Power of a Christian's Testimony.
By P. A. Roberts
I HAVE many times felt my whole being moved by the testimonies of brethren and sisters in the REVIEW; some of which may be from individuals as humble as myself, therefore I am encouraged to write, though it be but few words, humbly asking God that he will help the attempt to the good of some. Why are these testimonies so powerful? We come around the family circle after the labors of the day, or Sabbath after meeting, my companion takes the REVIEW, turns to the testimony and reads, first, perhaps, some one's conviction and reception of present truth, how God arrested the attention by a tract, a letter from a friend, suggesting inquiry on some point, possibly nothing but a picture of Nebuchadnezzar's image, thus turning the mind to prophecy; how the Spirit kept pressing these things on the attention, causing search, study, and prayer, till the clear light came, and the soul was filled with gladness and praise to God for his wonderful mercy and goodness to the children of men. Another alludes to deliverance from some severe trial, or how he has been brought through some dark place, and his heart goes out to his Deliverer full of joy and rejoicing. Again, some lonely one is made to rejoice by the evidence thus weekly given that God is preparing a remnant people to stand amid the trials of the last days, and finally to have a home in his everlasting kingdom and that he is learning the way to become one of the happy number, and his feelings swell with gratitude, his heart beats quicker with love to God and those of like faith. All this causes our hearts also to glow afresh with the same emotions of love and gratitude and praise, that our feet have been turned from the broad, to the narrow road, as we hope and trust, and that we are now trying to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. At these times it seems God is especially near to us, subduing the power of sin, increasing our aspirations after holiness, and strengthening our resolutions to give ourselves more fully to his service. After this influence over us, we feel sure of being, at least, a little better prepared for the hard conflicts of the Christian warfare, to overcome sin in our hearts, and stronger, to resist the devices and temptations of the evil one. Now, why such power for good in these simple, broken testimonies? Is it not because God is in this work? because these humble individuals have learned of God and are enabled to take of the things of God and show them to others? This influence must be good for all that come under, and yield to, it. I often contrast this influence over us as a family with that which prevailed before we embraced present truth, some three years ago. Then stories such as we found in the N. Y. Tribune, Prairie Farmer &c., were most eagerly devoured, reserving Bonner's Ledger for Sunday, and often reading from dinner until midnight; and what did it all amount to? Not scarcely a sentence in a day's reading worthy the consideration of a being before whom eternal life is presented as an end for which to labor and strive in this world; and yet how fascinating! The whole being is bound and led captive by it. Dear friends, let not this influence prevail over us. I know, by experience there is more good and satisfaction to be derived from one of these hearty testimonies than from all the stories ever written. Pray for us that we may overcome all sin and finally have a home with you in that land where sin can never come.