Page:Life of Octavia Hill as told in her letters.djvu/66

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46
LIFE OF OCTAVIA HILL
chap.

has given them strength is still theirs, when their last struggle on earth has ended, and they go perhaps to a more awful fight; but with a peace which cannot leave them. The Jews fell; they thought they were different from all the world, when they were most like it. They were boasting of their privileges, trusting in themselves; they evidently thought the highest sign of godliness was utter selfishness. They would have thought it a triumph for Christ, if He had saved Himself. He died that death might have no more darkness for us, no more loneliness; for He was light and life, that He might bear witness that breath is not the most precious thing; that there is One Who is always trying to destroy that higher life, but that it is His gift and He will preserve it. …

Mr. Maurice preaches next Sunday at Mile End.

It is very late, so good night. … Mr. Maurice asked very kindly how you were. He does not appreciate the noble patience with which you are waiting at Weybridge; but, if he does not understand it, we do sympathise.


Ladies' Guild,
April 19th, 1855.

Emily to Florence.

I have such a great deal to tell you that I don't know what to put first. You must know that Ruskin appointed to see Mr. Pickard[1] at 2 o'clock at his house; and he was to take the letters that they have done as specimens at about half past twelve. Ockey came running into the work-room, half crying, half laughing, and came and whispered something to Miranda who left the room with her. Presently Miranda came back

  1. Builder connected with Co-operative Society.