A Cyclopaedia of Female Biography/Oberlin, Madeleine Salome
OBERLIN, MADELEINE SALOME,
Distinguished for her intelligence, piety, and the perfect unison of soul which she enjoyed with her husband, the good and great John Frederick Oberlin, was born at Strasbourg, in France. Her father, M. Witter, a man of property, who had married a relative of the Oberlin family, gave his daughter an excellent education. John James Oberlin was the pastor of Waldbach, a small village in the Ban de la Roche, or Valley of Stones, a lonely, sterile place, in the north-eastern part of France. Here he devoted himself to the duties of his holy office, doing good to all around him. Under his care and instruction, the poor ignorant peasantry became pious. Industrious, and happy. In all his actions he followed what he believed to be a divine influence, or the leadings of providence; and his courtship and marriage were guided by his religious feelings. Oberlin's sister resided with him at Waldbach, and managed his house. Madeleine Witter came to visit Sophia Oberlin. Miss Witter was amiable, and her mind had been highly cultivated; but she was fond of fashion and display. Twice had Frederick Oberlin declined to marry young ladies who had been commended to him, because he had felt an inward admonition that neither of these was for him. But now, when Madeleine came before him, the impression was different. Two days prior to her intended departure, a voice seemed to whisper distinctly, "Take her for thy partner!" "It is impossible," thought he; "our dispositions do not agree." Still the secret voice whispered, "Take her for thy partner!" He slept little that night; and in his morning prayer, he earnestly entreated God to give him a sign whether this event was in accordance with the Divine will; solemnly declaring that if Madeleine acceded to the proposition with great readiness, he should consider the voice he had heard as a leading of Providence.
He found his cousin in the garden, and immediately began the conversation by saying, "You are about to leave us, my dear friend. I have received an intimation that you are destined to be the partner of my life. Before you go will you give me your candid opinion whether you can resolve upon this step?"
With blushing frankness, Madeleine placed her hand within his; and then he knew that she would be his wife.
They were married on the 6th. of July, 1768. Miss Witter had always resolved not to marry a clergyman; but she was devotedly attached to her excellent husband, and cordially assisted in all his plans. No dissatisfaction at her humble lot, no complaints of the arduous duties belonging to their peculiar situation, marred their mutual happiness.