As soon as we saw Nathaniel, we feared that consumption had marked him for the grave. The hectic flush was upon his cheek, yet we hoped and prayed that the Lord would spare him, that his talent might be employed in the cause of God. But the Lord saw fit to order otherwise. {LS 147.1}

Lige så snart vi så Nataniel, var vi bange for at svindsoten sender ham til graven. Der flød hurtige strømme ned af hans kind, alligevel håbede og bad vi for at Herren ville spare ham, så hans talenter kan bruges på Guds sag. Men Herren fandt det rigtigt at gøre noget andet.