EXTRACTS FROM CORRESPONDENCE.
SOME time ago I saw an extract from a sister’s letter in which she seemed to be in doubt as to our work with fallen women, and I thought perhaps some of my experience might be a help to her. Two years ago this summer I met, at the bedside of a dying woman, the mother of several children who had gone to school to me. She was in company with a woman who was regarded one of the worst characters in our town of three thousand inhabitants. I felt a great interest in this woman and in the children, who were my pupils; and one day a sister and myself called upon her. After that we met quite frequently. In the winter she was taken with a long sickness, and then we took special pains to do all we could for her. Many times we had misgivings as to what people would think and say, but I know now that the Lord took care of our reputation. This woman recovered from her illness, and I recently received a letter informing me that she had attended the quarterly meeting, and had taken part in the ordinances. I have never been sorry for what we tried to do; and I know that if we do the best we can, the Lord will see to it that our labor is not in vain. It is not safe to let the impressions of the Spirit pass by unheeded. During, and for a short time before, our last Week of Prayer I was greatly concerned about my low spiritual condition, and my inactivity in this great, closing work. I sought my Saviour in prayer. I felt that there was a work for me; but I was overreaching, and did not receive the answer nor the blessing of the Holy Spirit that I wished. The days of the Week of Prayer passed one by one, until I read the last sermon, and the last prayer had been offered, and the services closed. I can not tell you the sense of sadness, sorrow, and condemnation that pervaded my whole being. On my way home I resolved to continue prayer for myself. On reaching home I went to my closet, and cried, in agony of soul, “Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? Lead me, and I will follow.” I was wonderfully blessed, and I saw the necessity of beginning my missionary efforts in my own home. The result is that my children are all interested, and one daughter-in-law is rejoicing in the truth. I soon saw my field of labor broadening, and began in weakness to do in the neighborhood what I had left undone so long. I did not realize then how the dear Lord would lead me, but I have in a strange and unexpected way been called to leave those surroundings, and am in a field where souls are starving for the truth. The Lord is wonderfully blessing me and my family. Kindly remember me at the throne of grace, that I may put on the whole armor, and that I may at last have the rich experience of Ps. 126: 6.