The Lord hath His way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and He knoweth them that put their trust in Him.
IN the Mission-house at Ping-yang-fu (South Shan-si) the little party of 'foreigners were preparing for flight-facing the desperate journey of a thousand miles overland, through a country teeming with " Boxers," to the nearest place of safety. The white-haired native pastor, so infirm with age that he could hardly walk, had come to bid them farewell, and was talking with one of the ladies, when an urgent message called him out. A friend, in real concern; begged him to return home immediately. It was at the risk of his life he was showing sympathy with foreigners. An Imperial Edict had just arrived saying that they and all connected with them were to be utterly destroyed, and his only safety lay in keeping out of sight. Calmly the old man returned to his missionary friends, ..and finished what he had been saying with the words
" Kueh neng mieh ; Kiao mieh puh-liao " : " Kingdoms may perish ; but the Church can never be destroyed."
And in this confidence he and hundreds of other Chinese Christians sealed their testimony with their blood.1-{1 Pastor Hsi would doubtless have been among the number had he not passed away four years previously. Song, ordained with him in 1886, was the Pastor of the Ping-yang church above referred to.}
Among those who escaped in Pastor Hsi's district was one dear old man who held a very simple creed. He had long been a leader in the opium-refuge work and had seen much of the power of God. All over the countryside people knew the value of his prayers and would send for him in sickness or trouble. Yet Li Pu-cheo was no scholar he could not even read. But one thing he did know beyond a doubt-that the Lord Jesus was risen from the dead, and that therefore everything was possible.
Before the terrible summer of 1900, this had been his ground for expecting deliverance in and through every trial. Was some village cause in danger, the chapel looted, and the Christians scattered ?
But I knew that Jesus rose from the dead," he would say with quiet confidence.
Because of that glorious fact the little church no less would rise. And neither before nor after those long months of anguish was he disappointed.
For Mr. Taylor too, as we have seen, nothing remained but sheer and simple faith. " Lord, Thou hast been our dwelling-place in all generations." - Long had he found strength and sufficiency, his one unchanging rest, in GOD, and that Refuge did not fail him now. Everything was falling about him, everything that is that could be shaken but there are " things that cannot be shaken," and they held fast amid the storm. The confidence of a lifetimetrust in the infinite faithfulness of our Father in heaven -had not been in vain. All His ways are love and light, light and love; for "In Him there is .no darkness at all."
"Before I had children of my own," -Mr. Taylor had often said, " I used to think, God will not forget me ; but when I became a father I learned something more-God cannot forget me."
In the last analysis is it not just that love, that Father heart, we must fall back upon ? Amid the darkness and confusion and all the havoc wrought by sin I may see nothing, understand nothing, be able to do nothing, not even to pray at times ; but GOD I know. All is intelligible from His standpoint, all necessary, working out the highest good.
" I trusted in Thee, 0 Lord : I said, Thou art my God. My times are in Thy hand."
Leaving China for the last time a few months previously, Mr. Taylor had written to one in trial-written at midnight just as he was going to the steamer
'The Lord Himself will undertake for you and help YOU....
Leave God to order all thy ways,
And hope in Him whate'er betide ;
Thou'lt find Him in the evil days
Thy all-sufficient strength and guide
Who trusts in God's unchanging love
Builds on the rock that naught can move.
And this he and those he bore upon his heart were to prove as never before.
But how he suffered as the days and weeks went by in the sufferings he was unable to lessen or even directly share! For more than thirty years he had always been the first to hasten to scenes of calamity and danger, never sparing himself if he could succour the fellow-workers he so truly loved. And now in the hour of their supreme trial he had to stand aside, and be willing to be nothing and do nothing, save as he could cry to God on their behalf.
" Day and night our thoughts are with you all," Mrs. Taylor wrote in July. " My dear Husband says : ` I would do all I could to help them ; and our Heavenly Father, Who has the power, will do for each one according to His wisdom and love.' "
He could not write himself. Indeed, when the worst news was coming, in the middle of August, life seemed to ebb away so fast that he could scarcely cross the room alone, and his pulse fell from seventy or eighty to only forty per minute. Anguish of heart was killing him, and it was only by keeping the tidings back in measure that the slender thread of life held on. With the relief of the Legations and the flight of the Court from Peking (August 14) the Boxer madness began to pass away, and Li Hungchang was called again to the helm, to pilot his distracted country through the complications with foreign Powers. But before that time the Inland Mission had a martyr-roll of over fifty of its members, while not a few who survived had suffered even more than those whose lives had been laid down. Fifty-eight in the C.I.M. alone perished in that terrible crisis, besides twenty-one children of the Mission, martyred with their parents or dying under sufferings the latter were enabled to survive. But in all the correspondence of the period not one bitter feeling can be traced against their persecutors, not one desire for vengeance or even for indemnification. The spirit of that tender mother who-dying after weeks of brave endurance on the journey to Hankow, having lost one little one by the way and witnessed the prolonged sufferings of others whispered to her husband, " I wish I could have lived, I wish I could have gone back there, to tell the dear people more about Jesus," seemed rather to animate all hearts.1-{1 A precious heritage to the people of God is found in the full story of the Boxer crisis as it affected the Inland Mission, told by Mr. Marshall Broomhall in his Martyred Missionaries of the C.I.M., by the Rev. A. Glover in A Thousand Miles of Miracle in China, and by Mr. C. H. Green in his equally touching record of personal experiences, In Deaths Oft.}
As to the difficult question of compensation, Mr. Taylor had from the first advised that no claim should be made by the Mission, and that even if offered none should be accepted for injury to life or person. Later on when, besides a heavy indemnity and other punitive measures, retribution of a fearful character was inflicted by certain of the Powers, he went further, fully agreeing with the Councils that indemnification for Mission property also should be declined, though individuals were left free to accept compensation for personal losses if they so desired. This action, though criticised in certain quarters, was warmly approved at the British Foreign Office and by its Minister in Peking, who sent a private donation of a hundred pounds to the Mission in expression of his " admiration " and sympathy.
When with returning strength Mr. Taylor was able to bear more detailed knowledge of what had taken place, not one page of journals or letters did he spare himself as these came to hand. Snow had fallen on the mountains when he sought his daughter-in-law one bright October morning where she was working on the manuscript of Pastor Hsi. A mail had just been received with tidings from Pastor Hsi's own district, which had moved him deeply. Tears overflowed as he paced the little room, telling of what he had been reading-last letters from his dear friend Miss Whitchurch and her companion, Miss Searell, written only the day before they met death alone in their distant station.
Oh, think what it must have been," he broke in on the sad recital, " to exchange that murderous mob for the rapture of His presence, His bosom, His smile ! "
" They do not regret it now," he continued, when able to command his voice, " ` A crown that fadeth not away.'They shall walk with Me in white, for they are worthy."'
A little later, speaking of his longing to go to Shanghai to be with the refugees gathered there.
I might not be able to do much," he said, "but I feel they love me. If they could come to me in their sorrows and I could only weep with them, it might be a comfort to some." .
Tenderly his daughter-in-law tried to tell him how much such sympathy would mean, and that there was no one in the world who could give it as he could, but even that was almost more than he could bear.
Prevented thus from being himself in China, it was a great comfort to Mr. Taylor that Mr. Stevenson was not without the help of one manifestly prepared of God for this emergency. Mr. Cooper, whose return from the north he had been eagerly anticipating, had fallen by the headsman's axe, and it seemed as if nothing could make up to the Mission for the loss of so wise and prayerful a leader, whose experience and powers of sympathy fitted him to be a help to the Chinese Christians no less than to his fellowmissionaries. But by Mr. Taylor's wish and arrangement, Mr. D. E. Hoste had come down from Ho-nan, of which he was then Superintendent, and was spending the summer at Shanghai. He was thus at hand when the pressure upon Mr. Stevenson became overwhelming, and was able to give invaluable assistance. Feeling that his own life might be cut short at any time, Mr. Taylor cabled out in August, appointing Mr. Hoste as Acting General Director of the Mission. This was no hasty step taken in an emergency. For years he had been looking to the Lord for guidance as to his successor, and had seen with thankfulness Mr. Hoste's growing fitness for the position. There had been no uncertainty in Mr. Taylor's mind, even before he left China, as to the answer to his prayers ; and though the appointment of Mr. Hoste was not made public until some months later, when Mr. Stevenson's approval and that of the London and China Councils had been cordially expressed, Mr. Taylor had the comfort of feeling that an important step had been taken to safeguard the interests of the whole work.
Another cause for thankfulness was the spirit that breathed through many a letter that found its way to Mr. and Mrs. Taylor at Davos.
" I have been writing," he said toward the close of the year,to some of the relatives of those we have lost, to comfort them in their sorrow, and to my surprise they forget their own bereavement in sympathising with me."
How much it meant to him that fathers and mothers should not only write in a spirit of resignation, but should send gifts for the work, and even wish that others of their children might be called to missionary service, will readily be understood. In reply to a letter of loving sympathy from Shanghai, signed by three hundred members of the Mission, he wrote in December (1900)
As we have read over your signatures one by one we have thanked God for sparing you to us and to China. The sad circumstances through which we have all suffered have been permitted by God for His glory and our good, and when He has tried us and our native brethren 'He will doubtless reopen the work at present closed, under more favourable circumstances than before.
We thank God for the grace given to those who have suffered. It is a wonderful honour He has put upon us as a mission to be trusted with so great a trial, and to have among us so many counted worthy of a martyr's crown. Some who have been spared have perhaps suffered more than some of those taken, and our Lord will not forget. How much it has meant to us to be so far from you in the hour of trial we 'cannot express, but the throne of grace has been as near to us here as it would have been in China....
When the resumption of bur work in the interior becomes possible we may find circumstances changed, but the principles we have proved, being founded on His own unchanging Word, will be applicable as ever. May we all individually learn the lessons God would teach, and be prepared by His Spirit for any further service to which He may call us while waiting for the coming of the Lord.
It was not until the following summer (1901) that Mr. Taylor was obliged to abandon his cherished hope of returning before long to China. A little accident in the Chamounix Valley, where he was regaining a measure of strength, brought on his old spinal trouble, and for many months he was more or less crippled. It seemed impossible, at first, that such a small thing would develop serious consequences-only a slip on the pine-needles on a wooded slope. But it proved God's answer to His servant's prayer for guidance, by gently closing the way.
A visit to England some months later brought happy intercourse with friends at the Mission-house and in other circles, but was too much of a strain because of its very interests. It was all Mr. Taylor could do-just before his seventieth birthday-to return to the quieter surroundings of Switzerland, thankful for the relief of the simple, retired life which enabled him and Mrs. Taylor to serve the Mission still by prayer and correspondence.
Glad to be near their beloved friend, Mrs. Berger, it was by the Lake of Geneva they made their home at length, in the hamlet of Chevalleyres above Vevey. No railway climbed,the hillside then, nearer than the village and castle of Blonay, whose grey old tower looked out on a scene of ever-changing beauty. Further up toward the wooded heights of the Pleiades an attractive though simple Pension was found among meadows and orchards. Entering at the back, from the level of the road, the south rooms on the ground floor were raised a storey above the garden. This was just what Mrs. Taylor was seeking. A little sitting-room and bedroom, with a front balcony and a closed-in verandah toward the sun-rising, offered just the accommodation needed ; while the moderate charge of four and a half francs a day included meals served in their own apartment. But best of all was the kindness of Monsieur and Madame Bonjour and their parents in the old home next door, who from the first seemed specially drawn to these visitors.
Here, then, they came to stay in the summer of 1902 ; and here they found loving care and sympathy that almost made them feel as if they were among their own people. From the dear old Count and Countess at the chateau to the peasants who met them in their daily walks there came to be hardly a face that did not brighten or a heart that did not warm toward the white-headed missionary and his devoted companion. Love radiated from their lives, despite the restrictions of an unfamiliar language, and it is safe to say that that love was never more warmly responded to than in this last resting-place on their earthly pilgrimage.
" My beloved husband is very frail," Mrs. Taylor wrote a few weeks after settling in. " I am thankful he can be so quiet here and comfortable. We are looking forward to seeing Mr.Hoste."
Little by little, as their stay was prolonged, the Pension became quite a resort for English guests, many friends coming for longer or shorter visits because Mr. and Mrs. Taylor were there. This afforded delightful society and opportunities for united prayer about China. That little corner sitting-room became, indeed, a C.I.M. centre up among the mountains, the precious influence of which was felt in many distant places.
" It was not so much what your father said but what he was that proved a blessing to me," wrote Mr. Robert Wilder of that winter. " You may remember the words of Emerson, ' Common souls pay with what they do, nobler souls with what they are.' Your father bore about with him the fragrance of Jesus Christ. His strong faith, quietness, and constant industry, even in his weakness, touched me deeply. It was a privilege to spend six months with him in the same house at Chevalleyres. To see a man who had been so active compelled to live a retired life, unable to pray more than fifteen minutes at a time, and yet remaining bright and even joyous, greatly impressed me. I remember his saying, ' If God can afford to lay me aside' from active service, surely I should not object.' Not one single complaint or murmur did we ever hear from his lips. He was always cheerful-rejoicing in the flowers by day and studying the stars at night."
One reason for the quiet happiness of those days was that changes and partings were over, and the two who had known so much of separation could be together at last and have time to enjoy one another's society. For they were lovers still, and fitted in perfectly with each other's needs. At first they were able to be out a good deal together, delighting in little excursions by rail and steamer and in the long, patient climbs that ended in a glorious outlook from some favourite height. By degrees it came to be others who accompanied Mr. Taylor in his longer walks, however, Mrs. Taylor finding sufficient excuse for staying oftener at home. Her strength was not what it had been, but she did not wish him to be anxious. In Miss Williamson, who managed to leave the Mission-house for months at a time that she might cheer their solitude, he had a companion whose love for the mountains was as unfailing as his own. And always-writing at the table or knitting by the window -Mrs. Taylor was ready for their return with the welcome cup of tea and cheery news of visitors or letters. Then there were long hours in developing the photographs taken and studying the flowers gathered. The keenness of Mr. Taylor's pleasure in these simple enjoyments as well as his delight in nature and the everyday intercourse of friendship were remarkable. His capacity for happiness was like that of an unspoilt child. Time never hung heavy on his hands ; and while unable for any but easy reading, his love for the Word of God remained the same. In this seventy-first year of. his life he read the Bible through from beginning to end, for the fortieth time in forty years, and rejoiced in the various renderings Mrs. Taylor loved to gather from the French and other versions.1-{1 From his own experience Mr. Taylor said : "The hardest part of a missionary career is to maintain regular, prayerful Bible study. Satan will always find you something to do when you ought to be occupied about that-if it is only arranging a window-blind!"} His correspondence was carried on almost entirely through her pen, the letter-books that remain showing how closely they were in touch with friends in many parts of China and all over the world.
Until the autumn of this year (1902) Mr. Taylor retained his position as General Director of the Mission, receiving 'regular reports from Mr. Hoste, Mr. Stevenson, and others. Once and again Mr. Frost and Mr. Sloan came over to Switzerland to see him, and on their second visit the latter was appointed Assistant Director of the Mission in England. Then, when Mr. Hoste arrived from China (November 1902), Mr. Taylor felt that the time had come for laying down responsibilities for which he was no longer equal. Many problems were pressing in connection with the reconstruction and rapid development of the work. Opportunities were wonderful, and the seed sown in tears and watered with blood was giving promise of an abundant harvest. The blessing of God had signally rested on the appointment made two years previously, and knowing he had the full concurrence of all the Directors and Councils, Mr. Taylor felt only thankfulness in resigning to Mr. Hoste the full direction of the Mission. The change had come about so gradually that to many it was hardly felt, Mr. and Mrs. Taylor remaining in all but name as closely connected with the work as ever, but to Mr. Hoste it meant a heavy increase of responsibility. Waking next morning in his little room at Chevalleyres, in the grey November twilight, it all came over him
" Now I have no one--no one but God."
But the love and confidence of all his fellow-workers went out to him afresh when the appointment became known, many writing in the spirit of Mr. Orr Ewing's previous letter : " I am thankful that you have been led to select, perhaps, the most prayerful man among us."
That Mr. Taylor deeply and painfully felt his inability to labour as he had formerly was evident to those who saw below the surface. While preparations were being made one morning for an excursion to the Matterhorn, he learned that one of the family felt she must remain at home to press on with important writing. Coming to the little study, he spoke so tenderly about the disappointment, and about its being for Jesus' sake. That was the true joy of life-to do all for Jesus' sake. Sacrifice and labour were alike sweet when it was for Him.
" Yes," he added after a pause in which she could not but think how much he had known of that joy, "yes, but it's hardest of all to do nothing for His sake."
Yet he rejoiced in and shared the experience of his beloved friend the Rev. Charles Fox, whose own long fruitful day was drawing to a close
Two glad services are ours,
Both the Master loves to bless ;
First we serve with all our powers,
Then with all our feebleness.
Nothing else the soul uplifts
Save to serve Him night and day ;
Serve Him when He gives His gifts,
Serve Him when He takes away.
In this spirit Mr. Taylor met with fortitude the last great -sacrifice of his life, when a little cloud came up unexpectedly that threatened to darken the whole horizon. It was a telegram in July (1903), that first informed the writers of serious trouble, and brought them from their deputation work to the stricken hearts of those they loved so well. An internal tumour had discovered itself, and Mrs. Taylor, whose mother had died of cancer, was facing a terrible fear. In that remote Swiss hamlet they felt the need of their doctor-son, and he was thankful to call in a specialist of world-wide fame who was just then visiting Europe and " happened " to be in Switzerland. A Christian man of no ordinary devotion, Dr. Howard Kelly was a member also of the American Council of the C.I.M., so that the providence of his being just then accessible was very comforting, one of many evidences of the tender care of God at this time.
For it was cancer ; though in the merciful ordering of circumstances about them Mr. and Mrs. Taylor never knew it, and even the fear passed away. Not that they were in any way deceived as to the diagnosis. When the case was investigated under chloroform it was found that an operation would be useless, the disease being too far advanced. Having committed themselves unreservedly to the guidance of God through the specialists, including the skilful Dr, Roux of Lausanne, they never questioned further, thankfully concluding that an operation was not necessary. The growth must therefore be a simple tumour, and their relief was so great that nothing but thankfulness remained. It was very wonderful, but so in keeping with the " quietness and confidence " of their whole lives that it did not seem strange. .
" Loving kindness and tender mercy " was indeed the crowning of the years that remained (1903-1904) that might have been so full of pain and apprehension. To those who knew what lay before them it was a daily miracle to see, instead of a troubled sunset, the path growing brighter and brighter to the perfect day. Nothing was changed or marred of their happy life together. Dying of cancer, she was still taken up with those around her, not with herself, still continued her loving ministries and correspondence, still lived for her husband and for China, and in her days of weakness and suffering did but count the more on God.
Be glad of thy helplessness, Beloved ;
And if thou needs must long,
Let it be only for the rest of weakness
In the Arms for ever strong.
The winter was spent in Lausanne to be near Dr. Roux, and fully did Mrs. Taylor appreciate the comforts of a home in the city with an electric tramway to the very door. The English church and the frequent visits of friends were a help while she was able to go about more or less freely ; and then, as greater weakness came on, how good it was to return to the spring flowers and all the peace and beauty of Chevalleyres ! Back in their old quarters and surrounded as before with loving care, their cup seemed to run over. Never had the news from China been more cheering.
" God is greatly helping Mr. Hoste in directing and developing the work of the Mission," Mr. Frost had written after his visit to Shanghai in February. " There is an unusual spirit of unity and devotion among the workers, both native and foreign. Openings and opportunities abound as never in the past, and souls are being won to Christ and gathered into the churches of the Mission in ever-increasing numbers."
Mr. and Mrs. Taylor were rejoicing also in an accession of means which enabled them to make a number of unexpected gifts at this time. It seemed as if the Lord must have hastened the winding up of legal proceedings in Australia, so that the residuary estate of her uncle yielded this fifteen hundred pounds while she was still able to use it for the advancement of His kingdom. Giving had been, to her, the luxury of life, and she was to have the joy of giving to the last. Several cheques for a hundred pounds found their way to the treasuries of the Mission, with words of loving cheer, while the letters that went with other gifts were just as much from the heart. To the Secretary of the Church Missionary Society she wrote, for example
My beloved husband and I have much pleasure in sending a little contribution toward your funds. We sympathise with you much in the trial and crisis you are in, and pray that God may raise up many more friends for the dear C.M.S., and may enable those who do give to do so more adequately.
And her last gift to the Rev. John Wilkinson expressed the deepest interest in his work among the Jews. 1{1 Work among God's ancient people occupied a special place in the prayerful sympathy of both Mr. and Mrs. Taylor ; and Mr. John Wilkinson, founder of the Mildmay Mission to the Jews, recalled an interesting phase of their long friendship. Taking advantage of a New Year's Day spent at home (1897), Mr. Taylor went round to Mr. Wilkinson's house with a brotherly note enclosing a gift for the Mission. " To the Jew first," were the words with which the cheque was accompanied. Mr. Wilkinson's warm heart was touched, and he immediately wrote a brotherly reply, enclosing his own cheque for the same amount, with the words : " And also to the Gentile." This helpful interchange of sympathy was kept up ever after, the only change being that each doubled the amount of their contribution.}
Thus, then, came the beauty of their last spring and summer days together.
" You ask about my health," she wrote before leaving Lausanne (March 1904). " Well, I have got thin and weak, and have more or less of discomfort at times. I vary a good deal, but am so thankful to be able to keep about. The Lord's loving kindness and tender mercies are new every morning. The clever and kind Dr. Roux has given me a remedy which is helping me, and I am able to rest as I need and have every comfort.
" All the way 'He shall choose,' Who knows what is really best, and Who loves evermore. My beloved husband keeps very frail. . . . We match one another very well-both so thankful for a quiet life without strain. We have many pleasures and such kind friends! "
And after their return to Chevalleyres:
May 2 : I had been thinking yesterday morning whether we were not too comfortable here, and free from the rubs of ordinary life, and the Lord gave me His answering message through Daily Light, so sweetly : " My people shall abide in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting-places " (Is. 32:18). He had told me when we were here before that this was one of His " resting-places." Anything more peaceful it would be impossible to find down here, and nature is so lovely now. I am sitting on the verandah, and all around are cherry-trees in blossom and little songsters flitting about, while the grass is just one vast nosegay of flowers : narcissus and forget-me-nots are just now our favourites.
The long chair on the 'verandah was a great comfort, and in it more and more time came to be spent.
" I have weary days often," Mrs. Taylor wrote to Mrs. Broomhall at the end of May, " but am. not suffering as I did. It is so good to know that all is chosen for one in infinite love. We received such a good report on Saturday of the work in China. I read it aloud at tea-time, and we rejoiced and thanked God."
May 31 : It is so. good to have the summer before us... . The news from China was never more encouraging.
June 7 : Dear Howard reached us last Saturday, and we hope to have him mostly with us now, for a while. It relieves the strain on my dear husband about me as nothing else could. I do very fairly, night and day, except for the weakness which makes it difficult to get across the floor now: The LORD has " our times " in His hand, and it is well.
June 8 : I have just to rest in Him now. My busy days are all past ; and I can only talk to Him about you busy toilers in His vineyard.
June 8 : Our dear Amy is here, caring for us very lovingly.
Howard spent a few days with us, on his return from China. He and Geraldine have been doing and will do deputation work in England,_ coming to us for a little while in the summer, D. V., and Howard being available should we need him. No, my dear husband had no bronchitis in the winter, not even a cold. We do not know what lies before us ; but we know Him, and that all will be well.
June 24: My strength seems ebbing fast away. I trust I may not linger on in a quite helpless condition ; but however it is, it will be all right.
By the end 0f June the dear invalid was obliged to give up the effort 0f dressing, which she had kept on with as long as possible, not to break the family circle. A visit from his younger son, Charles, was a great comfort to Mr. Taylor at this time, and the bright companionship 0f his daughter Amy, who was helping with the nursing. If anything troubled Mrs. Taylor ' it was the fear 0f being a burden to these loved ones, and under the circumstances it seemed difficult to arrange for a trained nurse. But for this too, although it never became a need, the Lord provided.To Mr. Frost, who was of the inner circle 0f her correspondents, Mrs. Taylor wrote 0n the 30th:
The Bonnours are eager to do anything for us at any time, and the servants are like-minded. The chambermaid speaks English, and is a very nice, trained nurse. If I come to need night attention, I am to have her altogether, and the Bonjours will get some one else. Could anything be kinder, seeing she is most acceptable and capable in this busy house. The Lord is good and does make His children kind!
" Since I have not attempted to get up, I have been better in some ways," she wrote in the middle of July ; " and with the French windows open on to the verandah I get view and air, while the open door into the sitting-room keeps me in touch with the others. I could not be better cared for or happier. It is just a peaceful, quiet time, though in weakness and sometimes pain."
I have been praying, often, " Let GOD arise " ; it seems to be all that is needed anywhere.
I am nearly Home-what will it be to be there! It is all goodness and mercy, and will be to the end.
The Lord is taking me slowly and gently, which is such a mercy for dear father's sake.
One precious letter from that borderland reached her daughter-in-law at Keswick, where she was fulfilling a last engagement before hastening to the dear mother's side.
July 16: Here in my quiet room I hope to bear you up next week amid the thronging multitudes. - I am learning lessons of the sweet power of helplessness and dependence ; and perhaps you too are learning. them spiritually, in another way. Oh, that one had always been quite dependent in one's service !
" Leaning upon her Beloved " it is always " coming up," and the restfulness and the guidance and the full supply and the deep satisfaction in Him are all secured. May He enable us to ask big things for His glory.
It will be lovely to see you here afterwards, if the Lord will ; but I only live by the day now, not knowing what the next may bring. " My times are in Thy hand," so blessed that it is so You will know the comfort that dear Howard is, and Amy and dear father-all so loving and ready to spoil me in everything. So tenderly the Lord is dealing with us I there seems nothing to wish for, only to praise.
| Chapter 39 | Table of Contents | Chapter 41 |