H. F. PHELPS by H. F. Phelps

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · May 6, 1873

H. F. PHELPS

By H. F. Phelps

Experience.

How necessary that we all gain an experience in the things of God. Indeed, so necessary is it, that we must all have one, and that for ourselves. Nothing short of an individual experience will serve us in the day of trial. If I rely upon another’s experience, in the shaking time I shall be so thoroughly shaken that I shall fall.

This is well illustrated in the history of the Advent people in 1844. Those who had a living, individual experience, stood well the test; and though the draught was a bitter one, when the time passed, yet, by faith, they held on to the word of God, and did not cast away their confidence till all was made plain; and then were they ready to move on in the openings of God’s word and do their duty to the world and to themselves, and, if faithful, will soon receive their reward. But, on the other hand, those who depended on the faith and experience of others, could not stand the test, and drew back to perdition, denying the word of God, as well as the hand of God in the work. And why? Because they had not an experience of their own upon which to rely.

Thus it will be with many in the time just before us. Not having obtained an experience of their own, all will be darkness to them. Oh! how much I desire an experience for myself in these things. I have just been trying again to drink in the experience of those disappointed ones, by reading “Life Incidents.” And I feel truly thankful that I may partake with them of their joys, of their sorrows, and partake, in a great measure, with them in their disappointment, and thankful above all that we may share in the closing work, even if we begin at the eleventh hour (if we work faithfully during that hour), and soon share in the reward.

Many times, as I passed through their history, I felt my heart soften, my eyes would moisten with tears, and I felt my faith growing stronger and firmer in this closing work. Who can doubt that this is the work of God. Who can doubt that the world is hearing the last message of warning. For many years I have not had a doubt. But I thank God my faith is growing stronger. my hopes are being quickened. And as I write, I feel that I must get a firmer hold upon the Rock of Ages. Jesus, my advocate, is pleading, and I must place myself in the best possible relation to the cause and work of God, so that his pleadings may be available in my behalf.

Come, beloved brethren, let us quicken our pace homeward. Dear brother, is your faith flagging? Read again the history of God’s people. Read “Life Incidents,” “Appeal to Working Men and Women,” and tell me if you do not feel your heart warmed, if you do not feel as never before that this is God’s people, and that, come life or death, you must have a part with them. Join with me in saying, This is my people; their God shall be my God; their trials shall be my trials; when this work prospers, I will rejoice with them. And when this work is finished, may it be ours to enter with them upon the eternal reward.

H. F. PHELPS

Pine Island, Minn.