A Backslider Finds Mercy
By E. A. Hale
BRO. SMITH: For the first time I write a few lines for the Review. It cheers my heart to read the testimonies from the brethren and sisters abroad, and I feel like telling them the joys of my heart, and what God in his infinite goodness and mercy has done for me and mine. Fifteen months since I was a backslider, far from God, with no interest in religion. I thought the door of mercy forever closed against me; that I had sinned away the day of grace, and was hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. I was in a sad condition. I would often think over my lost condition, and say, What shall I do? It is no use to pray, God will not hear me. I have broken so many vows, he will have no confidence in me. I would think if I could find some good Christians that seemed to be living for God, I would go to them and get instruction, get them to intercede for me at the throne of grace. I looked about me and said to myself, Where shall I find one? Echo answered, Where? Professed ministers of God would call at our house and talk upon all other subjects but the right one, manifesting no interest in our salvation. I despaired. Satan says, You have been deceived. There are no true disciples of Christ. Every one is for himself. And I believed it fully. One year ago last August, Brn. Andrews and Cornell commenced tent meetings here. I was so prejudiced against Adventists I would not go to hear them. I thought they were very bad people. At last, out of curiosity, I went to hear, and the more I heard, the more it sounded like truth. I began to study the Bible, and found it corresponded with their teaching. After a time I became interested. God called after me again. I felt it to be the last call I ever should have. I began to fear and tremble. I began to yield and call to God for mercy. I felt as though these messengers were true disciples of Christ. I believed it with all my heart, and when they prayed, I felt as though God would answer. It has proved so. I called on God to forgive my sins, and, thanks be to his holy name, I trust he did; and this day I am rejoicing in his love. And my companion who had no interest before in religion, has given his heart to God, and with me is trying to keep all the commandments and to have the faith of Jesus. Here we have erected the family altar, and morning and evening our united voices ascend to the Father of mercies in thanksgiving and praise to his adorable name for what he has done for us, and the people in this place. He has blessed us abundantly within the past few months. We have seen those starting who have been convinced for a long time of the truth, taking up their cross and trying to serve God. Oh! it is blessed. Bro. Canright has labored faithfully with us, trying to get us into working order. We think his labors have been blessed among us. The interest in our prayer-meetings has steadily increased both in numbers and zeal. Many honest hearts are trying to serve their Lord and Master. And, by the grace of God, we mean to be faithful, that when Christ comes, there will be a goodly number here who will say, “Lo! this is our God we have waited for him, and he will save us.” Somerset Co., Me.
E. A. Hale.