Again, to one who was cast down, and tempted to be discouraged because of his failings, she writes:–
’It is well to see them, for how can we take hold of Jesus to mend what we don’t see? It is best to know ourselves, but we Salvationists are in danger of erring on the other side. We look too much at ourselves apart from Him who is or would be our righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. Faith in Him as your keeper will do more in five minutes than years of conflict without it.’
Once, in another letter, she gives us a beautiful bit of her own soul’s experience on this subject:–
’I had such a view of His love and faithfulness on the journey from Wellingborough, that I thought I would never doubt again about anything. I had the carriage to myself, and such a precious season with the Lord, that the time seemed to fly. As the lightning gleamed around I felt ready to shout, “The chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof.” Oh, how precious it is when we see as well as believe, but yet more blessed to believe and not see! Lord, work this determined, obstinate, blind, unquestioning, unanswering faith in me and my beloved friend, and let us two dare to trust Thee in the midst of our peculiar trials. As I looked at the waving fields, and grazing sheep, the flashing sky, a Voice said in my soul, “Of what oughtest thou to be afraid? Am I not God? Cannot I supply thy little, tiny needs?” My heart replied, “It is enough, Lord; I will trust Thee, forgive my unbelief."’
IX
Love
The truest love must ever seek the highest good of its object; sometimes even with forgetfulness of important smaller advantages.’—Mrs. Booth.
The second great quality in Mrs. Booth’s character, as given by the first General, was her love.
‘She was love,’ he says. ’Her whole soul was full of tender, deep compassion. Oh, how she loved, how she pitied the suffering poor! How she longed to put her arms round the sorrowful, and help them!’
‘How,’ asked Mrs. Booth once, ’are we to put heart into people? Even grace seems to fail to do so in many instances. I think it needs mothers to do this from infancy upwards.’