p. 11 | A Kind and Loving Father by GEO. O. STATES

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Tacoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Feb 27, 1908

A Kind and Loving Father

By GEO. O. STATES

GEO. O. STATES

I FEEL that I must tell my brethren and sisters an experience I had the first Sabbath and Sunday of the week of prayer. It had been four years since my health had been so I could take an active part in the week-of-prayer services, and I wanted very much to meet with my dear brethren and sisters of the Delta church, so my wife and children gave their consent for me to attend the meetings during Sabbath and Sunday.

Elder Richards was holding a series of meetings, the evening services being for the public. Sunday I felt that I must visit some of my old acquaintances, and invite them out to hear the sermon on the millennium. I visited some whom I had not seen for ten years, and had a good time while telling them of the soon coming of the Lord.

We had two readings before the public meeting, and I thought I had better not remain, but as I was acquainted with some of the leading citizens who had not previously been out, and who would be there that evening, Brother Richards was anxious for me to remain and introduce them. As I listened to that important and thrilling subject, and thought that soon Satan would be bound, and our sufferings would be over, I thought, Why can’t I have the strength to go and tell the people of these things? After the sermon I had two miles to drive, and on retiring I told my friends that I was afraid I had overdone. About two o’clock I awoke, feeling that my nerves were keyed up to the highest tension. I knew that unless relief came, I would be very ill the next day. I began to cry to the Lord, and said, “Lord, thou knowest that I did not mean to overdo; now forgive my mistake, and give me a good rest.” I think it was not over two minutes before I was sound asleep, and did not awake until about seven, when I heard some one building the fires. As I awoke, my first thought was, “He giveth his beloved sleep.” Then came to mind the text, “Is there a god beside me? yea, there is no god; I know not any.” As I thought of the goodness of the Lord, I could only give way to weeping and praising him for his goodness to me.

On relating the experience, the sister said, “Elder States, I awoke in the night, feeling worried about you, and I prayed to the Lord for his keeping power, and then I had the assurance that the Lord’s protecting care was over you.”

“O that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!”

Cedaredge, Colo.