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Chapter 20—Neglect of Hannah More
In the case of Sister Hannah More, I was shown that the neglect
of her was the neglect of Jesus in her person. Had the Son of God
come in the humble, unpretending manner in which He journeyed
from place to place when He was upon earth, He would have met
with no better reception. It is the deep principle of love that dwelt in
the bosom of the humble Man of Calvary that is needed. Had the
church lived in the light, they would have appreciated this humble
missionary whose whole being was aglow to be engaged in her
Master’s service. Her very earnest interest was misconstrued. Her
externals were not just such as would meet the approval of the eye
of taste and fashion, for familiarity with strict economy and poverty
had left its impress upon her apparel. Her hard-earned means had
been exhausted as fast as obtained to benefit others, to get light to
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those whom she hoped to lead to the cross of truth.
Even the professed church of Christ, with their exalted privileges
and high professions, discerned not the image of Christ in this self-
denying child of God because they were so far removed from Christ
themselves that they reflected not His image. They judged by the
external appearance and took no special pains to discern the inward
adorning. Here was a woman whose resources of knowledge and
genuine experience in the mysteries of godliness exceeded those of
anyone residing at-----, and whose manner of address to the youth
and children was pleasing, instructive, and salutary. She was not
harsh, but correct and sympathetic, and would have proved one of the
most useful laborers in the field as an instructor of the youth and an
intelligent, useful companion and counselor to mothers. She could
reach hearts by her earnest, matter-of-fact presentation of incidents
in her religious life, which she had devoted to the service of her
Redeemer. Had the church emerged from darkness and deception
into the clear light, their hearts would have been drawn out after
the lonely stranger. Her prayers, her tears, her distress, at seeing no
way of usefulness open to her, have been seen and heard in heaven.
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