A Deeper Work of Grace
By Hiram Burdick
Bro. Smith: It has been about three years since I first embraced the Third Angel's Message and have tried to keep the Commandments of God and the Faith of Jesus. During this length of time I cannot say that I have lived as faithful to the cause of God as I should, being placed in a neighborhood where there was no one but myself that tried to keep the Sabbath, being deprived of the privilege of meeting with the people of God, and having my mind somewhat taken up with the things of this world, I began to grow discouraged, and lost a great deal of enjoyment, which was my privilege to possess. I remained in this position till last fall, when Bro. Fuller came into an adjoining neighborhood and held a series of meetings, and the word preached seemed to have its desired effect. I began to examine myself to see if I was fully prepared to meet the Lord. I soon found that I needed a deeper work of grace in my heart, and without it I should never be saved. I saw that I was a poor sinner in the sight of God and must be lost unless he would have mercy upon me. I began to pray and call upon the name of the Lord. I felt willing to do anything for the sake of Jesus. I felt willing to give up all, and consecrate everything that I had upon the altar. When I was willing to do this, I found that God was pleased, and felt my sins forgiven. I have been striving with all my heart from that time till the present to keep the Commandments of God and have the Faith of Jesus. In that neighborhood, since last fall and winter, ten or twelve have come out on the Lord's side and have resolved with all their hearts to walk in his commandments. Many have been the refreshing seasons I have been permitted to enjoy with them. I feel greatly encouraged, and we are resolved to go on, believing that the Lord is soon coming to gather his children, and to deliver them from the power of Satan. I feel that the conflict is almost over. Soon the last battle will be fought; then we shall take the kingdom and enter upon an everlasting reward. Oh what a blessed prospect lies just before us. Brethren, be encouraged, let us put on the armor of God and fight like valiant soldiers in the army of the Lord, and the crown will soon be ours. Yours striving for the kingdom.
Hiram Burdick.