Books: Peg Woffington
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Charles Reade >> Peg Woffington
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But she soon ceased to repine. She bowed to the will of Heaven, and set
her house in order, and awaited her summons. The tranquillity of her life
and her courageous spirit were unfavorable to the progress of disease,
and I am glad to say she was permitted to live nearly three years after
this, and these three years were the happiest period of her whole life.
Works of piety and love made the days eventful. She was at home now--she
had never been at home in folly and loose living. All her bitterness was
gone now, with its cause.
Reader, it was with her as it is with many an autumn day; clouds darken
the sun, rain and wind sweep over all--till day declines. But then comes
one heavenly hour, when all ill things seem spent. There is no more wind,
no more rain. The great sun comes forth--not fiery bright indeed, but
full of tranquil glory, and warms the sky with ruby waves, and the hearts
of men with hope, as, parting with us for a little space, he glides
slowly and peacefully to rest.
So fared it with this humble, penitent, and now happy Christian.
A part of her desire was given her. She lived long enough to read a firm
recantation of her former self, to show the world a great repentance, and
to leave upon indelible record one more proof, what alone is true wisdom,
and where alone true joys are to be found.
She endured some physical pain, as all must who die in their prime. But
this never wrung a sigh from her great heart; and within she had the
peace of God, which passes all understanding.
I am not strong enough to follow her to her last hour; nor is it needed.
Enough that her own words came true. When the great summons came, it
found her full of hope, and peace, and joy; sojourning, not dwelling,
upon earth; far from dust and din and vice; the Bible in her hand, the
Cross in her heart; quiet; amid grass, and flowers, and charitable deeds.
"NON OMNEM MORITURAM."
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