THEY MOVE TO THE CITY. THE kind neighbour who loved the Bible, and had read it to the poor widow, came daily to read more of the ‘good words.’ The clergyman too came to visit her in her sorrow, and explained to her the words that had soothed her even while she understood them but imperfectly. Mrs Leddam felt how sinful she had been in living all her life without a thought of The good clergyman spoke to her of Jesus, the Saviour of sinners, through whom alone we can receive pardon and peace; and the poor widow prayed to this blessed Saviour as she had never prayed before, and He heard her and comforted her heart; for He has said, ‘Him that cometh unto me, I will in no wise cast out.’ As John was too young to manage the boat, it was sold with the nets and fishing tackle, and the widow with her five children removed to the neighbouring town, where she hoped to find employment in sewing. She hired a small house in the outskirts of the town; and there, with her little flock around her, she felt like a desolate stranger. How little do those children who are blessed with many comforts know of the trials of the poor and fatherless! Within sight of the captain’s house was ‘How do I know, youngster?’ replied the man. ‘You had better ask him that yourself.’ The next day, observing his mother weeping, John said, ‘Mother, can’t I get work?’ ‘A heap of things,’ he said earnestly. ‘I can help to row, and mend the nets.’ ‘But we are now far away from the fishing. We are in a strange place, full of people, where, in the midst of plenty, we are likely to come to want; for this is the last money I have in the world.’ ‘Oh, mother!’ said the terrified boy, ‘will they let us starve? won’t some of the rich people help you?’ ‘I am going in search of work,’ replied his mother. ‘Take care of your brother and sisters until I return.’ ‘May I walk as far as the corner, mother?’ Giving him permission to do so, Mrs Leddam left the house. Now John had a plan of his own, but he was puzzled to know how to bring it But we will turn to a new chapter to relate his introduction to the captain. |