But at the moment God seemed not to answer her cry, and when she was well
again all went on as before.

Three months later Mrs. Booth was quietly sitting one Sunday morning in
chapel with her eldest boy, when a very wonderful thing happened. You
shall read about it in her own words:--

'I felt much depressed in mind,' she says, 'and was not expecting
anything particular, but as the testimonies proceeded I felt the Holy
Spirit come upon me. It seemed as if a voice said to me: "Now, if you
were to go and testify, you know I would bless it to your own soul as
well as to the people!" I gasped again, and said in my heart: "Yes, Lord,
I believe Thou wouldst, but I cannot do it!" I had forgotten my vow.

'A moment afterwards there flashed across my mind the memory of the time
when I had promised the Lord that I would obey Him at all costs. And then
the voice seemed to ask me if this was consistent with that promise. I
almost jumped up and said, "No, Lord, it is the old thing over again. But
I cannot do it!" I felt as though I would sooner die than speak. And then
the Devil said, "Besides, you are not prepared. You will look like a
fool, and will have nothing to say." He made a mistake. He overreached
himself for once. It was this word that settled it. "Ah!" I said, "this
is just the point. I have never yet been willing to be a fool for Christ.
Now I will be one!"

'Without stopping another moment, I rose up from my seat and walked down
the aisle. My dear husband thought something had happened to me, and so
did the people. We had been there two years, and they knew my timid,
bashful nature. He stepped down, and asked me, "What is the matter, my
dear?" I replied, "I want to say a word!" He was so taken by surprise