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Show 292 divergent paths in later years which they had begun to follow much earlier. Had they remained together, even in spirit, each might have modified the extremist tendencies of the other. In examining others through biography, proprietary interest grows to the point where there is a strong desire to take the subjects by the shoulders and urge course corrections which hindsight has made obvious-a sort of "Play it again, Sam" fantasy to create the hoped-for happy ending. It is impossible to read Ellis's account without believing that her frequent proclamations of deep and abiding faith are genuine. Her consistent confidence in God's wisdom, in His endless love, and in His willingness to "overrule" circumstance on behalf of an earnest petitioner were powerful catalysts to all that she undertook to do throughout her whole productive life. An informal tabulation of her declarations of faith yields an impressive total of 261 in the seven years of her diary keeping. Heavy with petitions (79) and well-represented in thanksgiving and praise (44), there are an astounding number of references to diety (138) which contain such a variety of names and titles that her perception of God in His being and functions is fresh even now. Some titles were in current use at the time. Many have doubtless come from her own fertile mind. There are strong indications throughout Ellis's life that she was willing to forego almost anything in time for the prospects of a glorious eternity. Further than that, some of her comments display |
