“JESUS lives―Jesus with me―Jesus died for me!” were the last words that we gathered from the lips of S. E. before she departed to be with Him who loved her best. She was afflicted with paralysis of more than fifty years’ standing, which increased in intensity during the latter years of her sojourn here, drawing her poor body into a zigzag form, and also with other infirmities. Such was S. E.’s outward form perishing daily.
Her character was irreproachable. Strictly conscientious, remarkably devoted to her beloved parents, under whose pious instruction am example she was brought up, and when she was left an orphan she pursuing that religious course, which seemed her existence. Her patience was exemplary, borne witness to by many. Those that waited on her remember the grateful smile or gentle “Thank you!” that repaid their attention. In all her course the spirit of contentment was ascendant, as those who watched hey through the summer and winter of her life can testify.
But however estimable and amiable a mar may be, yet without Christ he is lost. Our ready: may have learned to shrink from and to hate hi! sins. Has he learned that in himself there is no good thing; that his good works and his bac works are alike evil in God’s sight?
Another scene breaks upon S. E.’s vision―one of goodness and grace, which the natural mine can never grasp. When about sixty-six years of age she saw what she was in the sight of God by nature, and from that moment her upright, unblemished life and character were of no avail to give her rest. When the Spirit of the Living God convinced S. E. of her state in the presence of the Holy One, who holds the scales with a righteous hand, then even that which from men might and did rightly call forth approval and admiration was of no avail. Her eyes were directed to the only One who could meet her state. She gazed upon and was enraptured with Jesus, who died for her, a poor sinner. His Person became precious to her: she loved to speak of Him, and in her parting moments to tell of His victory over death and the powers of darkness.
Reader, consider this faint yet truthful picture! Can you say, “I, too, have given up every hope which I once had in myself; I trust no longer to my goodness or my works. My whole confidence is in Christ, who died for me?” Oh! think what it has cost that blessed One, whom you so often call God, and who really is God, to open up a way for sinners not only to escape from the wrath to come, but to bring believers to His own glory.
C.W.E