Page:The Methodist Hymn-Book Illustrated.djvu/427

 THE STORY OF THE HYMNS AND THEIR WRITERS 415

Hymn 816. I hoped that with the brave aud strong.

ANNE BRONTE.

Anne Bronte (1820-49) was the youngest daughter of the Rev. Patrick Bronte, Vicar of Haworth. She was joint-author with her sisters of a volume of Poems, 1846, and wrote, under her nom-dc-plume, Acton Bell, Agnes Grey and The Tenant of Wildfell Hall. Emily Bronte died of consumption, December 19, 1848, and on May 28, 1849, Anne followed her. Charlotte Bronte says she found support in her most painful journey from the Christian doctrines, in which she firmly believed. I witnessed their efficacy in her latest hour and greatest trial, and must bear my testimony to the calm triumph with which they brought her through. Her sister adds a little sketch of her character. Long-suffering, self- denying, reflective, and intelligent, a constitutional reserve and taciturnity placed and kept her in the shade, and covered her mind, and especially her feelings, with a sort of nun-like veil, which was rarely lifted. She was the youngest of the three sisters, with a delicate complexion, a slender neck, and small, pleasant features. Charlotte Bronte gives this hymn as the last memento of her sister, and adds a footnote, These lines written, the desk was closed, the pen laid aside for ever. She says her sister s belief in God as a Creator and a Saviour was a sure and steadfast conviction, on which, in the rude passage from Time to Eternity, she threw the weight of her human weakness, and by which she was enabled to bear what was to be borne, patiently serenely victoriously. She died at Scarborough, and was buried in the churchyard there. A little while before her death she was asked if she was easier, and looking gratefully up, said, It is not you who can give me ease, but soon all will be well through the merits of our Redeemer.

Hymn 817. While ebbing nature grieves. JAMES SMETHAM.

James Smcthain, the son of one Wesleyan minister, and brother of another, was born at Pateley Bridge in 1821, and educated at Woodhousc Grove School, where he copied

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