LEROY'S HEALING.
Bessie's little brother, Leroy, now past five years of age, was far from
being rugged. Though he had a full, round face and a large head, his
body was emaciated and did not develop properly. He could go only a few
steps without falling. He had fainting spells, which gradually increased
in frequency and duration.
Many times as Mrs. Worthington looked at her poor little boy, she lifted
her heart to God in earnest prayer to know his will concerning the
child. Many friends remarked that she would never be able to bring him
up; but she knew that, if for the best, God could heal the child and
give him right development.
At last his illness became very serious. One night his head was burning
with fever, while his body was cold and clammy. It seemed but a question
of time until he would pass away.
As Mrs. Worthington looked at her child, she remembered the words,
"Man's extremity is God's opportunity," and "The prayer of faith shall
save the sick." She wondered why God had brought them to her mind. She
began to ask herself: "Do I believe that God can heal that child? If it
is God's will to take him, can I submit?" To the first question she
answered, "Yes; God made him," and to the second, "Thy will be done, O
God." Then she breathed an earnest prayer for his healing. The sweet
assurance came that her prayer was answered; that the child would grow
well and strong. She felt that she could lie down by his side and trust
him in the hands of the One who gave him.
She placed a wet cloth on his head, lay down by his side, and knew no
more until the next morning. Both slept soundly. When she awoke, she
saw that the child was breathing naturally and that the fever was
entirely gone. Then she fully realized that God had healed him. With a
grateful heart she thanked the Lord for his tender love. It was indeed
true that Leroy was well. About ten o'clock his mother carried him to
the lake and, having Bessie to row the boat, gave him a pleasant
boat-ride. The fever never returned; his head stopped growing; and he
became a strong, healthy boy. The friends who had thought that he would
surely die said they could not understand the change that had taken
place, but Mrs. Worthington understood, and gave God all the praise.