p. 3 | Voltaire's Nurse

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Dec 5, 1865

Voltaire's Nurse.

"SOME years ago," says the Rev. D. E. Ford, in his "Damascus," "a gentleman, well known and highly respected in the religious world, narrated in my hearing the following incident:

"While on a tour with a college companion, the latter was seized with an alarming illness at Paris. A physician of great celebrity was called in, and requested to recommend some confidential and experienced nurse. He mentioned one, but added, 'You may think yourself happy indeed, should you be able to secure her services; she is so much in quest among the higher circles, that there is little chance of finding her disengaged.' The gentleman at once ordered his carriage, went to her residence, and, much to his satisfaction, found her at home. He briefly stated his errand, and requested her immediate attendance. 'But, before I consent to accompany you, permit me, sir,' she said, 'to ask you a singular question. Is your friend a Christian?' 'Yes,' he replied, 'indeed he is—a Christian in the best and highest sense of the term; a man who lives in the fear of God. But I should like to know your reason for such an inquiry.' 'Sir,' she answered, 'I was the nurse that attended Voltaire in his last illness, and, for all the wealth of Europe, I would never see another infidel die.'"