IT might be truly said of the one of whom I write that she was chosen in the furnace of affliction. For five long years, she had suffered the most acute bodily pain, and was almost as weak and helpless as a child; she was poor indeed as to this world’s goods, but was rich in faith, living in simple dependence upon God to supply her daily need. Having no earthly relative, her days were mostly spent in loneliness, but never a murmur escaped her lips. Sometimes, when suffering much, she would say, “It is good to suffer from His hand,” and would delight to think He was only polishing the stone which was by-and-by to adorn His temple above. She became increasingly helpless, and, having no earthly friend to attend to her wants, feared lest she might be taken to the workhouse; and this became a severe trial of faith.
A few months ago, she became powerless even to raise her head from the pillow. Never shall I forget what that time of darkness and conflict was to her. It was painful to see the look of sadness and almost of despair or the dear face, which, usually so bright with hope and love, bore a silent testimony for Jesus.
In the evening I had to leave her for my home, and the following day I once more turned my steps towards my sick friend. On entering her room I saw that her sorrowful countenance spoke of conflict within. I sat down by her bedside, and opened my Bible at the 23rd Psalm. On corning to the last verse, “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever,” I saw that the word had found its way into her heart. She realized that not only had God’s mercy and goodness followed her until now, but that still would they abide with her, until she entered His presence above. Tears of joy filled her eyes, and she exclaimed, “Jesus, precious Jesus.” He had not suffered her faith, though sorely tried, to fail.
Now He showed her what He would do for her in delivering mercy. A servant of God sent a nurse to sit up with her at night; a Christian friend, with myself, stayed with her during the day; others supplied every need during her illness, and she was made to rejoice afresh in the faithfulness of God, who has said, “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.”
Dear tried ones, whom Jesus loves, take courage from this little incident. A. F.