God’s Free Grace Glorified (7)

The words which I received were later confirmed by the Lord. The Lord also spoke more words unto me. It was powerfully heard in my soul: ‘In quietness and in confidence shall be your strength, though it tarry, wait for it; for it will surely come, it will not tarry.’”

Mina could not say anymore, for she was deathly tired.

Her father had listened to her with wonderment. His soul was full of joy. Now it became clear to him why Mina recently had such high thoughts of God and that in her prayers she frequently said, “Oh, my dear King.” In her prayers she was somewhat similar to Sarah Nevius. He had so often thought, my dear child where do you get it from? In those days he was unable to get her to say anything. Now she was so open-hearted.

It was Saturday morning, February 4, 1854. At Mina’s sickbed stood her father, mother, and Mina’s girlfriend. The past night had been very difficult for Mina. At present she appeared to be somewhat calmer, but the people around her bed did not have much courage anymore. This sickness will likely lead to her death.

“Father,” said Mina with a very weak voice, “I am so dull and sleepy, and that makes me so sad. I wish I could think clearly. Father will you pray to the Lord for light?”

They all folded their hands and closed their eyes. Rev. Middel prayed, and they all prayed along silently. When father had said, “Amen,” Mina began to speak with a clearer voice then was heard earlier. She said to her girlfriend, “Now I must suddenly think of my brother in the church in Vlaardingen.

“At that time we sang Psalm 39:3 (Psalter 107:1):

My end, Lord, make me know,

My days, how soon they fail;

And to my thoughtful spirit show

How weak I am and frail.

Oh, how there I sang along with great desire…”

Mina closed her eyes and began to pray. Full of emotion, her parents and girlfriend listened. A little while later, she opened her eyes and said, “Now the Lord has shown unto me when the end of my life will be; it will be the end of this week.”

“It is Saturday already,” said her mother.

“That may be; it will be at the end of this week,” said Mina. She again sent up a supplicating prayer unto God.

When her prayer was finished, her father asked, “My dear Mina, what is the condition of your soul?”

“Between hope and fear, with my eye upon the Lord,” was her answer. Her lips were again moving. She prayed without ceasing.

A bit later she took the hand of her girlfriend. As she pressed her hand, a smile crossed her face. She lifted her eyes to above and was moved with affection.

Her girlfriend was moved to tears and said with her whole heart, “Oh, my dear Mina, how I wish I could spare your life. You are so dear to me.”

“I also care a great deal for you,” said Mina with emotion. “I love you a great deal, father and mother, but the Lord Jesus has the uppermost place in my heart. I love Him above all.”

“Do you have to unburden yourself in any way, Mina?” her father asked.

“No, Father!” She again began to pray. It was very quiet in the room; no one said a word.

Then the young girl broke the silence, asking, “What time is it?”

Someone answered, “11:00.”

She thought for a moment and said, “So long yet? My brother is coming from Vlaardingen by boat. He will not be here until 6:00. Oh, it is still such a long time.”

She again closed her eyes and prayed. Her father and mother went downstairs; only her girlfriend stayed with her. Mina did not realize that her parents had left. A little while later she opened her eyes, and asked “Where are my mother and father?”

“They have just gone downstairs for a moment. Would you like me to call them?”

“No, my father and my mother cannot help me. Not one creature can help me. I myself must make all things smooth between the Lord and my soul.”

Her father and mother came back upstairs.

“Father, would you open the shutter a bit? I want to see the dear sun one more time.” Her father opened the shutter somewhat farther, and the beautiful rays of the sun shone into the room. Quietly, Mina looked at it.

Not a word was spoken, until Mina said, “Dear Father, now you can close the window again. Her father did so, and his daughter again prayed. The words which she spoke could not be fully understood. Her voice became weaker and weaker. Oh, how long she was in prayer! At the end, one could see only her lips moving. Her words could no longer be understood.

(To be continued)

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