AS influenza has in the providence of God again visited us, it may interest the Christian readers of FAITHFUL WORDS, and strengthen the faith of some, to read the experience of one who remembers its visitation in 1836, when first known by that name. It was a strange and unknown disease, and thousands in the town of R—, many whole households, were stricken down by it. The sick looked in vain to friends and neighbors, for they also were suffering, and could give no help, so that people compared it to the "plague" of former years. In this state of things parents were naturally anxious about the delicate ones in their families, and C. W., the one of whom I write, having but recently recovered from severe illness, was carefully guarded by her loving mother, as being most liable to an attack.
She was young, and had a few months before found peace through the precious blood, and finished work of Christ, after long anxiety and fruitless striving to make herself acceptable to God.
Having found such a Savior, her great desire and hope was soon to be with Him—to see Him who so loved her; but He had other thoughts for her, and instead of being taken ill herself, she saw her father and mother take to their bed. Then the servant was stricken, and had to be sent home; and it was in vain that she and her sisters sought another—neither servant, nurse, nor charwomen were to be found. Finally all the family were laid aside except C. How was it possible that the weakly girl should nurse five people, and do all that had to be done? She was indeed cast upon the Lord, and learnt what a real thing it was to have to do with Him.
God can never fail the trusting heart, and He assured her that He was her “Refuge and strength, and very present help in trouble." For some weeks she nursed and worked; and
when at times ready to sink, such words as "My grace is sufficient for thee," "My strength is made perfect in weakness," etc., were given to cheer and invigorate her ; and the blessed lessons she then learnt have helped her again and again through fifty-six years of wilderness life.
Dear reader, if under the pressure of trial, look to the Lord. He knows all about you, and “will not lay upon you more than you can bear." Nay, by this very trial He will teach you more of what He is in Himself, " patient, gracious, powerful, holy," so that you will learn to “joy in God," as well as to rejoice in His salvation.
We are at school now, and some of our lessons are difficult, but they are appointed by infinite wisdom and unbounded love; and soon the Lord will come, and take us home. Then shall we praise our God (Father, Son, and Holy Ghost), not only for such an end, but for all His dealings with us on the way.
“Our hearts with rapture burning,
The path we shall retrace,
Where now our souls are learning
The riches of His grace."
P.