Kicking Against the Pricks
By Henry D. Helgesen
I WAS reared in a strict Methodist home, and educated for the ministry. As a result of early teaching and rigid discipline, I formed, or acquired, theories and ideas based on mere tradition, and absolutely without foundation, which were destined to prove important factors in governing my future actions, and lead me into grievous error. While engaged in religious work, I met and married my wife, who, while not a member of any church, had heard of and accepted the truth as taught by Seventh-day Adventists. A point of contention was soon established, followed by many others, with the result that I became a pronounced and bitter enemy of all who advanced her ideas. I declared myself an enemy of the Seventh-day Adventists, and lost no opportunity for doing all in my power to oppose them. His satanic majesty suggested making use of the pen, as an effective mode of warfare; and acting on his suggestions, I began studying the teachings of these supposed and so-called fanatics, with the sole idea of being able to oppose them to better advantage. Not satisfied with writing articles from time to time, for publication in the many sheets printed in contradiction of the truth as presented by the literature published by Seventh-day Adventists, and preaching and teaching verbally against these decidedly fanatical ideas, I was prompted to write a book, which lies nearly complete before me at the present time, and which the publishers are waiting for. I need not relate that my home life has been sacrificed in the work which I have carried on, and domestic bliss and happiness have been an unknown quantity in our lives. The Lord moves in a mysterious manner at times, however; and forcibly, yet quite imperceptibly, He has brought a realization of the truth to my heart, and has, as it were, removed the scales from my eyes. And now that the awakening has come, with all its startling reality, I confess and openly acknowledge that it is indeed hard "to kick against the pricks;" and for the twenty-eight years of my life which has passed, I see nothing but a succession of miserable failures, in place of the grand success and great achievements which I had blindly been led to believe were in store for me. Now that I have received the true light, and see God’s great plan in all its beautiful simplicity, I marvel that He has tolerated my past life, and has permitted me to cause so much sorrow and unbelief while under the influence of the angel of darkness. Surely our God is a merciful and loving Father, who pities His erring ones; and no matter how grievous the sin, or how far souls may wander, He is both able and willing to restore their spiritual sight, and draw them to the pathway of truth and purity. Now that the way and the truth are clear to me, I have already commenced spreading the message among those with whom I come in contact, and am desirous of surrendering all my talent for the cause; and humbly and earnestly I pray God to bless my efforts, and allow me to live such a life, consecrated to His service, that I may make reparation in a measure for my past influence. The truth in all of its terrible grandeur has been brought to me in such clearness, and is so forcibly revealing to me the great necessity of speeding God’s warning to fallen humanity and this world of sin, in which people are lulled into a fatal sleep by the wiles of the cunning arch-deceiver, while they are being railroaded to certain destruction, entirely heedless of the lighthouses and danger-signals which a merciful God has placed along the way to awaken them from their fatal lethargy; that I am anxious to devote all my energy and time to the work, and will willingly sacrifice everything for the purpose. I thank God for the light that has come to me, and for having supported and strengthened those who were instrumental in bringing the truth to me in such a persistent manner. Their reward shall be sure. From this day henceforth, my every effort shall be to prove myself worthy of the great privilege and responsibility accorded me; and I earnestly pray God to use me for His honor and glory. Brethren, pray for me. Yours for the Master,
HENRY D. HELGESEN.