A Remarkable Conversion
By Sarah B. Casterline
MR. THOMAS HINTON, the subject of this sketch, was one of the principal men of Wausau, Wisconsin, at the time of this occurrence, having been supervisor for years. He was fifty-three years of age. He had a sawmill about five miles from his home in Wausau. He was a noted infidel. One fine morning in August, 1865, he started to go to Stevens Point, a distance of forty miles, on a large lumber-wagon, the seat being very high in order to make room for the supplies he would get for his mill and family. He had gone on his journey but a short distance when a terrible darkness of mind came over him, and he was in a dreadful state of mental feeling. It continued to oppress him more and more until he had reached a hotel twelve miles from home. He concluded it best to stop there a while in hopes that his feelings would change. O, how he wished to meet some one with whom he could converse and receive help! But in vain. It was a controversy between him and his God. He stayed there all night, and in the morning started on his journey again. But these feelings came upon him more severe than the previous day. His next move was to get on his knees on the high seat (the horses stopping), and he began to call upon God for help. Finally he told the Lord that if He would relieve him, he would confess that Jesus was the Son of God. At that instant he felt relief. He seated himself again and started on. The first man he met after arriving at Stevens Point, was an old associate of his at the card-table. This man invited him to go and have a game of cards, adding an oath. O, how terrible it sounded to Mr. Hinton! He was now out of harmony with the man, and with card-playing, too, and at once turned away. Soon after his return home, I called at his house, knowing nothing of what had happened; but I noticed he had the large family Bible open on his lap. Evidently he had been reading it prior to my coming. He said to me, "I am a changed man." "Yes," said his wife, "Mr. Hinton is converted." He related the above experience. When he was through, I said: "Now, Mr. Hinton, you will have to confess publicly that Jesus is the Son of God, or you will lapse into darkness again. We will have prayer-meeting to-morrow night at our church, and you come out and pay your vow." He said, "I will do it." Both Mr. and Mrs. Hinton came. He gave in his testimony, which was presented in so humble, penitent a spirit that it was very impressive. As soon as the good news came abroad, many sinners were awakened, and cottage meetings were held for them. A revival was carried on for several weeks, and souls were converted, and much good done. Mr. Hinton was always present at the meetings, and always manifested a humble, thankful spirit, giving the praise to God for deliverance, and wondering at the long-suffering of God in sparing him so many years in sin and rebellion. He said he felt that this was his last call. He had a pious mother, who had been dead for many years. He thought her prayers were answered. The next December, as he was helping to bring a load of hay from his meadow, he was thrown from the load, by the breaking of the binder, onto frozen ground, receiving an injury which terminated in death the following May. Thus that call proved to be his last. O, may we be encouraged to pray for our children! It may be that after we pass away, if not in our lifetime here, results will come that will prove our prayers found a lodgment on heaven's altar. May the Lord Jesus help us to hold on by faith, believing that His promises never fail.