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Experiences

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Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Oct 31, 1900

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 26, No. 44.

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Experiences

By A. F. Ballenger

“Five years, eleven months, and sixteen days ago to-night I came into this mission a ragged, penniless, ruined man. I had decided to throw myself in the river, but thought I would stop in here first. That night the Lord saved me from my drink and sin, and for over two years I was a sober man. But after I had secured a good position and began to wear good clothes, I began to think I was able to walk alone, and I let go of the hand that had saved me and kept me, and I fell back into the old life again. But I knew I was down, and I knew how I was saved before. The Lord saved me again, and has kept me ever since; and I don't let go of His hand any more.”
I wanted to say, “Amen,” but I smothered it.
Presently a woman arose. She was dressed in white. Some friends had brought her a large bouquet of white lilies, and had come to rejoice with her, and to celebrate with her the fifth anniversary of her salvation from a life of sin and shame.
“Five years ago to-night,” the young woman began, “I was rescued from a life of sin and shame. The Lord saved me from the street when I was engaged in the work of destroying the sons and daughters of fond mothers. But the Lord found me, and washed me clean in His own blood. I have since started a rescue home, and am now giving my life to the work of rescuing my sisters from the life from which the Lord has rescued me. Oh, what a change He has wrought in my heart! Yesterday, with some Christian friends I spent a day of recreation in the park, and, would you believe it? I had entrusted to me, during the day, twelve little sweet-faced girls. Oh, think of it; that such a woman as I have been should be so cleansed and changed that mothers would be willing to trust me with the care of their innocent little ones! Praise the Lord for His love and saving power!”
I could smother the amens no longer, and one escaped, with a good church prayer-meeting fervor.
The people looked around. I could hide my identity no longer, but arose and said:—
“Brethren and sisters, I am a preacher; but I see a salvation manifested here that I have not experienced. But I purpose to have it if I must get drunk, get arrested, and sentenced to jail and have some missionary come and teach me through the bars.”
I went from this meeting to my home strongly impressed with God's power to save to the uttermost. I looked myself over in the light of the Word, and decided that I was mean enough already; that I need not sin any more in order to be a great sinner and obtain a great salvation.
Thus, dear reader, did I learn through this humbling experience the secret of a great salvation. Only those who realize that they are great sinners will receive a great salvation; but sin as seen nailing the Son of God to the cross of Calvary, becomes exceedingly sinful.
The above lines are taken from the new book by Elder A. F. Ballenger, entitled “POWER FOR WITNESSING”