Page:Women worth emulating (1877) Internet Archive.djvu/105

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AMELIA OPIE.
89

that "fruitful strifes and rivalries of peace" would hasten the coming of the time when men should learn war no more. Sweet and holy anticipations! not as yet realized, but sure to come; for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.

Mrs. Opie had become lame, but otherwise time had dealt gently with her. The beaming sweetness of her countenance remained to testify of peace within, and so, by gentle gradations, the end drew near. But her dismissal was not to be without a struggle. Her bodily sufferings for the last six weeks were severe, but were borne with all the pious, chastened resignation of a Christian. Amid great pain and weakness, she said to her cousin, "All is peace;" and afterwards to Mr. S. Gurney, "All is mercy." Brief, yet comprehensive testimony, rich in all the fulness of the gospel of Christ!

On the 2nd of December, 1853, she closed her long and valuable life, leaving not only her writings to delight, but her example to instruct, her country-women.