on record, that he would not be detained "one hour from glory, to see those come of him in chief honour and place in the world."
[Footnote 1: Life and Letters of Elizabeth, last Duchess of Gordon, by
Rev. A. Moody Stuart, D.D. Messrs. J. Nisbet & Co., London.]