To live my wasted life anew,
For mother’s prayers have followed me,
Have followed me the whole world through.”
Many hearts echoed the words; and the voices of the men were husky with emotion when they tried to join in the closing hymn.
A different testimony is given where one
Wanted to Hear the Hymns That Mother Loved Best
Countess Somers, the mother of Lady Henry Somerset, presented Frances E. Willard with a music-box. This may still be seen in Rest Cottage, Evanston, Illinois. The little guide-book, Historic Rest Cottage, says:
“When this music-box was to be made, Miss Willard was asked what music she would most enjoy and she instantly replied: ‘The hymns that mother loved best.’ So the visitor hears, ‘How firm a foundation’; ‘Nearer, my God, to Thee’; ‘While the days are going by’; ‘There is a land of pure delight’; ‘Home, sweet home’ and ‘In heavenly love abiding.’”
Concerning this first hymn the following incident tells how Miss Frances Willard’s mother