With this idea, then, that we largely fashion our own lives, that,
"working with God, and for him, our lives can know no true failure,
but all things shall contribute to our soul's true success," let us
take up our cross, and then we shall find
"The burden light,
The path made straight, the way all bright,
Our warfare cease;
So shall we win the crown,
At last our life lay down
In perfect peace."
Two pages more on the same topic, of original and selected matter
skilfully blended (perhaps the whole a bit of one of the sermons never
to be preached), end with the hymn, copied in full,--
"I ask not wealth, but power to take
And use the things I have aright;"
and Miss Ellis finally sums all up, "True submission, then, consists in
_working_ out our own salvation, looking to God for strength wherewith
to work." The only entry for the next day is part of the hymn,--
"But God, through ways they have not known,
Will lead his own."
November 11 she returned home.
_November 14._ Attended fair, and met many friends. Mr. Wendte
kindly set me to work at a Book and Tract Table, and I sold two
books and distributed a quantity of free matter.
_December 5._ Am thoroughly on the road to the Book and Tract Table
in the church. Hope it may prove a good thing, and that I shall do
it _faithfully_.
_December 12._ Have been miserable all the week, and quite sick two
and a half hours Thursday. Couldn't raise my head, and had to
pretty much give up all day. Had sociable this week, and I was on
hand to urge the book trade, and hoped to have a supply to-day, but
was disappointed in it. It was one of the unsatisfactory days to
me, for I have had such a tremendous noise in my head that I
couldn't hear at all.
_December 19._ Held a meeting at Mrs. ----'s on Friday, with regard
to the Woman's Auxiliary Missionary work. It has been decided that
I am to take charge of distribution of Liberal publications, also
to canvass for the "Register." Had Mr. Mayo to preach for us
to-day. I was astonished to hear how well I heard him, and how
_natural_ it seemed. It made my cross all the heavier in contrast.
[The sonnet, "Strength for the Day," by Rachel G. Alsop, is copied
to close this day's record.]
_Feb. 10, 1881._ Began committing "A Statement of Unitarian Belief
in Bible Language."
_February 13._ I have felt rather depressed this week, and _needed_
the church to-day, which did do me good, as I heard more of the
sermon than I have heard for thirteen years.
_February 20._ Sermon to-day on "Are ye good Hearers?" I think my
remark to Mr. Wendte last Sunday must have called it forth.... Mr.
Wendte made the following beautiful tribute to the deaf.... I heard
just enough to overcome me, and thought two or three times that I
should break down. Have cried and laughed over the sermon.