I was brought up by Christian parents, that is, they were strict
church-going people; but I never knew what it was to have a change of
heart, though I feared God and did at times try to draw near to him.
It was after I graduated from school that I met those who believe in
living holy lives. I was very much impressed with them, but I did not
give my heart to God at that time. I continued to meet them and after
some months became convicted that I was a sinner and under the wrath
of God. Having attended church and Sunday-school from childhood, I had
considered myself a Christian; but when the Bible standard was lifted
up before me, I soon saw my true condition.
One day while alone I yielded myself fully to God, and he received me
into his family. I did not know at that time, though I was very happy
in my new-found love, what a treasure I had really found; but the
eighteen years I have already spent in His service verifies to me that
the path of the righteous shineth more and more unto the perfect day.
A spirit of love and gratitude begets a spirit of service. I wanted to
do something for God, so began visiting the sick. Soon I felt a desire
to go into the work of the Lord, but this step was much opposed in my
home, my family having had a life of worldly honor mapped out for me. I
waited, hoping a way would open for me to go, but it seemed my friends
were becoming more opposed to the life I had chosen. I was forced to
leave home against the wishes of my friends, especially my dear mother,
but I see more clearly now than I did then that God's hand was in it and
that he was leading me.
Mother was so displeased that she took steps to disinherit me, but
afterwards, through the persuasion of others, she relented. She also
forbade me the privilege of returning home, but in this she also
relented. I wondered at this change in my dear mother, who was one of
the best of mothers, for this new life I had received seemed to have
made a great gulf between us. It certainly had made a marked change in
the once rebellious, self-willed girl, and I could not understand why my
mother, who had spent many anxious moments because of my wilfulness, was
not rejoicing instead of opposing me. I now see that my course thwarted
her worldly ambitions for me; hence the bitterness.
I had spent a number of years working for the Master, which were
very profitable and beneficial to my soul. To me it was like God's
training-college. My mother came to visit me sometimes, vainly hoping I
would return with her. She told me that if I would just return home she
would buy me worldly vanities, such as fine dresses, etc., which I had
once loved. She could not understand when I told her I did not want them
any more. She even told me I could receive the attentions of a certain
young man who for her sake I had once refused. But that fancy also had
been removed far from me, and I praised God as I explained to her what
a change had been wrought in me.
About one year after this my mother had a severe nervous attack. She
came to where I was living, saying that she wanted to make her peace
with God and die. Some ministers and I had prayer with her, and God
graciously pardoned her soul. Oh the joy that filled my heart when I saw
my dear mother humble herself before the Lord! She not only received
pardon, but received a divine touch in her body also. She became a bold
witness before all our friends and relatives to what God had done for
her. It seemed she could never praise him enough. Though she was a woman
of very strong character and personality, she became as gentle and
teachable as a little child. Her nature seemed to be entirely changed.
While I write this, tears of gratitude flow because of the greatness of
God's salvation. She spent a few happy months here below, and then God
took her.