A Mother’s Sorrow and Faith
Sister E. Carmichael writes from Middlesex, Pa.: One of my dear sons (Albert) was killed, and another (John) was wounded in the battle of the Shenandoah Valley on the 9th of last September. On the 1st of Nov. I started from Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, to go to the hospital at Winchester, Va., to visit the surviving one, and try to soothe his sorrows, and if possible to relieve his sufferings. But when I got to Martinsburgh, Va., within twenty miles of my loved one, I learned that he had died on the 30th of Oct. All tender mothers can know something of my feelings and anguish of heart; but the Lord has wonderfully supported me. On his strong arm have I leaned through all the dangers and troubles he has called me to pass through. I feel that he knows best what is for us and ours, and that these light afflictions are but for a moment, and that they will work out for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. I still desire the prayers of my brethren and sisters that I may be strong in the Lord, and be prepared to stand with them all on mount Zion.