But I have generally felt the worse before the best results, which proves it was Satanic opposition. And it has been the same with many of God’s most honoured instruments. I believe nearly all who are truly called of God to special usefulness pass through this buffeting.
’It stands to sense, if there is a Devil, that he should desperately withstand those whom he sees are going to be used of God. Supposing you were the Devil, and had set your heart on circumventing God, how would you do it but by opposing those who were bent on building up His Kingdom? He hopes to drive us from the field by blood and fire and vapour of smoke. But our Captain fought and won the battle for us, and we have only to hold on long enough, and victory is sure. “Courage!” your Captain cries. “Only be thou strong, and of good courage, and I will be with thee, and teach thee what to say.”
’"He hath chosen the weak things.” He has not made shift with them–taken them because there were no others. No! He hath chosen them. Will He ever forsake them, and thus make Himself a laughing-stock for Hell? Never! Will He ever let the Devil say, “Ah, ah! He chose this weak one, and then let him fail”? No, no, no!’
On the important question of courtship, she writes:–
’The Devil sets such innocent-looking traps–spiritual traps–to catch young people! Ah, he is a serpent still! Beware of his devices, and always cry to God for wisdom and strength of will to put down all foolish tampering. You are born for greater things. God may want you to be a leader in some vast continent, and you will want a companion and a counsellor–a “helpmeet.” The original word means “a help corresponding to his dignity” This is the meaning given by the best expositors. Oh, what wisdom there is even in the words which God has chosen to express His ideas! “Corresponding to his dignity!” Yes, and no man ever takes one below this mark who does not suffer for it; and, worse still, generations yet unborn have to suffer also. Mind what God says, and keep yourself till that one comes.
’A wrong step on this point, and you are undone. Oh, the misery of an unsuitable match! It is beyond description. I could tell you tales of woe that are now being enacted. But I must wait till we meet.
’I have seen too much of life, and know too much of human nature, to have much confidence in promises given under such circumstances. For my own part, I made up my mind when I was but sixteen that I would not have a man, though a Christian, who should offer to become even an abstainer for my sake. I felt that such a promise would not afford me ground for confidence afterwards. And do not we see enough all round us to show that unless people adopt things on principle, because they see it to be right, they soon change? Look at the folks who promise to give up tobacco and dress, for the sake of getting into berths; how soon it evaporates! No, my lad, wait a bit. “Couldst thou not watch with Me one hour?” Jesus lived a single life for your sake all the way through. Can you not live so till He finds you one after His own heart? I feel sure He will. Pray about it in faith. I am doing so; and God will answer. But Oh, don’t run before Him! Wait on the Lord.
’A little longer and you will be saying, “Oh, how glad I am I waited! I have now found a treasure indeed!” When God’s time and person are come, He will bring you together. How delighted and satisfied Isaac must have felt when the servant told him the way God led him (Genesis xxiv.).’
When standing by her grave The General said she was The Army Mother. He said the truth.
One of her early promises, given to her as a girl, when she only saw its greatness and hid it away in her heart as too sacred to be spoken of, and almost too wonderful ever to be accomplished, were the words: ’I will make thee a mother of nations.’