The Sickness of Sister Andrews.
By John Nevins Andrews
It is necessary that I should briefly mention the illness of my dear wife. Many of our friends have known for some time past that her health was quite feeble. But she has seemed to hold her own, and we had, up to a few days since, hoped that this was really the case. A serious change, however, has taken place. On the evening of February 17, just after retiring, a paralytic shock came upon her, which seemed for the time to cause an almost utter prostration of body and mind. In a short time, however, this measurably abated, but it left her right side partially paralyzed, and her right arm entirely powerless. It also so affected her tongue as to make it impossible at first to articulate except a few of the shortest and simplest words. In this deep affliction we have sought the Lord with fasting, humiliation and prayer. Day by day God has heard our cries. She is able now to walk a little without special assistance. She can now speak almost any word with distinction, but is oftentimes unable to call up, of herself, the words she wishes to use. Her right hand shows some signs of improvement. She is however a very feeble person. It is proper that I should say to the praise of God, that we have had most precious seasons in prayer for her, and in these our dear children have as we trust, set out in earnest to seek the Lord. Her mind is peaceful, quiet, and cheerful. She has excellent sleep. We are doing all in our power to minister to her wants in the tenderest manner. We have many kind friends to unite with us in this effort. Will the brethren and sisters pray God to spare and restore her, if consistent with his holy will? She has faithfully shared with me in every burden that has fallen to my lot, and these have not been few nor light.