Sketch of Experience
531
he said: “You must listen. You must know this even if it is hard to
bear.”
At the several houses we approached, the same subject was the
theme of conversation. It was their present truth. Said I: “Oh, I did
not know this! I was ignorant that such feelings existed in the hearts
of those whom we have regarded as our friends in prosperity, and our
fast friends in suffering, affliction, and adversity. Would I had never
known this! We have accounted these our very best and truest friends.”
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The person with me repeated these words: “If they would only
engage as readily and with as much earnestness and zeal in conversa-
tion upon their Redeemer, dwelling upon His matchless charms, His
disinterested benevolence, and His merciful forgiveness, His pitiful
tenderness to the suffering, His forbearance and inexpressible love,
how much more precious and valuable would be the fruits.”
I then said: “I am grieved. My husband has not spared himself
to save souls. He stood under the burdens until they crushed him; he
was prostrated, broken physically and mentally; and now to gather up
words and acts and use them to destroy his influence, after God has
put His hand under him to raise him up that his voice may again be
heard, is cruel and wicked.”
Said the person who accompanied me: “The conversation where
Christ and the characteristics of His life are the themes dwelt upon will
refresh the spirit and the fruit will be unto holiness and everlasting life.”
He then quoted these words: “Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever
things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are
pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good
report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these
things.” These words so impressed me that I spoke upon them the next
Sabbath.
My labors in Wright were very wearing. I had much care of my
husband by day, and sometimes in the night. I gave him baths, and took
him out to ride, and twice a day, cold, stormy, or pleasant, walked out
with him. I used the pen while he dictated his reports for the Review,
and also wrote many letters, in addition to the many pages of personal
testimonies, and most of No. 11, besides visiting and speaking as
often and as long and earnestly as I did. Brother and Sister Root fully
sympathized with me in my trials and labors, and watched with the
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tenderest care to supply all our wants. Our prayers were frequent that