AN INTERESTING LETTER by Editor

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Feb 6, 1893

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 19, No. 14.

AN INTERESTING LETTER.

By Editor

THE following letter by a boy fifteen years old, now in attendance at one of our schools, written to his father on his conversion will speak for itself. The same good work has been going on in Battle Creek College, Healdsburg College, and we doubt not in our other colleges and schools also. This is as it should be; the study of the word of God ought to be followed by the cleansing of souls. Says Jesus: "Now are ye clean through the word which I have spoken unto you." We praise God that so many of our young brethren and sisters are hearing his word; and now may they "abide in him." Here is the letter:—

Father, I have given my heart to the Lord. He has died for me, and for all these years I have not given him anything in return. But I made up my mind that I would give my heart to him, and be a Christian. I knew that in myself there was nothing worthy, but that he, in his unbounding love, had promised to forgive and accept all, and I by faith believed that he did forgive and accept me, and he does. Oh, how thankful I am!

Last Sabbath [December 10] several, including myself, stayed after meeting, and we gave ourselves up completely, and last Sunday we were baptized, and admitted into the Graysville [Tennessee] S. D. A. Church. Oh, how it makes me rejoice to know that I am connected with the living church of Christ! I know, by faith, that my sins are forgiven.

The Lord has greatly blessed me during my stay here in Graysville. I am so thankful that I was permitted to come to this school, and to enjoy the privileges of religious surroundings. I know that God had a hand in it. He sent me here. Oh, how grateful I am! At the same time (Sabbath) six others gave their hearts to their Creator. . . . Oh, how the Lord has led us all out into the light since coming to school and attending the meetings!

We were baptized by Elder J. W. Scoles, as Elder Colcord is not very strong. I want to lead a Christian and prayerful life henceforth. Pray for me, that I may be a true follower of Christ. My faith is developing, and I am very thankful that I heard the lectures in Terra Ceia and De Leon Springs on this subject. I know the Spirit of God worked with power last Sabbath.

The latter rain is here, and we have had some of it in Graysville. Of course you have heard of the wonderful outpouring of the Spirit of God upon the college students at Battle Creek, and of the wonderful meetings held there.

We have excellent meetings here in the academy chapel on Sabbath evenings. These have led me and the others out in a marked degree. We have had a precious season every time we have met. How much greater one will we have next Sabbath evening, when we assemble together! Oh, how glad I am that I am situated where I can enjoy these meetings! It is no use of living for this world, and I have no desire to. I want to meet my Redeemer in the clouds. I do want to meet you there. I want to prepare myself for the trial just before the people of God.

Since I have been broken on the Rock, and have crucified self, and laid away the "old man" (sin) I can claim the promises of God's word so much more. "Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." Oh, I want to search the Scriptures; I am searching them! I want to grow in grace. God helping me I can learn his word, and understand it, far more than before. In our Bible class all are members of this church now. I know that we can have better lessons, and learn faster of his word, for there are none there now to drive the Spirit away. Father, pray for me, that I may grow in strength. Write me a letter too. I have had a hard heart, naturally, but I have prayed to God that it might be broken, and praise his name, he answered my prayer. To him be all the praise.