A Testimony of Conversion and Gratitude
By Phebe L. Cornell
BRO. SMITH: I have often been cheered by the testimonies of dear brethren and sisters in the Review, and have felt that I would gladly contribute my mite in favor of the precious truth, but have as often been prevented by a sense of my unworthiness and inability. I feel that there can be none among the ranks of Sabbath-keepers who have greater reason to love the truth, or greater cause for gratitude to God for being permitted to embrace it, than myself. When it first arrested my attention, I was a cold-hearted backslider, wandering further and still further from God, yet ignorant, as it were, of the path I was treading, and at times despairing almost of hope. The Bible was a book of mysteries, and I was unconsciously wending my way to Spiritualism and Infidelity. In this condition I first heard the truth on the Sabbath; but so hard and blinded was my heart, that for three years I rejected it; yet my kind heavenly Father continued to call after me in love until I felt it was his to command, and mine to obey, whether I were saved or lost. I yielded from a conviction of duty, not because I expected salvation. I could see no light in any other part of present truth, and little thought of ever seeing or embracing any more of it; but I was disappointed. A peace of mind to which I had long been a stranger, was mine again to enjoy, and present truth that had been hidden from my view now shone forth in unspeakable beauty, and I felt, as it were, lost in wonder, love, and praise. Six years have nearly rolled away since, and I yet rejoice that God is fitting up his people to stand with the King in his beauty upon Mount Zion; and I want to be there. Yes, I want to walk the gold-paved streets of the city of God, and join in the song of the redeemed, and clap glad hands with loved ones that have long slumbered in the tomb. And am I willing to endure with the remnant? I want to be. Heaven will be cheap enough after all we suffer here. Then brethren and sisters, let us gird on the whole armor. Though trials come, earthly friends fail and foes all unite, we know that victory is ours through our Lord Jesus, if we are faithful to the grace he has promised. And he is soon coming. Yes, we are admonished almost hourly that he is “nigh even at the door.” Be ye also ready seems whispered by every passing breeze. And shall any of us slumber till the Master has risen up and shut to the door? Trials and temptations are for us a little while; but God has promised us strength and grace. Let us lean on his strong arm, and we are safe. Yours, striving to overcome.
PHEBE L. CORNELL.
N. Brownville, Mich.