Alice Rosedale, Or, the Power of a Consistent Christian Life (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1860. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER II. YOUTHFUL DAYS. The next summer, at the age of fifteen, Alice left home to reside with an adopted sister of her mother living at a distance, and to go through the ordinary course of study in an excellent academy in the neighbourhood. It was her last night at home, her trunks were packed, and Alice, with a burdened heart stole up to her mother's room to commune for a while with that dear relative from whom she must now be separated most of the time for three years. Her mother met her with a smile; and drawing her to a seat conversed with her freely upon the many topics of interest incident to such an occasion, and then remarked: "And now, my daughter, be a whole Christian Shrink not at ridicule or opposition. Be not afraid nor ashamed to declare yourself on the Lord's side. These years will be exceedingly important in the formation of your character. Never let anything tempt you to forget your Bible and your stated seasons of devotion." This advice was treasured up by the daughter, and much of her subsequent course may be attributed to her scrupulous obedience to her mother's counsels. The next evening found her alone in her large and airy chamber at her aunt's residence. This person, Mrs. Maxwell, (whom she had been taught to call her aunt, ) was almost an entire stranger to her niece, having travelled much abroad with her husband, who was a sea captain. Alice thought her very different from her own dear mother. There was a certain stateliness of manner that repelled the timid girl. Yet her mother had often spoken of her with affection, and Alice resolved to try to love her for her mother's sake. That first evening away from home, however, she felt lonely and dispirited. She was a stranger in a strange place, and a heart like hers needed sympat...