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An Interesting Missionary Experience

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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Feb 1, 1912

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 89, No. 5.

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An Interesting Missionary Experience

By John N. Quinn

DIFFICULTIES entered the church of which Eugene M. was a member, and as they continued to increase, he began to question the genuineness of Christianity. Next he doubted the authenticity of the Bible, the justice of God, and the possibility of experimental religion. As the years passed, his difficulties multiplied, until his mind became the cage of every unclean and hateful doubt. The ministers of various churches visited him, but were unable to help him out of his darkness.
A few weeks ago a worker connected with the Review and Herald Publishing Association stepped into the store owned by Mr. M., and on leaving, handed to him some Seventh-day Adventist tracts. A second visit was made, and the worker was told a long list of objections about the injustice, the inequality of God, and the contradictory statements of the Bible. It was suggested that four evenings be given the worker, with the assurance that the man's doubts could be removed, and his difficulties solved. The four evenings have passed, and Eugene M. is rejoicing in Jesus Christ, and in absolute freedom from doubt of any kind. The first evening the topic of study was, “Reasons for Believing in the Existence of God;” the second, “Sin and Its Relation to the Government of God;” the third, “Gospel Truths From Eden;” the fourth, “God's Method of Eliminating Sin From the Life and From the Universe.”
At the close of the second evening's study, as Mr. M. grasped the truth that God governs alone by the consent of the governed, the Holy Spirit did his appointed work, and with tears coursing down his face, the unbeliever surrendered to be governed by God. With joy he told of the blessing that he had received.
When the fourth study was finished, he asked the worker to give his reasons with the illustration of some one's gradually lowering the flag from the flag-staff, and running up an emblem of rebellion. He then said, “I have lowered the false flag, and now have floating from the masthead of my faith that which is a sign of the power of my Creator.” “From to-night on I am with you,” was the hearty response.
Four weeks, and yet this man is soundly converted and in harmony with the Word of God. There is no message on this earth other than the third angel's message which could have wrought such a change in a human mind in so short a time. It need not be said the learner wishes the studies continued, and is planning to open his home, so that his neighbors may hear the word of life.
JOHN N. QUINN.