Converted Through Prophetic Preaching
By J. D. Hillis
Bro. SMITH: By your permission I will say a few words through the Review. About the first of last September, suddenly and without the previous notice which is common with shows, there appeared in our midst (Knoxville, where I then resided) a large canvas tent on the ground formerly occupied as a circus ground. It rather surprised me to think there was a show in our midst without previous notice; but immediately above the canvas I discovered a banner upon which was inscribed in large letters the following question, "What is truth?" I thought this a strange question for the Devil to ask from the top of his circus. I could not understand it, so concluded to go and inquire what it meant. I did go, and judge of my surprise to find Brn. Hull and Cornell, ministers of the gospel, doorkeepers, ready to receive all who came, free of charge. And then followed the performances. First, Bro. Hull spoke on the subject of the prophecies; then followed Bro. Cornell. Thus the matter went on for several weeks with great interest to our community, and especially to me. Never in my life have I heard so much true Bible preaching. I confess I went greatly prejudiced, and through vain curiosity. Having been a member of the M. E. church for thirty-two years I verily believed it the best and purest church in the world; but glory be to God! the vail of prejudice was withdrawn from my mind, and light burst into my understanding, and the door of my heart was opened to receive the truth, which I, together with my companion and some of my children, gladly embraced. Praise the Lord that the bonds of prejudice have been broken, and we have been permitted to see the truth. We are told in Rev. xxii, 10, 11, that the time is at hand, when he that is unjust will be unjust still; and he which is filthy will be filthy still, &c. Then says verse 14, "Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city." Here are they that keep the commandments of God and faith of Jesus, and whose fruit unto righteousness is fully ripe for eternal life. I now live in Pleasantville, where Bro. Hull has preached, and where twelve or fifteen have embraced the truth and are striving to live in newness of life, in prayer and faith, observing all the commandments, and looking for the coming of the Saviour. We trust that when he comes we shall be ready to say, Lo! this is our God, we have waited for him. Many more are keeping the true Sabbath, who are not as yet with us in all things. May the Lord help them to come out decidedly on the side of truth, and then they will surely be on the side of the Lord. J. D. HILLIS.
Pleasantville, Iowa.