Susanna Howe, of Silkstone

“I have to inform you that we have lost one of our Sunday Scholars.  But our loss is her eternal gain.  Her Name was Susanna Howe.

 She died January 6th 1825 being ten years of age, and was buried on the 9th.  She died a happy and glorious death.

She took much delight in the small Hymn Book, and nine or ten weeks before she died she chose a hymn to sung at her funeral, which was,

“O God, my heart with love inflame….”

And she said, “Mother, when you sing the praises of God below, I shall be singing his praises above.”

About three hours before she died …. she sent for some of the Sunday Scholars, and exhorted them to be good children and to pray that they might meet her in heaven.

She sent for the neighbours and exhorted them to meet her in heaven.  ……To her parents and brothers and sisters she said “Farewell for ever in this world; and if I should never speak to you again in this world, may I meet you in heaven.

She said “Mother, promise me that you will not fret for me, but rejoice for what the Lord has done for me, and be thankful.”    

“…..If the Lord shall permit me to open heaven’s gates for you, I will welcome you all in. Thus died this lovely child.”

We remain your affectionate brethren at Silkstone.   

John Mitchell & Others.

Ref: P.M. Children’s Magazine 1824 Vol 1 page 59