158
The Retirement Years
them just the same, and prayed for them and labored for them just the
same.
Another word about her character: I regarded her as one of the
sturdiest characters I ever met. I can compare her life only to the
sturdy oak that meets the wind and bears its severest pressure; or the
mountain that laughs at the storm. She met trial and opposition from
those who ought to have been friendly; and she met it in the kindest,
sweetest spirit, but with the firmest determination to conquer, always
[219]
conquer. I never knew her to be conquered. Her faith in God was
invincible in this country, or any other country. Under circumstances
that would have swamped the faith of many, she triumphed under trial.
Just a word further about her sickness. It has been her lot, as
Brother Loughborough remarked, to suffer more than the ordinary
Christian. God permitted it, and she—I think I will let her speak for
herself as to how she regarded it. I have a statement here from her own
writings that I will read:
“I do not now expect to be lifted above all infirmities and tribu-
lations, and to have an unruffled sea on the journey heavenward. I
expect trials, losses, disappointments, and bereavements”—and she
had them, two children and her husband buried where she will soon be
buried by their side, in Michigan; she had her trials in that way, and in
other ways—“but I have the Saviour’s promise, ‘My grace is sufficient
for thee.’
“My sickness has taught me my own weakness, and my Saviour’s
patience and love, and His power to save. When passing sleepless
nights, I have found hope and comfort in considering the forbear-
ance and tenderness of Jesus toward His weak, erring disciples, and
remembering that He is still the same—unchangeable in mercy, com-
passion, and love. He sees our weakness; He knows how we lack faith
and courage; yet He does not cast us off. He is pitiful and of tender
compassion toward us.”
About six weeks ago we called on her, and she said, “When were
you in last to see me?”
[220]
“Just last Sabbath afternoon,” I replied.
“Oh, yes,” she said, “I forgot.” And then she turned to us and said:
“We all have our weaknesses and our forgetfulnesses, but if we correct
them they add strength to our characters and do not belittle us.” Now