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A Three-Years Engagement Page 3

from Mildred Duff, Catherine Booth: A Sketch, with preface by General Bramwell Booth. Originally published by Salvation Army Book Department, circa 1907. This edition by Jone Johnson Lewis, 2003.

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And now began a three-years’ engagement, in which, though often for long months at a time they never met, they remained true to each other and to God, in thought and word and deed.

Many of the beautiful letters that our Army Mother wrote to The General at this time, I am glad to tell you, have been kept, and we will look together at some of the ways in which she tried to help and cheer him.

In the first letter after their engagement she ends with these words:–

’The more you lead me up to Christ in all things, the more highly shall I esteem you; and if it be possible to love you more than I do now, the more shall I love you. You are always present in my thoughts.’

Now you must not think that, even in these early days, our General had a very easy life. He was often much perplexed and troubled, longing above all to do God’s Will for the Salvation of the people, and yet not quite sure what that Will was. At these times Catherine was of untold help to him.

Once he was very unsettled–not certain whether he should remain away in the North of England, or accept a place in London, where the two could often meet. Most girls would have said, ’Oh, come, then we shall be near to each other’ but you will see that her advice to him is just as suitable for you when you are not certain of your duty–that she does not consider her own feelings at all.

‘I wish,’ she writes, ’you prayed more and talked less about the matter. Try it, and be determined to get clear and settled views as to your course. Leave your heart before God, and get satisfied in His sight, and then do it, be it what it may. I cannot bear the idea of your being unhappy. Pray do in this as you feel in your soul it will be right. My conscience is no standard for yours.’

Then she adds, lower down:–

’Oh, if you come to London, let us be determined to reap a blessed harvest. Let our fellowship be sanctified to our souls’ everlasting good. My mind is made up to do my part towards it. I hope to be firm as a rock on some points. The Lord help me. We must aim to improve each other’s mind and character. Let us pray for grace to do it in the best way and to the fullest extent possible.’