Page:Women worth emulating (1877) Internet Archive.djvu/126

110 and might have broken down both her mind and body in mere household drudgery, had not a friend wisely and kindly advised her ever to strive to be her husband's companion in higher things. This advice she so firmly acted on that she commenced a practice of reading aloud to him daily, which was of the utmost mental benefit and pleasure not only to herself but her young family. She became that rare thing then—and not too common now—a good reader, and exercised her mind on intellectual topics suggested by her reading.

Some threatening of ill health; and the expense of rearing a family in London, determined MrTaylor to take a very resolute step, and remove himself and family into the country. After many inquiries, a spacious old-fashioned house and good garden were found at Lavenham, in Suffolk, for six pounds a year! No such dwelling could be found now for treble that price. Here, far from all ordinary postal or coach communication, amid humble, kindly, sensible neighbours, and in wholesome retirement, began a system of domestic living and home instruction for the children, which, whether judged by its immediate or after results, must be pronounced as admirable as it was uncommon.

Mr. Taylor, whose Christian zeal was most earnest, set up a Sunday School for the poor children of the place—about the time when Mr. Baikes of Gloucester began the great work there, which has led to