A Good Test | AdventAI

Pacific Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Oakland, Cal. · Jul 1, 1875

A Good Test.

A few years ago, as Rev. Professor Finney was holding a series of meetings in the city of Edinburg, many persons called upon him for peronal conversation and prayer.

One day a gentleman appeared in great distress of mind. He had listened to Mr. Finney's sermon on the previous evening, and it had torn away his "refuge of lies." Mr. Finney was plain and faithful with him, pointing out to him the way of life clearly, and his only hope of salvation. The weeping man assured him that he was willing to give up all for Jesus—that he knew of nothing he would reserve—all for Jesus.

"Then let us go upon our knees and tell God of that," said Mr. Finney. So both knelt at the altar, and Mr. Finney prayed: "O Lord! this man declares that he is prepared to take thee as his God, and to cast himself upon thy care, now and forever."

The man responded "Amen!" heartily.

Mr. Finney continued: "O Lord! this man vows that he is ready to give his wife, family, and all their interests up to thee."

Another hearty "Amen" from the man.

He went on: "O Lord! he says that he is also willing to give thee his business whatever it may be, and conduct it for thy glory."

The man was silent—no response. Mr. Finney was surprised at his silence, and asked: "Why do you not say Amen to this?"

"Because the Lord will not take my business, sir: I am in the spirit trade," he answered.

The traffic could not withstand such a test as that. "The Lord will not take" such a business under his care. He demands its destruction as one of the mightiest obstacles to the progress of his cause in the earth.—American Messenger.