19 October 1875

My dear friend,

A thrilling turn of events has transpired for which I give thanks to the Lord. I would like to tell you about these things.

Near the close of summer, Rev. March asked if he might come for a visit to speak with Mr. Shedd and myself. We of course said yes, so it was arranged that he would come for tea one Sunday afternoon. As it was one of the last of the clear days, we sat in the garden among the roses, daylilies and other flowers. Rev. March was at ease, but seemed very excited about the idea he had to share with us. I, for one, was hoping it was in regard to Antonia, but it was not that at all. Rather, his visit was concerning a completely different subject.

Rev. March said that he had been wrestling in prayer over the summer over the problem of Biblical illiteracy among his flock. He confessed his failure to the Lord numerous times, yet in the beginning he was not sure what to do about it. He told us that he was first convicted by the Spirit of this when he read in the book of Amos, “People will stagger from sea to sea and wander from north to east, searching for the word of the LORD, but they will not find it.” He kept reading in the Bible passages such as: “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee…” “The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes. The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever. The decrees of the Lord are firm, and all of them are righteous. They are more precious than gold… By them your servant is warned…” Rev. March said to us, “How can our people be kept from sin, or know true righteousness or the Lord HIMSELF if they do not truly know the Lord’s Word intimately?

He told us he became convinced that the only sure answer was that the people must be taught what the Bible says in a systematic way, in regular classes. He asked us to be the leaders of those classes; Mr. Shedd for the men, and I for the women. At first we were taken aback; how could we do this? However, the Vicar told us he would give us some material to work from, and was confident the people in the parish respected both of us and would listen to us. It was well-known we ourselves knew God’s Word so there was none better to begin this work than the two of us.

My husband and I looked at one another and we knew Rev. March was right. There are times for prayer and thought, but this was not one of them. Our dear pastor had already prayed for months. We had seen and known the problem ourselves. This was a good plan, so we agreed there and then to do as he requested.

The classes have been meeting now for three weeks, and the Lord has been with us! Mr. Shedd has 10 men in his class, and I have 12 women. We meet at different times during the week so children can be cared for. The people in the classes are faithful to the work they are asked to do at home: memorization, studying and so on. While I have never done anything quite like this before, it feels very comfortable and natural to me. I am so thankful for the Lord’s enabling power. As St. Paul says, His Spirit gives me “utterance… that I may open my mouth boldly, and make known the mystery of the gospel…” It is wonderful to see the Lord working to build up His Church!

Your loving,

Lady Ezra

6 October 1875

My dear friend,

I want to tell you about my day today. Mr. Shedd chose to stay at home to catch up on some accounts, so he suggested I take a picnic lunch and go off by myself for the day. Oh what a dear man have I!

I did as he suggested and took not only a lunch, but a Bible, my journal and off I went. There is a small bench in a clearing not far from our home where I often sit while the girls gather flowers or berries. Today, I did not have to think about children, however. I could simply enjoy the beauty of the Lord’s creation and enjoy the day.

I must tell you my friend the world is a lovely place, is it not? “He hath made everything beautiful in his time…” Right now, the leaves are such extraordinary colors: crimson, amber, deep copper and moss green. The squirrels are running from tree to tree, looking for nuts to bury for wintertime. The sun is lower in the sky now. Its shadows are longer and it casts a different light on the ponds in our part of the countryside. I do so love this time of year, for it reminds me of all that is good and pleasing from our Lord’s hand, and how abundantly His blessings flow toward us.

Lest you think I have gone daft, I am quite mindful of the difficulties in life as well. How could I not? My own nephew still struggles with the simplest of tasks every day, and all because a man could not hold his liquor or his horse. People say the most unkind things as if it were any of their business to do so. My little Emma’s lungs already feel the cooler air and she is beginning to have problems once again in the morning to breathe freely. The summer was easy for her, and I had hoped we had finally passed the worst, but I fear another winter for her. And as always, there are those in our village who won’t have enough to eat, won’t have enough coal or wood for their fires, or enough warm clothing for their children. How do we help them without taking away their dignity?

Oh, my friend, I could list many more hardships I am aware of, but this is the point. We can dwell on the hard things, or we can dwell on the One who provides. There are countless reasons why life is so hard. Some of it is out of our control, but often times it is due to the brokenness and evil within our own hearts; would you not agree? Let us then do what we can to live in holiness, “without which no man shall see the Lord.” Additionally, we must continue to “look unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.”

I know when I keep my eyes on the Lord Himself then the troubles of this world have their proper size and place in life. He alone is King and all other difficulties and maladies fade in comparison. For who or what is as great as our Lord Jesus? God the Father Himself is on our side and desires us above all else. We know this because “He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?”

I pray this letter is of great encouragement to you my dear friend. May the Lord bless you with joy and peace this day and always.

Your loving,

Lady Ezra

29 September 1875 Michaelmas

My dear friend,

As today is Michaelmas (some refer to it as the Feast of St. Michael and All Angels), it is a day to recognize the end of the harvest and farming year. I thought it might be a good time to fill you in on the Nichols family.

As you may recall, I wrote you that Mr. Nichols is now working for my husband and staying on our property under Mr. Shedd’s watchful eye in order to keep from going back to his wicked ways. Mrs. Nichols and her children are safe from the creditors as all their debts have been paid off. This has given the Nichols family an opportunity to begin again. Well, I am so pleased to tell you that Mr. Nichols is doing remarkably well under this arrangement. He attends church faithfully every Sunday and then goes home with his family afterwards. Mrs. Nichols has told me the entire family is getting on very well together. Every Sunday afternoon, they take walks together, or they may enjoy tea whilst conversing about what has gone on during the week. No one is fighting, which is a true blessing to them all. She also told me that Mr. Nichols has confided to her that he prays to the Lord every evening for the continued strength to stay away from both liquor and the horses. Oh, my, praise the name of our God! These are prayers our Lord will indeed answer, will He not? She also told me, with a bit of a blush to her cheeks, that when they do walk, Mr. Nichols holds her hand, which he has not done since they were first engaged. I know this too, is of our Lord, for the Bible says “let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.”

I also thought you would like to know that Rev. March and Mrs. Antonia Ratcliffe are continuing to enjoy one another’s company. She baked him a blackberry pie and brought it to him just this morning in honor of Michaelmas, in keeping with the custom of refraining from eating blackberries after Michaelmas. Do you follow that tradition as well?

I realize St. Paul tells us in the letter to the Colossians we are not to allow rituals and traditions and even the worship of angels to become our sole focus: “Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ. Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God. Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances, (Touch not; taste not; handle not; Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men?” It is true that, should one replace the worship and love for our precious Lord with love for the rituals and Liturgy that would most certainly be sin. However, St. Paul most clearly says two times in this passage that we are not to allow others to judge us in the matter of our observances of holy days.

Having been raised in the Church of England and yet also a student of God’s Word, I enjoy even more deeply the special days of the Church Year. Each one reminds me of our mighty God, His loving ways and how He abides with us day and night, always and forever. Blessed be His name, at Michaelmas and always.

Your loving,

Lady Ezra

26 September 1875

My dear friend,

Thank you for your sweet letter to me, and your kind words regarding the pain I still feel on the loss of my dear Mama. It is a suffering I will never get over. Those of us who suffer this grief adjust to it, as one adjusts to a limp or even the loss of a limb. We move on, and life continues. Still, it is never the same as it was before our dear one passed.

As I said, life continues, and I would like to share with you something that happened to me just the other day when I was at the Dry Goods store. I had the girls with me as I so often do, and the owner, Mr. Linsey, was helping another customer as I was looking at the items I needed to purchase. Mrs. Carver was also in the store.

Mrs. Carver came over to me and began to converse about the weather and such. Then she saw my niece Lenora and she said, “Oh my, you still have that orphan girl with you. Some people think it is such a pity her family can’t care for her. Well, I think it is a Christian thing of you and Mr. Shedd to take her in, even when you have so many mouths to feed as it is.”

I was dumbfounded that anyone would say such a thing to me and in Lenora’s hearing as well. Then I came to myself, took a bit of a step closer to her and smiled as I looked her straight in the eye. “Why Mrs. Carver,” I said softly and gently, “you are so kind! Thank you for your sweet words, but you greatly mistaken. It is Mr. Shedd and I who are so blessed. Lenora’s family has asked for her many times, but she has agreed to stay on with us out of the kindness of her heart. I get so busy at times, and Lenora is such a wonderful help to me. Oh, Mrs. Carver, you simply have no idea!” And with that, I patted her arm, smiled once again, and walked off. As I did, I think Mrs. Carver wanted to say something, but I know I left so quickly and she was so startled by my response I believe I left her without words!

By then, Mr. Linsey was available, so I made my purchases, and the girls and I left the store and walked home. I asked Lenora if she had heard the conversation between Mrs. Carver and me, and she said she did. I asked her what she thought. She said, “I am not an orphan, Auntie. I know Mama and Papa love me and so do you, and Uncle Ezra. I know Jesus loves me too. I have a bed at home to sleep in and a bed at your house. Both you and Mama give me kisses. So I have two homes, and a big family. Orphans don’t have anyone. I am sad for orphans, and I am glad we help them in our church. Mrs. Carver doesn’t understand our family.”

I just do not understand why people feel the need to gossip about things of which they have no understanding. The Lord tells us that the one who “uttereth a slander, is a fool, and in the multitude of words there wanteth not sin…and the one who openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.” At the same time, He also tells us: “the mouth of a righteous man is a well of life… and righteous women speak “with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.” Godly men and women have “the law of truth in their mouths, and iniquity is not found in their lips: they walk with God in peace and equity, and turn many away from iniquity.”

It is my earnest desire to be a woman in whom the Word of God is found in my mouth, and that I walk with God in peace, turning many away from iniquity. I pray this is your desire as well, my friend!

Your loving,

Lady Ezra

23 September 1875

My dear friend,

Once again, I must ask your indulgence, as I have been neglectful in writing to you. I have thought of you often and have wanted to write, however, this time of year can be difficult for my sister and me. Some years, it goes by without much testing, but this year the bitterness has been stronger than most.

Fifteen years ago, our mother passed away after a short illness. I was fourteen at the time. My sister had been married but one year and was already carrying her first child. There was no expectation that our dear Mama would die. She was quite healthy, and always looked after us. Naturally, she taught us well the ways of a household. As it says in Proverbs, she was a “virtuous woman who looketh well to the ways of her household…” She worked with willing hands, rose when it was still dark to care for our household, and pitied the poor and needy in the village. Furthermore, our dear Father was so proud of her. She was one of the few women in Finchingfield who could read, and he made sure his daughters could read and write too. At times, other men in the village would scold Father for educating us, but Father did not care. He walked with his head up high, and in time, the other men of Finchingfield recognized that we could be educated and still honor and respect him as the man in the household.

Mama loved to take us for walks and tell us about our Heavenly Father. Just about every day, she would take us outside and teach us about the God. She told us Job had questions and the Lord Himself asked Job questions as well: “Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth?… Who hath laid the measures thereof? Who hath stretched the line upon it? Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened? Who laid the corner stone thereof; when the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy? Who shut up the sea with doors, when it brake forth, as if it had issued out of the womb? When I made the cloud the garment thereof…and set bars and doors, and said, Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further: and here shall thy proud waves be stayed? Hast thou commanded the morning since thy days; and caused the dayspring to know his place; that it might take hold of the ends of the earth, that the wicked might be shaken out of it?” She reminded us that we would have questions that might never get answered in this lifetime, but that would not mean that the Lord was not with us, or that He did not love or care for us. There are just some things that must wait until we are with Him face to face.

So, my friend, Amelia and I have comforted ourselves with our remembrances of Mama in these past several days. Amelia’s grief has been especially acute, as she has come to realize that her Edward will most likely never be as he once was. How we both wish we had Mama here with us to help us in these difficulties! However, we know that Mama would tell us we are not to rely on her, but to turn to the Lord in this, just as we do in all things.

“Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ.”

Your loving,

Lady Ezra

8 September 1875

My dear friend,

Thank you for your recent letter. I so enjoy hearing about life in the 21^st century. In some ways, it seems so different from my life, but in other ways, it does not appear to be all that different at all. Both of us still take care of our children, we still must make certain there is a good meal at the end of the day, take care of the household chores, and listen to our men. As you live over one hundred years after me, I suppose a woman who lived one hundred years before me had much the same in her life as well!

You mentioned in your letter that your children recently returned to school. Do you mean that both your boys and your girls went to school? That is hard for me to understand. Girls do not attend school at all here. For a girl to be educated in any way is rather unusual. I am so grateful my father thought it was necessary for Amelia and me to read, write and understand numbers. We did not have a governess, as that was far out of reach for our family. Mother taught us when we were young (as I will do for our girls). When we grew older, Father gave us lessons to do during the day, and then would review them each evening with us. He made sure we had a clear understanding of History, Geography and Science. I am now equipped to teach Lenora since she is with me and as my daughters grow up I will be able to educate them well.

Only in the past 10 years or so has Finchingfield had a school. Two years ago we instituted a school board. All the boys in the village age 5 to 12 are now required to attend six half-days a week from September until June (they do not attend during the Christmas season, or during certain other times). Some of the families have been angry about these new edicts. This is a farming community and when the boys are in school, the families think they are losing work from their sons. They don’t see how much their children are gaining and how that will benefit each family in the future.

I so wish my neighbors valued the education of their children. How else can one read and comprehend the Word of God? How are we to take dominion of this earth, as the Lord has charged us to do, if we are not equipped with an understanding of Mathematics, Biology and Chemistry, Geometry, Writing, Reading, and so forth? Man cannot gain his way over the sea without Astronomy; he cannot understand the use of plants without Botany; he cannot care for animals appropriately as we are called by God to do unless he understands Husbandry. We can certainly try, and the Lord gives grace and strength to those who are without. However, the Book of Proverbs constantly calls us to gain wisdom: “How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? And the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge?” And then this: “The wise shall inherit glory: but shame shall be the recompense of fools.”

My greatest delight has been to be able to read and understand the Word of God for myself. Many of my friends must depend on the men in their lives to do this for them. Even those women who can read the words do not always comprehend the meaning because they are not fully educated. I give thanks every day for my earthly father’s resolve to ensure I was as educated as anyone. For I can open my Heavenly Father’s book and find comfort, peace and understanding whenever I need to. His “Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” I pray for the day when women everywhere will be able to read and understand our Lord’s Word for themselves.

Your loving,

Lady Ezra

5 September 1875

My dear friend,

There is a bite to the air as fall begins to appear here in Finchingfield. The leaves have not yet turned, but it is obvious that the warmth of summer will soon come to an end. We have enjoyed fresh fruit almost every day for our meals this summer, and the flowers that have graced our table have made my home so lovely.

As I made mention in my last letter, my nephew Edward is continuing to heal. I had thought this would mean Robert and Lenora might return home, but they have begged Mr. Shedd and me to let them stay on. They have settled in quite nicely with us. I told Amelia of their desires when I was with her. She and her husband discussed it, and decided for the time being it would be alright for the children to live with us if we could manage it. My husband and I had agreed at this time it was not too difficult for us and I believe my sister was relieved. Though Edward is doing so much better than before, I know he struggles mightily at times with the simplest of tasks. For us to keep Robert and Lenora for a while longer seems best for everyone and both are true blessings to our family.

I also thought you would be interested in knowing that Mrs. Allen invited us to tea a few days ago. We arrived to find our Vicar was already there in conversation with Mrs. Antonia Ratcliffe, whom I told you about previously. Therefore, it was a gathering of Antonia’s grandparents Mr. and Mrs. Allen, Rev. March, me and my husband. Mrs. Allen set out a very nice service of tea on their porch. There were several types of cookies and breads, and her set was of a lovely shade of blue. After we all conversed for a while, the gentlemen took leave and walked about, while the ladies stayed on the porch. I observed from all of this that Mrs. Allen had wanted to invite the Vicar over for Antonia’s sake, but didn’t want to be too obvious about it, so I believe she felt having other people to tea made it all less pronounced. Antonia and the Reverend seemed to be quite happy with the opportunity to visit again, which I was quite glad to see.

Unfortunately, the one behaviour from Mrs. Allen I was distressed about was how she seemed to negate whatever Antonia would do or say. I did not understand this. Our Lord reminds us to “let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.” As well, we are to “encourage one another and build each other up,” which was the opposite of what Antonia’s grandmother was doing. Whether Antonia was tending to Nicholas, pouring tea, or commenting during the conversation, it was as though Mrs. Allen felt she was required to correct and upbraid her granddaughter. I felt quite sorry for Antonia and did my best to encourage her whenever possible. It was a very uncomfortable position in which to be placed.

I had not seen this sort of approach from Mrs. Allen before we were at tea with her. I had always liked her, and I wrote to you that she was something of a “saint.” She has always been helpful at church gatherings and such, always in attendance at church and so on. I do not understand why she was so discourteous to her own granddaughter. Why would one treat one’s own family in such a mean way? Wouldn’t a grandmother, mother, father, or other person in authority treat one’s progeny with love, encouragement and tenderness? It would seem to me this is what our Lord desires of us, and yet I was witness to the very opposite, and of a faithful believer as well. May it always be said of me that I one who lifts up and encourages my children and those around me!

Your loving,

Lady Ezra

31 August 1875

My dear friend,

I am pleased to report to you that, after a number of weeks of convalescence, my nephew Edward’s health is improving. May the Lord’s name be praised! There were so many days when we did not even know if he would even live. And then there were weeks when he could not stay awake for more than a few moments without falling back asleep. Now, Edward only naps but about 30 minutes in the afternoon. Moreover, he is able to walk around the home without much help at all. He still needs some help when he is outside, however, the doctor feels as time goes along he will continue to get stronger. All of this is such a blessing, and we no longer fear for his life.

There are still concerns, however. He still has a great deal of difficulty remembering things. He recognizes his family, and is mostly safe near familiar landmarks. But he becomes quite agitated if he is taken someplace he doesn’t recognize, even if it is a place he once knew very well. Furthermore, cannot read nor do numbers. All of this as you can imagine is quite disconcerting to my sister Amelia and her husband. No one, not even the doctors, can determine what Edward’s outcome will be.

In spite of all these difficulties, my sister rejoices over every step forward. The first time he was able to sit at table with their family for dinner again, they gave the Lord great thanks that their family circle was complete once more: “Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. … forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies…

Now that he is walking on his own more and more, my sister says it reminds her of the famous words from Isaiah: “He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”

Amelia knows that Edward might never regain his full faculties again. Yet, she is careful not to look too far ahead, as she knows it will only cause her to become fretful. Our Lord said as much in the Gospel of Matthew: “Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature … But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.”

So, my sister, her husband and family continue to give thanks to God for all He has done in restoring Edward to them. If there is more restoration, they will gladly receive it. If there is not, they will gladly be grateful for all that they have. They know there are many who suffer so much more pain and hardship on a daily basis in this world. Our Heavenly Father is faithful, in that He will either give Edward more healing, or He will give Edward and our family strength for the task He has called them to. Oh, may we have such a heart as theirs!

Your loving,

Lady Ezra

25 August 1875

My dear friend,

I hope this letter finds you well. I have been so thankful for our correspondence this summer and pray the Lord will see fit for it to continue.

There is a bit of news to share with you. My husband would say to leave it be, but I believe you will agree with me that it is news and you will be glad to hear of it. A week ago Saturday was our Church Ladies’ Society Bake Sale. We hold it every year on or near the feast of St. Mary, and the whole village expects it. Virtually every lady of the Church takes part, and as I mentioned in a previous letter, the proceeds go to help keep the Vicarage in good order.

This year, as we were setting up the tables and display items, Sadie Allen—a dear saint of a woman—came by with her breads and muffins along with someone I’d not met before. This young woman was simply lovely, but seemed rather quiet. She had creamy pale skin, clear blue eyes and her dark hair pinned up as is the fashion. But what struck me was she was wearing a very dark purple dress. Young ladies don’t normally wear such dark colors unless they are in mourning. Sadie introduced the young woman as her granddaughter, Antonia Ratcliffe. It seems Antonia’s husband died late last fall, so she is in half-mourning (of course I would naturally refer to her as Mrs. Ratcliffe, but she insisted I call her Antonia). Antonia and her husband had not been married even three years, poor soul. She has a small son named Nicholas and has recently moved in with Sadie and Guy as she tries to come to terms with her new life. The Bake Sale was her first foray into society not only since moving to Finchingfield, but since her husband’s death.

At the start of the Bake Sale, I saw that Antonia stayed close by her grandmother. So, I offered to introduce Antonia to some of the other ladies and help her to get acquainted. Of course, Rev. March was at the sale and he stopped by, so I introduced Antonia to him as well. My dear, I must say I have never seen Rev. March respond to a parishioner the way he responded to Antonia! The rest of the morning he kept finding reasons to come round to the area where Antonia was standing. He discussed with her the finer points of blueberry muffins versus blueberry scones, shared that he personally preferred oatmeal bread to wheat, and wondered what sort of pie would sell quickest. Antonia seemed to accept his conversation, as I watched her respond to his comments with smiles and small chuckles. I had to smile to myself as I watched the two of them. After working this Bake Sale for over five years, I can’t recall Rev. March ever having a conversation with me about these things. On the other hand, I am not a young widow coming out of mourning, now am I?

I will let you know how things progress with Rev. March and Antonia. It has been well over a week since the Bake Sale. She has been in Church and her little boy is sweet and well behaved. She dotes on her grandparents. It is good for them that she and Nicholas are here. I am reminded of the Scripture in Isaiah: “Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.” And from Revelation: “Behold, I make all things new.”

Our Lord is always at work, redeeming what seems like dust and ashes, and making a way where there seems to be no way. Bless His name!

Your loving,

Lady Ezra

20 August 1875

My dear friend,

I thought you should know what has happened with the Nichols family of late. I know I wrote you not long ago about Mrs. Nichols coming for tea, and how she expressed her troubled heart to me over her husband’s activities in Surrey. As you may recall, after tea, I walked with her to the Vicarage where she was able to speak to Rev. March about her concerns.

Mrs. Nichols told me after Church that Sunday that Rev. March had been most helpful. The first thing he did was ask the bank and other creditors’ not to bother Mrs. Nichols at home anymore, as the problem was of Mr. Nichols’ doing. Apparently some of the creditors did not like Rev. March’s involvement in the situation. However, Rev. March responded to these men that the Lord wouldn’t take it too kindly if they continued to harass a kind mother with children in the home. He thought perhaps God was telling him to announce in Church that their businesses should be off limits to his parishioners. It seems these businessmen quickly came round and told our Vicar that they would no longer bother the Nichols family.

Mr. Nichols you may remember had been missing for several days. Rev. March spoke with the Finchingfield Constable who said he would look into it. It seems Mr. Nichols had been drinking a great deal and had no money to return home after losing everything at another race in Surrey. The Constable in Surrey brought him back to Finchingfield and he was in the jail for over a week.

I asked my husband if there was anything we could do to help this family. I was quite perplexed, as we already have extra mouths to feed. Yet here was this poor woman with three children, nearly destitute right in our own village. It was not right to leave things as they were. I knew we had some means to care for them, but I did not know what was best. So I asked him what he thought we ought to do. He said he was very glad I brought this to his attention and he would think on it for a time.

A few days later, my husband went to the bank and to all of Mr. Nichols creditors and paid his bills. He then went to the jail, paid his fine, and took him out. He explained what he had done to Mr. Nichols (who for once was sober), and then explained the following terms to him: Mr. Nichols would work for my husband to pay off the debt he now owed my husband. This would mean six days of work for approximately one year. Mr. Nichols would be given a room over the barn in which to stay. We would also feed him and care for him. His wife and children would also be my husband’s responsibility during this time…as long as Mr. Nichols remains free from alcohol and attends church on Sunday. He is also free to visit his family on Sundays, as long as he is back to the farm early Monday mornings. But as he is not reliable right now, he will stay under my husband’s watch, will not be given any money nor be allowed to go anywhere on his own, until his debt is paid off.

Mr. Nichols not only agreed to the offer, he was very thankful for a fresh start. I too was so grateful to my husband. It made me think of how our Lord treats us when we make mistakes, fail or sin. We just need to go to Him and ask for His help, even if we don’t know what to do. He has paid our entire debt from His treasure in Christ Jesus. The difference is we do NOT have to “work it off.” We have a fresh start, a new chance at life. Our debt is completely paid in full by the riches and love of our Lord. Every day we can begin anew in Him. Oh, I am indeed very thankful!

Your loving,

Lady Ezra