There was a moment’s pause, then Mr. Lilburn said:
“I think it altogether likely that every one present who has gone past the meridian of life could tell of personal experience of the fulfilment to her or himself of that gracious, precious promise, ‘As thy days, so shall thy strength be,’ and I, for one, should be very glad to hear their testimony to our Heavenly Father’s faithfulness to His promise.”
A moment’s silence, then the captain said:
“And you, Cousin Ronald, being the eldest and our chosen leader, might well be the first with your story of the Lord’s goodness to you, and faithfulness to His promises.”
“I am entirely willing,” the old gentleman returned pleasantly. “The Lord has been exceedingly good to me through all the years of my life. I have had very many troubles, trials and difficulties, but His grace and the many great and precious promises of His Word have helped me through them all. I have seen the grave close over wife, children, parents and friends, but have been sustained under the sore trial by the glad hope of meeting them all in that better land where there is no more death, no sin, no parting, but all is righteousness and peace and joy forevermore.
“And even in this world the Lord has given me much to repair my losses and renew the joys of my younger days,” he added with a very loving look and smile directed to Annis.
She returned the smile and spoke in low, pleasing tones:
“I, too, have had some sore trials, and can testify to the Lord’s faithfulness to His promise, ‘As thy days, so shall thy strength be.’ Years ago my heart was torn with grief over the deaths of parents, brothers, sisters and other dear ones. There have been other trials also, but the Lord’s promise has never failed. He has brought me safely through them all, and is making my later days my best days—full of peace, comfort and happiness.”
It was now Mrs. Elsie Travilla’s turn, as she sat next to her Cousin Annis. She spoke in low, sweet tones, distinctly audible in the quiet of the room: