WILLIAM & CATHERINE BOOTH (PART 8)

Answered Prayer and the Moment of Assurance

This pattern continued for some time. Then, on the evening of June 14, 1846, she prayed again as she let her head fall to her pillow:

“Father, may it be that I awake tomorrow to an assurance of Your forgiveness of my sin.”

The next day, she did just that. When her eyes opened, she sat up in bed and recovered her Bible and hymnal from under her pillow. As she did so, the hymnal fell open. Her eyes were drawn to a verse penned by Charles Wesley:

‘My God, I am Thine,

What a comfort Divine,

What a blessing, to know that my Jesus is mine!’

Light Flooding the Soul

Light shot through her soul. Months of struggle were answered in an instant. Her heart was changed. Jesus, not guilt, flooded her spirit.

She later recalled:

Scores of times I had read and sung these words, but now they came home to my inmost soul with a force and illumination they had never before possessed. It was as impossible for me to doubt as it had before been for me to exercise faith.

Previously, not all the promises in the Bible could induce me to believe. Now, not all the devils in hell could persuade me to doubt. I no longer hoped I was saved. I was certain of it.

The assurance of my salvation seemed to flood and fill my soul. I jumped out of bed. Without waiting to dress, I ran into my mother’s room and told her what had happened.

READ ALSO: WILLIAM & CATHERINE BOOTH (PART 1)

Public Confirmation of Faith

As an affirmation that she now belonged to God, she registered for membership at the Brixton Wesleyan Methodist Church. She had refused to do this until she had the assurance of her salvation.

Renewed Trials and Steadfast Peace

A few months later, in September 1846, Catherine fell ill again. This time, she suffered from consumption.

Though her body ached and she was often delirious with fever, the knowledge of her salvation brought her comfort. Her doctors feared that she might contract tuberculosis.

As a result, she remained confined to her home throughout the winter. Then, in May, she became well enough to travel. She moved in with her aunt, who lived in Brighton, near the sea. Catherine hoped that the salty air would do her some good.

Return to Worship and Fellowship

When she felt strong enough, she started attending services at the local Wesleyan chapel.

To Be Continued…