June 30th
Last Thursday was my birth day, I was 41 years old. My Heavenly Father has spared me for some purpose, to glory his name and advance his kingdom here on earth.
I now consecrate myself and all that I have to my Saviour Jesus Christ, I am his and he is mine. I have been greatly blessed all along through my life, thanks and praise be ascribed to the Lord Jesus Christ.
There has been another bloody battle near Richmond, between our army and the Enemy, ’tis said that the Lord enabled us to overcome the enemy this time. * My husband has gone on to see what has become of our dear Willie, who might have been in the fight, but I have faith in God to believe that he is safe. I feel like the Lord will help him, and save him, because he puts his trust in God.
*Seven Days Battle
Source: Mary Jeffreys Bethell Diary, 1853-1873. #1737-z, Southern Historical Collection, The Wilson Library, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. http://docsouth.unc.edu/imls/bethell/menu.html
