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The _Forfarshire_ meantime was the sport of the waves, which
threatened every minute to smash her in pieces.
Before long, indeed, one wave mightier than the rest lifted her bodily
on to the sharp rocks and broke her in two. Her after-part was swept
away, and the captain, his wife, and those who were in that portion of... | Beneath the Banner: Being Narratives of Noble Lives and Brave Deeds | Cross, F. J. (Frederick J.) | ['en'] | 17 | {'Biography -- Juvenile literature'} | PG10024 | |||
It was now that her courage was put to the severest test. At this
critical moment the lives of her father and all the survivors depended
upon her judgment and skill.
Well did her past experience and cool nerve then serve her. Alone and
unaided she kept the boat in a favourable position in the teeth of
that pitiless ga... | Beneath the Banner: Being Narratives of Noble Lives and Brave Deeds | Cross, F. J. (Frederick J.) | ['en'] | 17 | {'Biography -- Juvenile literature'} | PG10024 | |||
A FRIEND OF LEPERS.
THE STORY OF FATHER DAMIEN.
Of all forms of disease leprosy is perhaps the most terrible. The
lepers of whom we read in the Bible were obliged to dwell alone
outside the camp; and even king Uzziah, when smitten with leprosy,
mighty monarch though he was, had to give up his throne and dwell by
him... | Beneath the Banner: Being Narratives of Noble Lives and Brave Deeds | Cross, F. J. (Frederick J.) | ['en'] | 17 | {'Biography -- Juvenile literature'} | PG10024 | |||
There, far away amongst those for whom he gave his life, lie the
remains of one of the world's great examples, whose name will ever be
whispered with reverence, and who possessed to a wonderful extent "the
peace which the world cannot give".
A GREAT ARCTIC EXPLORER.
THE STORY OF SIR JOHN FRANKLIN.
The passage to the... | Beneath the Banner: Being Narratives of Noble Lives and Brave Deeds | Cross, F. J. (Frederick J.) | ['en'] | 17 | {'Biography -- Juvenile literature'} | PG10024 | |||
Next summer, Franklin descended the river to its mouth, and embarking
in canoes he and his followers made towards Behring Strait, from which
they were ere long driven back by their old dread enemy--starvation.
For many days on their return journey they had nothing to live upon
but rock moss, which barely kept them ali... | Beneath the Banner: Being Narratives of Noble Lives and Brave Deeds | Cross, F. J. (Frederick J.) | ['en'] | 17 | {'Biography -- Juvenile literature'} | PG10024 | |||
Then in 1845, when he was in his sixtieth year, he went out in the
service of the Admiralty to attempt the passage through the Arctic
Ocean. Leaving England in May, 1845, in command of the _Erebus_ and
_Terror_, with a body of the most staunch and experienced seamen, he
sailed into the Arctic Seas. They were last seen... | Beneath the Banner: Being Narratives of Noble Lives and Brave Deeds | Cross, F. J. (Frederick J.) | ['en'] | 17 | {'Biography -- Juvenile literature'} | PG10024 | |||
The object for which Sir John Franklin had sailed, viz., the discovery
of the North West passage, had been attained, but no single man of the
expedition, alas, lived to enjoy the fruits of the discovery.
A SAVIOUR OF SIX
THE STORY OF FIREMAN FORD.
In the waiting room at the head quarters of the London Fire Brigade,
... | Beneath the Banner: Being Narratives of Noble Lives and Brave Deeds | Cross, F. J. (Frederick J.) | ['en'] | 17 | {'Biography -- Juvenile literature'} | PG10024 | |||
"He was thirty-one years of age when he met his death, and he left a
wife and two children to mourn his loss."
That's all the official record says--simple, calm,
straightforward--like Joseph Ford's conduct on that night.
I suppose that next morning two pairs of bright little eyes were on
the watch for Joseph Ford; and... | Beneath the Banner: Being Narratives of Noble Lives and Brave Deeds | Cross, F. J. (Frederick J.) | ['en'] | 17 | {'Biography -- Juvenile literature'} | PG10024 | |||
Her parents were most anxious that she should take part in all that
was going on in the household, in order that she should feel her
misfortune as little as possible. So she lived in the midst of the
family circle, sharing in their sports, their meals, and their
entertainments, and being treated just as one of the oth... | Beneath the Banner: Being Narratives of Noble Lives and Brave Deeds | Cross, F. J. (Frederick J.) | ['en'] | 17 | {'Biography -- Juvenile literature'} | PG10024 | |||
But as Bessie grew up she began to feel some of the sadness and
loneliness natural to her lot. Her sisters could no longer be
constantly with her as in the nursery days; and though she made no
complaint, nor spoke of it to those around her, yet she felt it none
the less keenly.
By this time her father had become Bisho... | Beneath the Banner: Being Narratives of Noble Lives and Brave Deeds | Cross, F. J. (Frederick J.) | ['en'] | 17 | {'Biography -- Juvenile literature'} | PG10024 | |||
The increase in expenses as the scheme developed rendered it necessary
to ask for public assistance. By the bishop's advice a committee was
formed, and money collected.
By 1856, Miss Gilbert thought her work far enough advanced to bring it
under the notice of Her Majesty, who, having asked for and received
full partic... | Beneath the Banner: Being Narratives of Noble Lives and Brave Deeds | Cross, F. J. (Frederick J.) | ['en'] | 17 | {'Biography -- Juvenile literature'} | PG10024 | |||
One of the most eminent balloonists of modern times, Mr. James
Glaisher, was many times in danger of losing his life whilst in
pursuit of knowledge miles above the earth.
His first ascent was made from Wolverhampton on the 17th of July,
1862. It was very stormy at the time of starting. Before he and Mr.
Coxwell got fa... | Beneath the Banner: Being Narratives of Noble Lives and Brave Deeds | Cross, F. J. (Frederick J.) | ['en'] | 17 | {'Biography -- Juvenile literature'} | PG10024 | |||
When Mr. Coxwell saw that Mr. Glaisher was insensible he tried to go
to him but could not, and he then felt insensibility coming over him.
He became anxious to open the valve, but having lost the use of his
hands he could not, and ultimately he did so by seizing the cord with
his teeth and dipping his head two or thre... | Beneath the Banner: Being Narratives of Noble Lives and Brave Deeds | Cross, F. J. (Frederick J.) | ['en'] | 17 | {'Biography -- Juvenile literature'} | PG10024 | |||
He was a fearless lad, with a strong will of his own. When he was only
nine years old, and was yet unable to swim, he would throw himself
into deep water, trusting to some older boy to get him out. He was
threatened on one occasion that he should not go on a pleasure
excursion because of some offence he had committed;... | Beneath the Banner: Being Narratives of Noble Lives and Brave Deeds | Cross, F. J. (Frederick J.) | ['en'] | 17 | {'Biography -- Juvenile literature'} | PG10024 | |||
On the 30th April Gordon was before the city of Taitsan, where three
months before the same army which was now under his command had been
defeated.
Three times his men rushed into the breach which the big guns had
made. Twice they were hurled back; but for a third time Gordon urged
them on, and their confidence in his... | Beneath the Banner: Being Narratives of Noble Lives and Brave Deeds | Cross, F. J. (Frederick J.) | ['en'] | 17 | {'Biography -- Juvenile literature'} | PG10024 | |||
He returned to England and settled down at Gravesend, living quite
simply, and working in his spare moments amongst the poor. To the boys
he was a hero indeed. That was but natural, seeing he not only taught
them to read and write, and tried to get them situations, but treated
them as his friends.
In his sitting-room ... | Beneath the Banner: Being Narratives of Noble Lives and Brave Deeds | Cross, F. J. (Frederick J.) | ['en'] | 17 | {'Biography -- Juvenile literature'} | PG10024 | |||
Here was his hope. "With terrific exertion," he writes, "in two
or three years' time I may with God's administration make a good
province--with a good army and a fair revenue and peace, and an
increased trade,--also have suppressed slave raids." He felt it was a
weary work before him, for he adds: "Then I will come ho... | Beneath the Banner: Being Narratives of Noble Lives and Brave Deeds | Cross, F. J. (Frederick J.) | ['en'] | 17 | {'Biography -- Juvenile literature'} | PG10024 | |||
Later on he was to give his life for these people; but the hour was
not yet.
When Gordon was in Abyssinia King John took him prisoner. Brought
before his Majesty, Gordon fairly took away the breath of the monarch
by going up to him, placing his own chair beside the king's, and
telling him that he would only talk to hi... | Beneath the Banner: Being Narratives of Noble Lives and Brave Deeds | Cross, F. J. (Frederick J.) | ['en'] | 17 | {'Biography -- Juvenile literature'} | PG10024 | |||
To extricate these garrisons without bloodshed if possible was
Gordon's object. It was a forlorn hope; still if any one man could
accomplish it Charles Gordon was that man.
But ere long it was found even beyond his powers; for after sending
off a portion of the Khartoum population in safety down the river, the
Mahdi's... | Beneath the Banner: Being Narratives of Noble Lives and Brave Deeds | Cross, F. J. (Frederick J.) | ['en'] | 17 | {'Biography -- Juvenile literature'} | PG10024 | |||
"Like Lawrence," he wrote, "I have tried to do my duty"; and England
confessed that right nobly he had done it.
Let those who wish to testify their love and veneration for this great
man remember the Gordon Home for Boys at Chobham, which was founded to
perpetuate his name. It is situated in the midst of Surrey; and h... | Beneath the Banner: Being Narratives of Noble Lives and Brave Deeds | Cross, F. J. (Frederick J.) | ['en'] | 17 | {'Biography -- Juvenile literature'} | PG10024 | |||
The master of the ship wanted him to "cut his mainsail and cast about,
and to trust to the sailing of his ship"; but Sir Richard utterly
refused to turn from the enemy, saying that he would rather choose to
die than dishonour himself, his country, and her Majesty's ship, and
informed his company that he would pass thr... | Beneath the Banner: Being Narratives of Noble Lives and Brave Deeds | Cross, F. J. (Frederick J.) | ['en'] | 17 | {'Biography -- Juvenile literature'} | PG10024 | |||
As Lord Tennyson writes:--
And the sun went down, and the stars came out far over the summer sea,
But never a moment ceased the fight of the one and the fifty-three.
Ship after ship the whole night long their high-built galleons came,
Ship after ship, the whole night long, with her battle-thunder and
flame;
... | Beneath the Banner: Being Narratives of Noble Lives and Brave Deeds | Cross, F. J. (Frederick J.) | ['en'] | 17 | {'Biography -- Juvenile literature'} | PG10024 | |||
Whilst, however, the dispute was going on, the master of _The Revenge_
opened communication with the Spaniards and concluded an arrangement
fully honourable to the British, by which it was agreed that those on
board _The Revenge_ should be sent to England in due course; those of
the better sort to pay a reasonable ran... | Beneath the Banner: Being Narratives of Noble Lives and Brave Deeds | Cross, F. J. (Frederick J.) | ['en'] | 17 | {'Biography -- Juvenile literature'} | PG10024 | |||
And, although Lord Howard would himself have gone into battle even
against such odds as that, yet the other commanders were greatly
opposed to so rash an enterprise; and the master of his own ship said
he would rather jump into the sea than conduct her Majesty's ship and
the rest to be a prey to the enemy.
Hence it wa... | Beneath the Banner: Being Narratives of Noble Lives and Brave Deeds | Cross, F. J. (Frederick J.) | ['en'] | 17 | {'Biography -- Juvenile literature'} | PG10024 | |||
One day he went with two companions to explore a cave called "The
Eyes". Adjoining this they discovered a narrow hole leading to a
further cave, which was below high-water mark. Into this with great
exertion Jim managed to squeeze himself. It was quite dark inside, and
whilst he was describing it to his companions the... | Beneath the Banner: Being Narratives of Noble Lives and Brave Deeds | Cross, F. J. (Frederick J.) | ['en'] | 17 | {'Biography -- Juvenile literature'} | PG10024 | |||
The first portion of his life as a curate did not seem to point to his
making any mark upon his Devonshire flock. His audiences were sleepy,
and paid little attention to his sermons.
One day he got lost on Exmoor in trying to make a short cut to a place
where he was to conduct service. He was consequently late in arri... | Beneath the Banner: Being Narratives of Noble Lives and Brave Deeds | Cross, F. J. (Frederick J.) | ['en'] | 17 | {'Biography -- Juvenile literature'} | PG10024 | |||
"When at length the ship left England I watched and watched the
retreating tow-boat," he continues, "until I could see it no longer,
and then hurried down below. Indeed, I felt for the moment as one
paralysed. Now is the time for reaction--to 'cast all your care upon
Him'."
Strangely enough, both his missionary journe... | Beneath the Banner: Being Narratives of Noble Lives and Brave Deeds | Cross, F. J. (Frederick J.) | ['en'] | 17 | {'Biography -- Juvenile literature'} | PG10024 | |||
He determined to try a different route from that taken before, in
order to avoid the fevers from which the previous expedition had
suffered so terribly.
After surmounting many difficulties in his passage through Masai Land
he had by October reached within a few days' journey of Uganda; but
there, on the outskirts of t... | Beneath the Banner: Being Narratives of Noble Lives and Brave Deeds | Cross, F. J. (Frederick J.) | ['en'] | 17 | {'Biography -- Juvenile literature'} | PG10024 | |||
Mrs. Hannington has kindly made a tracing of the page in the bishop's
little pocket diary for 28th October, the day before his martyrdom
took place. I am very glad to be able to give a reproduction of so
interesting a memento.
[Illustration: diary entry]
_Seventh day's prison. Wednesday, 28th October_. A terrible nigh... | Beneath the Banner: Being Narratives of Noble Lives and Brave Deeds | Cross, F. J. (Frederick J.) | ['en'] | 17 | {'Biography -- Juvenile literature'} | PG10024 | |||
Not content with this, he learnt Persian and Hindostanee; and thus
when he went to India in 1823 he was equipped as few young men of his
day were.
Havelock's faith, strong though it was, had to undergo a time of
severe trial. Doubts arose in his mind, and made him miserable while
they lasted. But on board ship he came... | Beneath the Banner: Being Narratives of Noble Lives and Brave Deeds | Cross, F. J. (Frederick J.) | ['en'] | 17 | {'Biography -- Juvenile literature'} | PG10024 | |||
"Every inch a soldier, and every inch a Christian,"--that was an exact
description of this man.
Even the day he got married to Hannah Marshman, the missionary's
daughter, he showed that he was a soldier before all else. For, having
been suddenly summoned to attend a military court of inquiry at twelve
o'clock on his w... | Beneath the Banner: Being Narratives of Noble Lives and Brave Deeds | Cross, F. J. (Frederick J.) | ['en'] | 17 | {'Biography -- Juvenile literature'} | PG10024 | |||
That was on 17th June, 1857.
Two days later Havelock was appointed to the command of the little
army. His instructions were that, "after quelling all disturbances
at Allahabad, he should not lose a moment in supporting Sir Henry
Lawrence at Lucknow, and Sir Hugh Wheeler at Cawnpore; and that he
should take prompt meas... | Beneath the Banner: Being Narratives of Noble Lives and Brave Deeds | Cross, F. J. (Frederick J.) | ['en'] | 17 | {'Biography -- Juvenile literature'} | PG10024 | |||
Day, after day, the men fought and marched--marched and fought. Battle
after battle was won against foes of reckless daring, carefully
entrenched, amply supplied with big guns, and infinitely superior in
numbers.
His men were often half famished. For two whole days they had but one
meal, consisting of a few biscuits a... | Beneath the Banner: Being Narratives of Noble Lives and Brave Deeds | Cross, F. J. (Frederick J.) | ['en'] | 17 | {'Biography -- Juvenile literature'} | PG10024 | |||
So he accompanied the army as a volunteer; and again the men fought
their way, this time right through the mutineers, accomplishing their
object by the first relief of Lucknow.
On the evening of 28th September, the soldiers reached the Residency,
where the British had been shut up for so long face to face with
death. ... | Beneath the Banner: Being Narratives of Noble Lives and Brave Deeds | Cross, F. J. (Frederick J.) | ['en'] | 17 | {'Biography -- Juvenile literature'} | PG10024 | |||
It is only just over a hundred years since John Howard died; yet in
his day persons could be put to death for stealing a horse or a sheep,
for robbing dwellings, for defrauding creditors, for forgery, for
wounding deer, for killing or maiming cattle, for stealing goods to
the value of five shillings, or even for cutti... | Beneath the Banner: Being Narratives of Noble Lives and Brave Deeds | Cross, F. J. (Frederick J.) | ['en'] | 17 | {'Biography -- Juvenile literature'} | PG10024 | |||
At Exeter he found two sailors in gaol, having been fined one shilling
each for some trifling offence, and owing £1 15s. 8d. for fees to the
gaolers and clerk of the peace. When he visited Cardiff he heard a man
had just died in prison after having been there ten years for a debt
of seven pounds. At Plymouth he found ... | Beneath the Banner: Being Narratives of Noble Lives and Brave Deeds | Cross, F. J. (Frederick J.) | ['en'] | 17 | {'Biography -- Juvenile literature'} | PG10024 | |||
When Howard was in Russia the empress sent a message saying she
desired to see him; but he returned an answer that he was devoting
his time to inspecting prisons, and had no leisure for visiting the
palaces of rulers.
At Rome, however, he was prevailed on to go and see the Pope, on
the express understanding that he sh... | Beneath the Banner: Being Narratives of Noble Lives and Brave Deeds | Cross, F. J. (Frederick J.) | ['en'] | 17 | {'Biography -- Juvenile literature'} | PG10024 | |||
His last journey was to Russia. At Cherson he received an urgent
request to visit a lady who had the fever. The place where she lived
was many miles off, and no good horses were to be obtained. But he
was determined not to disappoint her; so he procured a dray horse and
started for his destination on a wintry night, w... | Beneath the Banner: Being Narratives of Noble Lives and Brave Deeds | Cross, F. J. (Frederick J.) | ['en'] | 17 | {'Biography -- Juvenile literature'} | PG10024 | |||
Dressing himself as a native soldier, and covering his face and hands
with lampblack, he was so altered in appearance that even his friends
failed to recognise him. Thus disguised, and accompanied by a
native spy named Kunoujee Lal to guide him, he set out. The night,
fortunately, was dark and favoured their design. T... | Beneath the Banner: Being Narratives of Noble Lives and Brave Deeds | Cross, F. J. (Frederick J.) | ['en'] | 17 | {'Biography -- Juvenile literature'} | PG10024 | |||
There was nothing now to be done but to return as quickly as possible;
but they were for a while in an awkward fix, as they could get no one
to direct them.
A man whom they asked declared he was too old to guide them, another
on being commanded to lead them ran off shouting and alarmed the
village. It was now midnight... | Beneath the Banner: Being Narratives of Noble Lives and Brave Deeds | Cross, F. J. (Frederick J.) | ['en'] | 17 | {'Biography -- Juvenile literature'} | PG10024 | |||
All through the British camp spread the tale of Kavanagh's brave deed;
and the enthusiasm of officers and men alike knew no bounds.
The information he was able to give proved of the greatest assistance;
and a little later he had the honour of conducting Sir James Outram
and Sir Henry Havelock into the presence of Sir ... | Beneath the Banner: Being Narratives of Noble Lives and Brave Deeds | Cross, F. J. (Frederick J.) | ['en'] | 17 | {'Biography -- Juvenile literature'} | PG10024 | |||
No wonder, then, that the natives were terrified at the idea of
attempting to swim across.
Yet the river lay between Captain Lendy's force and the food and rest
it needed. So, though owing to the privations the men had endured
their vital powers were at a low ebb, yet, with starvation staring
them in the face they mus... | Beneath the Banner: Being Narratives of Noble Lives and Brave Deeds | Cross, F. J. (Frederick J.) | ['en'] | 17 | {'Biography -- Juvenile literature'} | PG10024 | |||
It was for a time a stern fight with death. But Lendy was cool, calm,
resourceful. Yard by yard the distance between the further shore was
lessened, notwithstanding the race of the waters toward the falls.
Foot by foot he drew nearer to safety, though the man lay like a log
in the grasp of his rescuer, unable to assis... | Beneath the Banner: Being Narratives of Noble Lives and Brave Deeds | Cross, F. J. (Frederick J.) | ['en'] | 17 | {'Biography -- Juvenile literature'} | PG10024 | |||
(sd) Momo Bangur
his mark.
Witnesses
(sd) Benoni Johnson Sub Inspr. F.P.
" R.W. Sawyer Sergt
" S. Jenkins Coker Sergt
" Emanuel R. Palmer Sergt
A TEMPERANCE LEADER.
THE STORY OF JOSEPH LIVESEY.
The leader of the great temperance movement in England--Joseph
Livesey, of Preston--ha... | Beneath the Banner: Being Narratives of Noble Lives and Brave Deeds | Cross, F. J. (Frederick J.) | ['en'] | 17 | {'Biography -- Juvenile literature'} | PG10024 | |||
In the church to which Joseph Livesey belonged the ringers and singers
were hard drinkers, the gravedigger was a drunkard, and the parish
clerk was often intoxicated!
Living amidst so much sin and misery, this frail lad determined to
strive his hardest to assist others. He found Sunday a day of rest and
rejoicing to h... | Beneath the Banner: Being Narratives of Noble Lives and Brave Deeds | Cross, F. J. (Frederick J.) | ['en'] | 17 | {'Biography -- Juvenile literature'} | PG10024 | |||
Now came the important moment of his life. One day in settling a
bargain he drank a glass of whisky. It was, he said, the best he ever
drank, because it was the last. For the sensation it produced made him
resolve he would never again taste a drop of intoxicating liquor.
Finding himself the better for this course, he ... | Beneath the Banner: Being Narratives of Noble Lives and Brave Deeds | Cross, F. J. (Frederick J.) | ['en'] | 17 | {'Biography -- Juvenile literature'} | PG10024 | |||
A stern father, a loving mother, both godly and upright people--such
were the parents of David; and he respected and loved them with a true
and constant affection.
The boy was fond of learning--so fond indeed that when he was at
the factory he would keep his book open before him on the spinning
machine. Most people th... | Beneath the Banner: Being Narratives of Noble Lives and Brave Deeds | Cross, F. J. (Frederick J.) | ['en'] | 17 | {'Biography -- Juvenile literature'} | PG10024 | |||
Whilst he was gaining the affection of the natives, he did not forget
his loved ones at home; and out of his scanty salary of about £100 a
year he sent £20 to his parents.
Before he had been long in Africa he had an adventure which nearly
cost him his life. In the parts where he was teaching, the lions were
very troub... | Beneath the Banner: Being Narratives of Noble Lives and Brave Deeds | Cross, F. J. (Frederick J.) | ['en'] | 17 | {'Biography -- Juvenile literature'} | PG10024 | |||
But he had made up his mind that it was best to go to fresh districts
rather than stay in places where there were already teachers, and
therefore proceeded forty miles further on to Chonuane. Here he met
with almost immediate success. The chief, Sechele by name, became a
convert and was able in a few weeks to read the... | Beneath the Banner: Being Narratives of Noble Lives and Brave Deeds | Cross, F. J. (Frederick J.) | ['en'] | 17 | {'Biography -- Juvenile literature'} | PG10024 | |||
After the death of Sebituane his son Sekeletu was equally friendly, as
may be gathered from this page of Livingstone's diary, which, by the
kindness of his daughter, Mrs. Bruce, I am permitted to reproduce.
[Illustration: REDUCED FACSIMILE OF A PAGE FROM LIVINGSTONE'S DIARY.
THE ORIGINAL IS WRITTEN ON PAPER 7 INCHES B... | Beneath the Banner: Being Narratives of Noble Lives and Brave Deeds | Cross, F. J. (Frederick J.) | ['en'] | 17 | {'Biography -- Juvenile literature'} | PG10024 | |||
Numerous were the expeditions he made. In the course of these he
traversed thousands of miles of country before untrodden by the feet
of Europeans. His fame had now spread to the four quarters of the
globe, and he had published several volumes giving an account of his
explorations.
In January, 1873, he started on his ... | Beneath the Banner: Being Narratives of Noble Lives and Brave Deeds | Cross, F. J. (Frederick J.) | ['en'] | 17 | {'Biography -- Juvenile literature'} | PG10024 | |||
He determined not to return to farm life, believing he could do better
for himself in a town. So at about thirteen years of age George Moore
began his business life as apprentice to a draper at Wigton.
He did not make at all a pleasant or successful start. His work was
very hard. He had to light fires, clean windows, ... | Beneath the Banner: Being Narratives of Noble Lives and Brave Deeds | Cross, F. J. (Frederick J.) | ['en'] | 17 | {'Biography -- Juvenile literature'} | PG10024 | |||
Then he got a better place; but, for a time, had to bear much abuse
from his master, who declared that, although he had come across many
blockheads from Cumberland, George was the stupidest one of all! Still
he bore the reproaches of his employer good-naturedly, and before long
made his mark. He was offered the positi... | Beneath the Banner: Being Narratives of Noble Lives and Brave Deeds | Cross, F. J. (Frederick J.) | ['en'] | 17 | {'Biography -- Juvenile literature'} | PG10024 | |||
In November, 1876, he was knocked down in the streets of Carlisle by a
runaway horse, and carried into the hospital to die. He had expressed
a wish when he was in good health to be told when he was dying; so his
wife said to him, "We have often talked about heaven. Perhaps Jesus is
going to take you home. You are will... | Beneath the Banner: Being Narratives of Noble Lives and Brave Deeds | Cross, F. J. (Frederick J.) | ['en'] | 17 | {'Biography -- Juvenile literature'} | PG10024 | |||
After this he went to Bristol, and seeing many poor children uncared
for laid the matter before God; and, believing it to be His will that
he should try to provide some place of rest for these little ones, he
took a house large enough to contain thirty girls.
Rather a remarkable thing happened in connection with the o... | Beneath the Banner: Being Narratives of Noble Lives and Brave Deeds | Cross, F. J. (Frederick J.) | ['en'] | 17 | {'Biography -- Juvenile literature'} | PG10024 | |||
Some paragraphs in Müller's yearly reports read almost like a fairy
story, only they are far more beautiful, being a record of _facts_.
Thus in May, 1892, when the financial year of the institution began,
they had in hand for their School, Bible, Missionary and Tract funds
only £17 8s. 5-1/2 d.
In June of that year a ... | Beneath the Banner: Being Narratives of Noble Lives and Brave Deeds | Cross, F. J. (Frederick J.) | ['en'] | 17 | {'Biography -- Juvenile literature'} | PG10024 | |||
A gold chain and watch-key, two gold brooches, and a pair of earrings
were sent to Mr. Müller, with the following comment: "My wife and I
having, through the exceeding riches of God's grace, been brought to
the Lord Jesus, wish to lay aside the perishing gold of the world
for the unsearchable riches of Christ, and sen... | Beneath the Banner: Being Narratives of Noble Lives and Brave Deeds | Cross, F. J. (Frederick J.) | ['en'] | 17 | {'Biography -- Juvenile literature'} | PG10024 | |||
Thus they parted--he starting on his life's journey with her earnest
pleadings ringing in his ears.
Travelling in those days (1813) was so slow that it took him a full
month to get to High Leigh in Cheshire; and on the way he narrowly
escaped being captured by the pressgang and made to serve on a British
man-of-war, w... | Beneath the Banner: Being Narratives of Noble Lives and Brave Deeds | Cross, F. J. (Frederick J.) | ['en'] | 17 | {'Biography -- Juvenile literature'} | PG10024 | |||
At length after walking up and down the street in a state of painful
indecision he returned and ventured to knock. A terrible moment
followed. He would have given anything to run away, and hoped with all
his heart Mr. Roby would be out.
This, however, was not the case; and, brought face to face with the
mission preach... | Beneath the Banner: Being Narratives of Noble Lives and Brave Deeds | Cross, F. J. (Frederick J.) | ['en'] | 17 | {'Biography -- Juvenile literature'} | PG10024 | |||
In December, 1819, Moffat was married to Mary Smith at St. George's
Church, Cape Town. She had been engaged to him before he left England,
and had given up home and parents to go out to Africa and become a
missionary's wife. No truer helper could Moffat have found, for
she loved the work, and experienced great happine... | Beneath the Banner: Being Narratives of Noble Lives and Brave Deeds | Cross, F. J. (Frederick J.) | ['en'] | 17 | {'Biography -- Juvenile literature'} | PG10024 | |||
On one occasion Mrs. Moffat asked a native woman to move out of her
kitchen, as she wanted to close it before she went to church. For
answer the woman hurled a log of wood at her; and she, fearful lest
her babe should be hurt, departed, leaving the savage woman in
possession of her home.
Whilst Mrs. Moffat had difficu... | Beneath the Banner: Being Narratives of Noble Lives and Brave Deeds | Cross, F. J. (Frederick J.) | ['en'] | 17 | {'Biography -- Juvenile literature'} | PG10024 | |||
[Illustration: Letter]
In 1871 Robert and Mary Moffat, after living in Africa for upwards of
half a century, returned home. From the letter to Mr. G. Unwin, which
is here reproduced in facsimile, it will be seen that Robert Moffat's
labours were not even then finished; for up to the last he took the
greatest interest ... | Beneath the Banner: Being Narratives of Noble Lives and Brave Deeds | Cross, F. J. (Frederick J.) | ['en'] | 17 | {'Biography -- Juvenile literature'} | PG10024 | |||
Happily, she discovered it was only bruised; and she attended to it so
skilfully that the dog was soon running about in the field again. A
few days later she met the shepherd,--he was simply beaming, for the
dog had recovered and was with him.
When Florence spoke to the man the dog wagged its tail as much as to
say, "... | Beneath the Banner: Being Narratives of Noble Lives and Brave Deeds | Cross, F. J. (Frederick J.) | ['en'] | 17 | {'Biography -- Juvenile literature'} | PG10024 | |||
So, on the 15th October, 1854, he asked her to go to the Crimea to
take entire charge of the nursing arrangements; and in less than a
week she started with about forty nurses for Scutari, the town where
the great hospital was situated.
All Britain was stirred with admiration at her heroism; for it was
well known how d... | Beneath the Banner: Being Narratives of Noble Lives and Brave Deeds | Cross, F. J. (Frederick J.) | ['en'] | 17 | {'Biography -- Juvenile literature'} | PG10024 | |||
Before her task was finished Miss Nightingale had taken the fever
herself, but her life was mercifully spared.
Since those days, Florence Nightingale has done many kindly and
noble deeds. She has always lived as much out of the public sight as
possible, though her work has rendered her dear to all hearts.
Though she h... | Beneath the Banner: Being Narratives of Noble Lives and Brave Deeds | Cross, F. J. (Frederick J.) | ['en'] | 17 | {'Biography -- Juvenile literature'} | PG10024 | |||
His officers represented to him how desirable it was that he should
keep out of the battle as long as possible; and, knowing the truth of
this, he signalled to the other ships to go in front. Yet his desire
to be in the forefront of the attack was so great that he would not
take in any sail on The Victory, and thus re... | Beneath the Banner: Being Narratives of Noble Lives and Brave Deeds | Cross, F. J. (Frederick J.) | ['en'] | 17 | {'Biography -- Juvenile literature'} | PG10024 | |||
A little later he said, "Kiss me, Hardy". Hardy knelt down, and Nelson
said, "Now I am satisfied. Thank God I have done my duty". After that
it became difficult for him to speak, but he several times repeated
the words, "Thank God I have done my duty". And these were the last
words he uttered before he died. At half-p... | Beneath the Banner: Being Narratives of Noble Lives and Brave Deeds | Cross, F. J. (Frederick J.) | ['en'] | 17 | {'Biography -- Juvenile literature'} | PG10024 | |||
At first her friends tried in every way to dissuade her from leaving
home, and, as they termed it, "throwing herself away on the heathen".
But her simplicity of belief and earnestness of purpose soon changed
their thoughts on the subject and when, early in the year 1812, Mr.
and Mrs. Newell sailed for Calcutta, many c... | Beneath the Banner: Being Narratives of Noble Lives and Brave Deeds | Cross, F. J. (Frederick J.) | ['en'] | 17 | {'Biography -- Juvenile literature'} | PG10024 | |||
Might not many a one justly ask, was not her life a failure? And the
answer, based on the experience and results of what her life and death
accomplished, is No--emphatically No!
For her example produced a wave of religious life and missionary
enthusiasm in America, the like of which has hardly ever been known.
The ver... | Beneath the Banner: Being Narratives of Noble Lives and Brave Deeds | Cross, F. J. (Frederick J.) | ['en'] | 17 | {'Biography -- Juvenile literature'} | PG10024 | |||
He was a boy who, when he had done wrong, always blamed himself--not
any one else. Thus, when he was twelve, having spent a good deal of
his time one term at Eton enjoying cricket and boating, he found his
tutor was not at all satisfied with his progress. "I am ashamed to
say," he remarked in writing home, "that I can... | Beneath the Banner: Being Narratives of Noble Lives and Brave Deeds | Cross, F. J. (Frederick J.) | ['en'] | 17 | {'Biography -- Juvenile literature'} | PG10024 | |||
And thus full of faith he laboured on, telling the people of these
scattered islands, which besprinkle the southern ocean like stars in
the milky way, of the love of Christ.
He was still ready to condemn himself just as he did in his early
days. From Norfolk Island, in 1870, he wrote to his sister when he was
holding ... | Beneath the Banner: Being Narratives of Noble Lives and Brave Deeds | Cross, F. J. (Frederick J.) | ['en'] | 17 | {'Biography -- Juvenile literature'} | PG10024 | |||
The desire to believe on the part of some of his people was very
touching. One of them said to him: "I don't know how to pray properly,
but I and my wife say, 'God make our hearts light--take away the
darkness. We believe that You love us because You sent Jesus to become
a man and die for us; but we can't understand i... | Beneath the Banner: Being Narratives of Noble Lives and Brave Deeds | Cross, F. J. (Frederick J.) | ['en'] | 17 | {'Biography -- Juvenile literature'} | PG10024 | |||
As they made their way towards shore a canoe drifted out, and lying in
it, wrapped in a native mat, was the body of Bishop Patteson.
A sweet calm smile was on his face, a palm leaf was fastened upon his
breast, and upon the body were five wounds--the exact number of the
natives who had been kidnapped or killed.
So the... | Beneath the Banner: Being Narratives of Noble Lives and Brave Deeds | Cross, F. J. (Frederick J.) | ['en'] | 17 | {'Biography -- Juvenile literature'} | PG10024 | |||
The noble Knight of the Garter was not only interested in the
costermongers themselves, but in their animals too.
At one time the costers had used their donkeys and ponies shamefully,
had overworked and underfed them; but gradually they were made to see
how much better it was to treat their animals well. With a good S... | Beneath the Banner: Being Narratives of Noble Lives and Brave Deeds | Cross, F. J. (Frederick J.) | ['en'] | 17 | {'Biography -- Juvenile literature'} | PG10024 | |||
When he was a schoolboy at Harrow came the turning point in his life.
He saw four or five drunken men carrying a coffin containing the
remains of a companion; and such was their state of intoxication that
they dropped it, and then broke out into foul language.
The effect this had upon the youth was so great that he re... | Beneath the Banner: Being Narratives of Noble Lives and Brave Deeds | Cross, F. J. (Frederick J.) | ['en'] | 17 | {'Biography -- Juvenile literature'} | PG10024 | |||
It was, indeed, a difficult problem how best to aid the poor fellows;
but Lord Shaftesbury solved it. As a result of the conference three
hundred thieves went abroad to Canada to begin life anew, or were put
into the way of earning an honest living.
One of the subjects which occupied a great deal of Lord Shaftesbury's... | Beneath the Banner: Being Narratives of Noble Lives and Brave Deeds | Cross, F. J. (Frederick J.) | ['en'] | 17 | {'Biography -- Juvenile literature'} | PG10024 | |||
Lord Shaftesbury roused the country to a sense of the wrong that was
being done to the chimney sweeps, and Bills were passed in Parliament
for their protection.
Not only children, but men and women also, needed to be defended from
wrong and overwork.
Lord Shaftesbury visited the factories to see how the labourers were... | Beneath the Banner: Being Narratives of Noble Lives and Brave Deeds | Cross, F. J. (Frederick J.) | ['en'] | 17 | {'Biography -- Juvenile literature'} | PG10024 | |||
When he was over eighty years old he was still striving for the good
of others. So much was his heart in the work that he remarked on one
occasion: "When I feel age creeping on me, and know I must soon die--I
hope it is not wrong to say it--but I cannot bear to leave the world
with all the misery in it".
The dawn came... | Beneath the Banner: Being Narratives of Noble Lives and Brave Deeds | Cross, F. J. (Frederick J.) | ['en'] | 17 | {'Biography -- Juvenile literature'} | PG10024 | |||
In his earlier years W.H. Smith made a list of subjects for daily
prayer, embracing repentance, faith, love, grace to help, gratitude,
power to pray, constant direction in all things, a right understanding
of the Bible, deliverance from besetting sin, constancy in God's
service, relatives and friends, missionaries, pa... | Beneath the Banner: Being Narratives of Noble Lives and Brave Deeds | Cross, F. J. (Frederick J.) | ['en'] | 17 | {'Biography -- Juvenile literature'} | PG10024 | |||
A great deal of the forwarding of newspapers was in those days done by
coaches. To catch these with the later papers, Smith had light carts
with fast horses. If the coaches had started, Smith's carts would
pursue for many miles, till they caught up the coaches at one of their
stopping places.
At the death of William I... | Beneath the Banner: Being Narratives of Noble Lives and Brave Deeds | Cross, F. J. (Frederick J.) | ['en'] | 17 | {'Biography -- Juvenile literature'} | PG10024 | |||
In 1868 he was returned to Parliament, and in 1874 Mr. Disraeli
selected him for a place in his Ministry. A year later he was made
First Lord of the Admiralty. How serviceable he had been in the former
post may be judged by the remark made by Sir Stafford Northcote when
he lost Smith's assistance on his promotion to t... | Beneath the Banner: Being Narratives of Noble Lives and Brave Deeds | Cross, F. J. (Frederick J.) | ['en'] | 17 | {'Biography -- Juvenile literature'} | PG10024 | |||
There is little recorded of Simeon's early life to indicate the
character of the future leader of men; for, to "jump over half a
dozen chairs in succession, and snuff a candle with his feet," is an
ordinary schoolboy accomplishment. Yet there is one incident which
shows he could be in earnest in religious matters, eve... | Beneath the Banner: Being Narratives of Noble Lives and Brave Deeds | Cross, F. J. (Frederick J.) | ['en'] | 17 | {'Biography -- Juvenile literature'} | PG10024 | |||
For three months this state of feeling continued. But in Passion Week
the thought came to him that God had provided an Offering for him, on
whose head he could lay his sins, just as the Jewish high priest laid
the sins of the people on the head of the scapegoat. He saw dimly at
first that his sins could be, and were i... | Beneath the Banner: Being Narratives of Noble Lives and Brave Deeds | Cross, F. J. (Frederick J.) | ['en'] | 17 | {'Biography -- Juvenile literature'} | PG10024 | |||
Now came an eventful period in this good man's life. The minister of
Trinity Church, Cambridge, having died, Simeon was appointed by the
bishop.
The parishioners, however, desired to have as minister the curate;
and, as it was impossible to gratify their wish, they made matters as
unpleasant as possible for Simeon.
Th... | Beneath the Banner: Being Narratives of Noble Lives and Brave Deeds | Cross, F. J. (Frederick J.) | ['en'] | 17 | {'Biography -- Juvenile literature'} | PG10024 | |||
Once a party of undergraduates laid an ambush for Simeon, intending to
assault him. He, however, by accident happened to go home that night
another way.
Not only had he to put up with active but also with much passive
opposition. But he went on in faith and charity, till his enemies
became his friends--his friends, hi... | Beneath the Banner: Being Narratives of Noble Lives and Brave Deeds | Cross, F. J. (Frederick J.) | ['en'] | 17 | {'Biography -- Juvenile literature'} | PG10024 | |||
In that last sentence, perhaps, lies the secret of the man's
far-reaching and undying influence.
A SOLDIER MISSIONARY.
THE STORY OF HEDLEY VICARS.
It was the 22nd March, 1855, just outside Sebastopol. The night was
dark and gusty. Close to the Russian entrenchments was an advanced
post of the British forces, command... | Beneath the Banner: Being Narratives of Noble Lives and Brave Deeds | Cross, F. J. (Frederick J.) | ['en'] | 17 | {'Biography -- Juvenile literature'} | PG10024 | |||
[Illustration: HEDLEY VICARS LEADING THE 97TH.]
On 12th January he wrote: "I have just returned from a night in the
trenches, having come off the sick list yesterday morning. Last Sunday
I was unable to leave my tent, but I had happy communion with Jesus
in my solitude, and derived much pleasure from the fourteenth an... | Beneath the Banner: Being Narratives of Noble Lives and Brave Deeds | Cross, F. J. (Frederick J.) | ['en'] | 17 | {'Biography -- Juvenile literature'} | PG10024 | |||
But he had got that which was better than any ordinary friendships.
Though he often came under the fire of jeers and taunts--more trying
to most men than the rifle bullets of the enemy--he experienced a new
joy which increased and deepened.
Later on he would spend four or five hours daily in Bible reading,
meditation ... | Beneath the Banner: Being Narratives of Noble Lives and Brave Deeds | Cross, F. J. (Frederick J.) | ['en'] | 17 | {'Biography -- Juvenile literature'} | PG10024 | |||
Another day she came across a poor fellow with both legs broken; and
after a little earnest talk he said, "I've been a bad fellow, but I'll
trust Him".
Others she found who had been already influenced by Miss Marsh; and so
her task of teaching was made easier.
At the Sunday school she showed so great a genius for tami... | Beneath the Banner: Being Narratives of Noble Lives and Brave Deeds | Cross, F. J. (Frederick J.) | ['en'] | 17 | {'Biography -- Juvenile literature'} | PG10024 | |||
Even in the first year she printed 500 copies a month of her letters
("little bluebacks" the sailors called them, on account of the colour
of their cover); but before many years had passed as many as 21,000 a
month were printed and circulated.
Then the sailor boys wanted a letter all to themselves, saying they
could n... | Beneath the Banner: Being Narratives of Noble Lives and Brave Deeds | Cross, F. J. (Frederick J.) | ['en'] | 17 | {'Biography -- Juvenile literature'} | PG10024 | |||
On H.M.S. _Topaze_ the grog tub was used as a table for signing the
pledge book, one sailor remarking (to the tub): "Sixty odd nails in
your coffin to-day, old fellow! If they all hold firm I would not give
much for your life."
At the present day on board every ship in the service there is a
branch of the Royal Navy T... | Beneath the Banner: Being Narratives of Noble Lives and Brave Deeds | Cross, F. J. (Frederick J.) | ['en'] | 17 | {'Biography -- Juvenile literature'} | PG10024 | |||
Not only has this home prospered, but similar homes have been founded
in other places. In Portsmouth Miss Weston's Sailors' Rest is one of
the most noted buildings in the town; whilst the principle that Jack,
who fights our battles at sea, and keeps our country prosperous by his
labours aboard ship, needs to be made h... | Beneath the Banner: Being Narratives of Noble Lives and Brave Deeds | Cross, F. J. (Frederick J.) | ['en'] | 17 | {'Biography -- Juvenile literature'} | PG10024 | |||
Having thus done all that a commander could do to ensure the success
of the day, he rode back to the high ground from which he could
command a full view of the battle, and with a face calm and serene
waited for the French attack.
It was this serenity which had so great an effect on his troops. They
knew their great co... | Beneath the Banner: Being Narratives of Noble Lives and Brave Deeds | Cross, F. J. (Frederick J.) | ['en'] | 17 | {'Biography -- Juvenile literature'} | PG10024 | |||
"Hard pounding this, gentlemen!" he remarked to a battalion on which
the French shells were falling with destructive fury; "but we will try
who can pound the longest." "Wait a little longer, my lads," was the
duke's reply to the murmur which reached him from some of his troops
who had suffered heavily from the French ... | Beneath the Banner: Being Narratives of Noble Lives and Brave Deeds | Cross, F. J. (Frederick J.) | ['en'] | 17 | {'Biography -- Juvenile literature'} | PG10024 | |||
A PRINCE OF PREACHERS.
THE STORY OF JOHN WESLEY.
"I do intend to be more particularly careful of the soul of this child
that Thou hast so mercifully provided for than ever I have been, that
I may do my endeavour to instil into his mind the principles of Thy
true religion and virtue. Lord, give me grace to do it sinc... | Beneath the Banner: Being Narratives of Noble Lives and Brave Deeds | Cross, F. J. (Frederick J.) | ['en'] | 17 | {'Biography -- Juvenile literature'} | PG10024 | |||
At the age of twenty-two he began to think of entering the ministry,
and wrote to his parents about it. He also commenced to regulate the
whole tone of his life. "I set apart," he writes, "an hour or two a
day for religious retirement; I communicated every week; I watched
against all sin, whether in word or deed. I be... | Beneath the Banner: Being Narratives of Noble Lives and Brave Deeds | Cross, F. J. (Frederick J.) | ['en'] | 17 | {'Biography -- Juvenile literature'} | PG10024 | |||
But the mission of John Wesley was to rouse the masses. This he
did, though at great peril to his own life; for his preaching often
produced strong opposition.
Thus in June, 1743, at Wednesbury the mob assembled at the house where
he was staying, and shouted "Bring out the minister; we will have the
minister!" But Wes... | Beneath the Banner: Being Narratives of Noble Lives and Brave Deeds | Cross, F. J. (Frederick J.) | ['en'] | 17 | {'Biography -- Juvenile literature'} | PG10024 | |||
At Pensford the rabble made a bull savage, and then tried to make it
attack his congregation; at Whitechapel they drove cows among the
listeners and threw stones, one of which hit Wesley between the eyes;
but after he had wiped away the blood he went on with his address,
telling the people that "God hath not given us ... | Beneath the Banner: Being Narratives of Noble Lives and Brave Deeds | Cross, F. J. (Frederick J.) | ['en'] | 17 | {'Biography -- Juvenile literature'} | PG10024 | |||
"Unless God has raised you up for this very thing," writes Wesley,
"you will be worn out by the opposition of men and devils, but if God
be for you who can be against you?... Go on in the name of God and in
the power of His might till even American slavery, the vilest that
ever saw the sun, shall vanish away before it... | Beneath the Banner: Being Narratives of Noble Lives and Brave Deeds | Cross, F. J. (Frederick J.) | ['en'] | 17 | {'Biography -- Juvenile literature'} | PG10024 | |||
Little wonder that Mr. Mackay should write: "Our hearts are
breaking". Yet what a triumph! One of the executioners, struck by
the extraordinary fortitude of the lads, and their evident faith in
another life, came and asked that he might also be taught to pray.
This martyrdom did not daunt the other Christians. Though ... | Beneath the Banner: Being Narratives of Noble Lives and Brave Deeds | Cross, F. J. (Frederick J.) | ['en'] | 17 | {'Biography -- Juvenile literature'} | PG10024 |
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