Bro. Smith : I wish to say a few words to the saints scattered abroad. I can truly say that I have passed through affliction's fiery furnace. I have been sunken almost out of sight in the slough of despond, and the turbulent waters of discouragement and darkness have rolled over me until I was well nigh washed away by their angry surges. Wave after wave passed over me, and the raging tempest beat upon me, until I cared but little whether I survived the storm or not. But at last in anguish of soul I cried mightily unto God on this wise: O Lord, if I am a child of thine, (thou knowest my heart,) do thou warm up my heart with thy love; but if I am not, then let my heart grow colder and darker, for by this I shall know whether I am to be saved or no.
Sometimes I am led to think that I tempted God in such a prayer; but like Esdras of old, I wished to know the truth of the whole matter. Such was the state of my mind, that I determined to have the scales go up or down, and such was my darkness and discouragement that I cared but little how the scales should turn. Still I had an anxious desire to know my state and standing before Him who rules above. All that day I felt solemn; none can imagine my feelings, save Him who searcheth the hearts of all men.
My friends had noticed my sad condition, inquiring one of another what could be the matter. Prayers were offered up in my behalf, though I knew it not at the time; yet for some reason or other I felt that the case was life or death before me, and that in a short time all must be over. Next morning after my prayer, I began to feel the dawning of a better day. I began to feel the sanctifying influence of the Holy Spirit as I never before had done. As after a stormy morning, the clouds of darkness began to break away from the horizon of my mind, and the bright sunlight of peace and joy came streaming in with all its benign influence.
Then did I feel that I could never again turn back; then did I feel as never before since I first embraced religion some ten years since; and while my hands were busily engaged in the duties of the day, my soul would cry out, Glory to God! glory to God! Then did I feel that there is still a divine reality in religion. And now brethren, I can truly say that I have had a little foretaste of heaven, that blessed place where sorrow never shall invade, or tears dim the eye forevermore. But alas! I know that after these bright scenes darkness may again come rushing in like a mighty flood, and temptations may beset me on every side thicker than ever, yet I do desire to put my whole trust in God alone for support in that trying hour of adversity; for I know that in my own strength111I cannot stand. O for the help of the mighty God of Jacob! May he keep me and all who trust in him from yielding again to the temptations of the evil one. May I with them trust alone in him who rules on high, and through the atoning blood of Christ receive at last a crown of never fading glory.
To all the doubting ones let me say a word or two. Brethren, doubt no more the power and ways of the Lord, for this has well nigh ruined me forever; this has brought me into the sad condition to which I have just adverted; therefore I have concluded to quibble no more with the hidden things of God, but take him at his word. Although some things look dark and mysterious to me, yet will I wait God's time to make all plain. By faith I am determined to trust his promises which are yea and amen forevermore.
Come, arouse thee, get thee up out of the dust and ashes, thou poor desponding soul, where perchance thou hast lain these many years. Awake, awake from thy death-like slumber! Knowest thou not that the morning of life has long since passed away? that the noontide sun is fast receding from this state of probation, and the night of time is fast stretching its long and silent shadows over the face of all creation. Man's probationary day will soon give place to that shadowy night that shall never more be chased away by the light of morn in this state of mortal existence. A thousand years of darkness and desolation is soon to be ushered in upon the earth, and end forever the afflictions, trials, sorrows and temptations of God's chosen race.
Then brother, sister, cheer thee up while over life's tempestuous sea your frail bark is gliding. Stick close to your chart and compass, and grasp with a firm and steady hand the helm, and hope thou on, hope ever! Soon you'll hear that heavenly harbor, where no raging surges of sorrow or affliction shall ever again dash over you; where no angry waves will ever again affright you. Then will the evening of life give place to that eternal morning when the Sun of righteousness shall arise to light up forever the land of the blessed.
Brethren, we need much patience to endure the besetments of this inconstant life, and the only way we can succeed in overcoming is to seek for help from the Lord. O let us seek for his guidance in all things. O the depravity of the human heart if left to itself! O the treachery of human wisdom! Let us not rest content until we are sure that all will be well with us at the end of the race.
Who of us can say that we are ready to go, should Jesus come to number up his jewels? Let us watch unto prayer, and be sure we have ourselves in readiness for the reception of the wedding garment.
Yours in hope of the coming kingdom.
J. H. GINLEY.
Bourne, Mich., July 19th, 1857.