On the Altar

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Nov 3, 1910

SOME must give far more precious gifts than gold and silver. When the cable brought word of the death of Elder F. L. Mead, of our first Matabeleland station, the message was sent to the aged mother that her only son had laid down his life for Africa. By divine grace she was able to return answer from the old New Hampshire home:—

“My heart aches for the dear ones left there, and for the work he loved so much. But ‘God is my refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble,’ and he cheers and comforts me with the precious promises of his Word. I felt it when they went away; but they felt it duty to go, and I would not hold them back. I laid my sacrifice ON THE ALTAR OF AFRICA then, and I have never taken it back, and I hope I never shall, ‘The Lord liveth; and blessed be my Rock.’ I know he can give beauty for ashes, and the oil of joy for mourning, for he has done it for me, and he can do it again in his own time and way.”