(Editor’s note: Emily’s husband, Thomas, owned a drapery store and worked long hours both traveling and in the store. At this time he also volunteered at Spurgeon’s Orphanage and taught a Sunday School class in the Metropolitan Tabernacle).

“Oct. 19th (1882) Began closing at 5 o/c on Thursday this we feel a great boon and take as an answer to prayer. I asked that my precious husband’s business hours might be shortened or grace and strength might be given to bear on. The former seemed impossible to me to be brought about, but God knew how to do it.”

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