OR,
A Brief and Simple Memoir
OF
FLORENCE K. NAYLOR,
WHO FELL ASLEEP IN JESUS, SEPTEMBER 15th, 1867,
AGED NINE YEARS AND SIX MONTHS.
THIS dear and interesting child came under my care at the age of seven years, with a younger sister, named Blanche, aged four years. She had a remarkably sweet expression of countenance, and her disposition was most loving and affectionate. Unlike most children of her age, she was unusually thoughtful and inquiring, and would frequently express her great desire to know more. Indeed, young as she was, she thirsted for knowledge, made rapid progress in her studies, and very soon left behind her those much older than herself. She would sit for hours poring over her lessons, while her schoolfellows were enjoying their recreations.
When I first knew her she was utterly ignorant of the way of salvation, yet manifested a great desire to hear and learn of Jesus, and would pay the most profound attention while listening to Divine truths. She appeared deeply concerned when I pointed out to her her condition as a poor, lost, helpless, and sinful child in the sight of God; but when told of the all-sufficiency of the precious blood of Jesus to wash away all her sills, a ray of hope seemed to beam upon her soul. Though naturally shy and reserved, and particularly so on religious subjects, she ever sought the company of those whom she believed to be the children of God; and would express in the warmest terms her great love for them. Many times a day would she bring her stool and sit down beside me, or climb upon my knees, and beg me to talk to her about Jesus. These circumstances afforded me great encouragement, and led me to hope that the Spirit of God was indeed working within her, though, as yet, she had not full confidence and peace.
But oh, how graciously and tenderly did the blessed Saviour deal with this beloved child! Gradually the light dawned upon her soul, and she was enabled by Divine grace to trust in Him as her all in all; and I would add, to the praise of His glory who called her by His grace (Gal. 1:15; Eph. 2:5), that from that time until the day of her death she never had a single doubt as to her eternal security. The sweet story of the Saviour’s love now became her constant theme, and her thoughts seemed almost wholly occupied with His blessed Person. So fully did she realize the preciousness of His love, that all her desire was to see Him and be with Him. She now loved to speak of death, and would frequently introduce the subject herself. A few weeks after her conversion, while I was alone with her one evening, we were conversing on the subject of death; when I asked her whether she would feel afraid if she knew she should die before the morning; to which she replied, with perfect calmness and composure, “Oh, I should like to know that.” I then asked her why she should have no fear, since death was such a solemn event. She answered with a smile, “Because I know I should go to Jesus; He died for me, He has washed away all my sins in His own blood, and only asks me to believe it; and I do believe; and besides,” she added, “if you and every one in the world were to tell me I was not saved, there is something here” (placing her hand upon her heart) “which makes me feel sure I am saved;” thus clearly testifying of the Spirit’s witness with her spirit, that she was born of God.