urden; and, not being
strong, she began to fail in health. From appearances, she had a
malignant form of quick consumption. The course of the disease was
rapid, and in a few weeks she was not only confined to her bed, but
seemingly very near death. Mr. Worthington desired to consult a
physician, but reluctantly heeded to Bessie's earnest entreaties to let
her trust the Lord. She said to her father, "I know that God would heal
me, if for the best; and, if not, I would rather die." And she added
mentally, "I would rather die than to leave home."

Bessie at last became so low that she could not be left alone night or
day. As her mother sat beside her one day, holding her hand, she said:
"I believe, dear, that God wants to heal you and use you for himself. I
feel like asking our elder, Sister Smith, to come and anoint you with
oil according to Jas. 5:14, 15. I am sure God will heal you."

Sister Smith was brought as soon as possible; but, to Mrs. Worthington's
surprise, she did not offer to anoint Bessie until the next day. She
said: "I can not understand this case. There is something here that
seems very strange. Bessie appears to be perfectly resigned to die, but
she only answers yes or no to my questions. I shall talk to her again."
Returning to the bedside, she said, "My dear, if God heals you, are you
willing to leave your father, mother, and home to preach the
gospel"--but she got no farther. Bessie, with all the emphasis she
could command in her weak state, interrupted, "No; I will never preach."

"Ah! there is the point in your consecration that you have not reached,"
replied Sister Smith. "You must be willing to do anything that will
bring the most honor to God's name, and to work where he can get the
most glory out of your service. It may be the Lord will never require
you to preach; but he wants the willingness on your part, just as much
as if he wanted to make a minister of you."

It was some time before Bessie could answer; but when she did, it was to
say that she would do anything, only that she must know that it was God
who required it.

"God will make you to know that," said Sister Smith; "and now I feel
that everything is out of the way, and we can ask God to heal you."

As she applied the oil and called earnestly upon God, there seemed to be
a heavenly atmosphere filling the room. Bessie felt a soothing
sensation passing through her body; and when the prayer was ended, she
felt perfectly well, though