Page:Women of distinction.djvu/254

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190
WOMEN OF DISTINCTION.

was coining to get her consent to the marriage of Lucy Ann she left home, saying, "I will never consent."

During this opposition of the mother this brave and Christian girl said to a friend, "I will not marry until I get my mother's word, however anxious I am to go to that great land to labor." In the meantime God came to the mother and changed her about so that she freely consented, and all was well.

Lucy Ann felt the need of some further training for the great work now before her, so she entered the Hartshorn Memorial College at Richmond, Va., where she spent a short while and then turned her face towards the "Dark Land," and gave herself in marriage to Rev. J. J. Cole, on the 21st day of December, 1886, at the Ebenezer Baptist Church, Revs. Richard Wells and J. A. Taylor officiating.

Who can solve this mystery? Who can fail to see the hand of God in this marriage of the happy couple that sailed on the 3d day of January, 1887, for Africa, where they have successfully labored for so many years? Truly the Lord is great. His word is everlasting. Surely—

"God moves in a mysterious way
His wonders to perform;
He plants His footsteps in the sea,
And rides upon the storm.

"Deep in unfathomable mines
Of never-failing skill,
He treasures up His bright designs
And works His sovereign will."

In her first letter after reaching Africa Mrs. Cole says: