Master Johnson's Death
It
was shortly after coming to this town of Boston
that we heard of the death of Master Johnson, Lady
Arabella's husband. A friendly man was he, ever
ready with a kindly word for us children, and we would
have mourned his loss much more, but for knowing
that it pleased him right well to go out of this world of
sorrow, that he might join his wife in God's country.
Susan and I had hoped we should hear of no more
deaths among those we cared for, after having come
into this last place of abode, and the news of Master
Johnson's taking away caused her superstitious fears
to break out anew; but I reminded her that we were in
God's keeping, whatsoever might befall, and that for
us to look forward into the morrow, searching for evil,
was the same as an injustice to our Maker, who would
do toward us whatsoever seemed good in His sight.
As I look back now upon the time when our town
of Boston first came into being, I can understand how
well it is for us that we may not read the future. Had
we at that time, when the winter was coming on, known
how much of sorrow and of suffering was in store for us,
before the earth would be freed from its bonds of ice,
then I believe of a verity we must have given up in
despair.
However, it is not for me to look ahead even in this
poor attempt at setting down what we did in the new
land. Rather let me go back to our home life, and tell
somewhat concerning the odd dishes which were
frequently set on our table.
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