Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1859 edition. Excerpt: ... A new friend. 237 chapter X. Mr. George Stephenson in old age; honoured; beloved--His death--Conclusion. "Mamma, there is only one reason," said Arthur, "why I do not like Biography, it always ends so sadly." "Ends sadly," exclaimed Ernest; "what do you mean, Arthur?" "Why, just when you get so fond of a person, and so interested in all they are doing, then it all comes to an end, and they die, and you feel just as unhappy as if you had lost a friend." "I used to have the same feeling very strongly when I was young," replied Mrs. Grenville, "but I do not think it is a right one; for supposing that those in whose earthly career we have been deeply interested have employed their talents to God's glory, and for the good of their fellow-creatures, we ought not to feel that they are lost to us, simply that they are removed to another and a wider sphere of happiness and usefulness, where 238 mr. stephenson goes we may ourselves look forward to joining in their work. It has often struck me that it may be one source of our happiness in heaven to know that our example whilst on earth has drawn others to righteousness and to God. If so, the sadness of which you complain, Arthur, would at once lose all its sting." "But then, mamma, I am so sorry that they are gone from amongst us. I always long so to have known them myself." "That is rather, a selfish sorrow, is it not, my love?" "Well! perhaps it is, mamma." "But, Arthur," said Charles, "what put this into your head just now?" "I was thinking of Mr. Stephenson, and how sorry I should be when mamma came to his death. I know it cannot be very far off, for mamma has told us what happened in 1845, and as he has been dead some years, he could not have lived very long after that." "He died in 1848, ..".
