When a good man is afflicted, tempted, or troubled with evil thoughts, then he understandeth better the great need he hath of God, without whom he perceiveth he can do nothing that is good.
Then also he sorroweth, lamenteth, and prayeth, by reason of the miseries he suffereth.
Then he is weary of living longer, and wisheth that death would come, that he might depart and be with Christ.
Then also he well perceiveth, that perfect security and full peace cannot be had in this world.
Before I left, I prayed with her.—This brings before us another very touching scene in the life of St. Paul. His final farewell to the elders of Ephesus. When he had spoken unto them he kneeled down and prayed with them all. And they all wept sore and fell on Paul's neck and kissed him. Sorrowing most of all for the words which he spoke, that they should see his face no more, and they accompanied him unto the ship. If this course was persistently pursued by all Christian workers how manifold would be the blessings conferred on our labors. It would be found that many a poor sin-burdened heart would be instantly relieved of its load of care. For "if we ask, we shall receive."
We are called upon, not to go forth in our own name, or in our own strength, but in the name of Him who said, "Lo! I am with you alway, even to the end of the world;" and when one reflects on the many sad scenes and circumstances with which she was constantly surrounded, we ought to thank God that in every age of the Christian Church, he has raised up men and women who were willing to go with the name of Jesus to the distressed and dying, and to speak that name in all its living power.
A Mother and Daughter given a Bible and its Result.
Of this incident she writes: "A woman and her daughter, whom I have been visiting for some time, and to whom I have given a Bible, have become greatly changed, and attended our place of worship last Sabbath. They gave evidence of having been very deeply impressed. The mother said, with the Lord helping her, she will live no longer as she has done. This woman has been greatly tried. On the day of the great storm, her husband left Washington, where he had been employed some time, and has never since been heard of. He was her only means of support, as the rest of the family were out of employment. Her daughter is a very interesting young woman, and would like a situation as seamstress and nurse. I would have no fear in recommending her to any one who might need her services."
Notice, 1. That love and reverence for God's Word inspires one with a desire to distribute the Sacred Scriptures. There are various reasons for this. In the first place, because of the moral influence the revealed will of God has had on the world. When we think of the benign and salutary influence of the Bible by its circulation throughout the length and breadth of the land, nay, all lands, by the British and Foreign Bible Society, and the American Bible Society, we have great reason to rejoice at the marvellous success that has attended their labors. Surely it is indited by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. It has been transmitted to us, from generation to generation, unaltered and uninjured; the simple yet sublime boon—God's loving letters to mankind.