p. 373 | Untitled article by S. E. Lindsley

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Third-day, November 26, 1867

MY BROKEN COVENANT.

By S. E. Lindsley

MORE than six months have rolled away since numerous brethren and sisters, my unworthy self included, took upon themselves the solemn covenant recorded in 2 Chron. xv, 12. I well remember with what deep feelings of solemnity, realizing that Heaven recorded the act, I rose to my feet, thus pledging myself in no trifling manner to seek the Lord with all my heart; not merely for a day, a week, nor a month, but till I found him to the joy of my soul. My brethren and sisters seemed nearer to me than before we were additionally bound together by this solemn covenant. I wished I might ever have their society, and turned away sadly to go to my place of employment among the world.

For some weeks I felt that the fulfilling of this covenant by prayer, meditation and the study of God's word, must occupy all my spare moments. And the Lord was not slack concerning his promise, but met with me, and blessed me in proportion to my faithfulness. But it was often difficult to find a place of retirement; frequent prayer was gradually neglected and soon became less earnest. And just to that degree indifference and selfishness took possession of my heart, until I exclaimed with sorrow and bitter remorse as I went before the Lord, Alas! my broken covenant!

And while reading in Testimony No. 12, the “Appeal to Young Sabbath-keepers,” I felt compelled to respond to a large portion of it, Lord, it is I.

Were it not that the mercy of the Lord is very great, I should now despair. But I humbly trust that God will grant to me that godly sorrow which “worketh repentance unto salvation not to be repented of.” I am striving to be faithful in my daily duties, in seeking meekness and humility, and in searching for my sins and the evil traits of my character, that I may overcome them all. I trust the Lord will, and does, help me in this work, and I will leave it to him to bless me with joyful feelings when I can use the blessing to his glory.

I do desire to be thoroughly converted and consecrated to God, strive to work out my own salvation, and would that I might be the means of saving some precious soul and be not a reproach to the cause of truth.

I have learned by painful experience that lost ground is hard to be regained. But the Lord is good. He is faithful. Oh! for more of that love in our hearts which Jesus has for his weak, erring children.

I am thankful for the privilege I have enjoyed of attending the late meeting at Roosevelt. Dear brethren and sisters, let us hold fast the help we have received. The Lord has blessed the faithful labors of his servants, and done a great work even in our midst, as well as in other parts of the field. Oh! let us perform our vows to the Lord, so shall we enjoy the light of his countenance. Dear, lonely traveler, Look up. Press forward yet more earnestly. The time is drawing near when there will be no lonely ones.

Your sister in hope of life,

S. E. LINDSLEY.

Oswego Co., N. Y., Nov. 10, 1867.