WILLIAM & CATHERINE BOOTH (PART 14)

Continued Conversations at Catherine’s House

When they arrived at her house, Catherine invited William in so that they could continue their conversation. Inside, Catherine’s mother joined them, and they were caught up in the conversation until it was too late for William to go home—it was too late to call a carriage, and too far to walk. Mrs. Mumford set him up in a spare room, and though William left early the next morning, he was back before evening to visit with them again—as he would be nearly every day in the weeks to come.

Complementary Strengths

In some respects, William and Catherine were like fire and ice—William was the bold and often overzealous evangelist; Catherine, the quiet scholar with a well-reasoned theology, but together, they became a powerful force for God. William was the spirit; Catherine, the word. William was the liberator of souls, and Catherine was the administrator, making sure that those who were set free stayed free, found their callings, and carried on with God. William was the flamboyant leader; Catherine, the manager who structured day-to-day activities.

Growing Affection and Spiritual Alignment

William was surprised by his sudden affection, fearing that it might distract him from his soul-winning efforts. He actually prayed that God would take it away, but God would do just the opposite—the more William prayed, the more he realised that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with Catherine.

Engagement and Parental Blessings

The couple discussed the matter a great deal, knowing the folly of rushing into anything, but as they spoke together, prayed together, and pined for each other when apart, they felt sure that God had created them for each other. So, on May 15, 1852, just a little more than a month after their carriage ride, having secured their parents’ blessings, William and Catherine were engaged to be married.