Those to whom "Lettice Eden" is an old friend will meet with many
acquaintances in these pages. The lesson is partly of the same type--
the difference between that which seems, and that which is; between the
gold which will stand the fire, and the imitation which the flame will
dissolve in a moment; between the true diamond, small though it be,
which is worth a fortune, and the glittering paste which is worth little
more than nothing.
But here there is a further lesson beyond this. It is one which God
takes great pains to teach us, and which we, alas! are very slow to
learn. "Tarry thou the Lord's leisure." In the dim eyes of frail
children of earth, God's steps are often very slow. We are too apt to
forget that they are very sure. But He will not be hurried: He has
eternity to work in, "If we ask anything according to His will, He
heareth us." How many of us, who fancied their prayers unheard because
they could not see the answer, may find that answer, rich, abundant,
eternal, in that Land where they shall know as they are known! Let us
wait for God. We shall find some day that it was worth while.