J Miriam Crane

Works by Maria V. G. Havergal J Miriam Crane

Maria Vernon Graham Havergal was Frances Ridley Havergal's second oldest sister, 15 when Frances was born. Maria was devoted to Frances, served and encouraged her while she lived, and after she died, Maria was the diligent editor and publisher of her completed works and part of her uncompleted works, gathering, codifying, preserving F. R. H.'s written treasure for others then and later. Maria was herself a finely gifted writer, and her Memorials biography of Frances is gold. Frances had loved Maria's Pleasant Fruits, and who wouldn't? Maria also wrote a memorial biography of another sister, Ellen, Outlines of a Gentle Life. Maria's own Autobiography is filled and overflowing with valuable details and lessons. Though very little known today, there is much edification, encouragement, enrichment in these works by Maria. Like her sister F. R. H., she was a true example of the Lord's love, of His true work in a believer. All was laid at her Master's feet, to glorify Him and benefit His people. Writing in her Autobiography about a time when she visited Ireland and walked long distances in rural areas to meet and reach lost ones, Maria said this: It became an increasing delight to me to visit the cottages, my swift walking taking me to many a lonely corner. I marvel now at my activities, and believe they sprang from love to God, and much delightful communing did I hold with the Lord Jesus on the wayside. He was more and more to me, and when my early retirement at night was smiled at, they little knew the delight of being alone with Jesus my Lord.