Experience of a Young Disciple.
By Simon Patten
BRO. WHITE: The Lord has worked deliverance for me, and I thank him greatly for it. I can say with the Psalmist, "I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me out of all my fears." I will tell a little of my experience. I live in a very dark place, with no one to help me but my mother. The people here are bitter opposers of the Sabbath, the visions, baptism, &c.; but the Lord has helped me to take a stand for the truth without fear of opposition. The Lord is on my side, and who can be against me? I am willing to take up the cross daily and follow him. Last fall I commenced to keep the Sabbath of the Lord our God, but was not converted. I prayed, and tried to serve the Lord, and keep his Sabbath. I loved to read the papers very much. The pieces in the Review and Testimonies on the subject of being in earnest, did me good. I had many seasons of sorrowing for my sins, away alone in the woods, before I got the blessing. On the 11th of April, in the morning, I felt worse in mind than before—felt a strong desire to find the Saviour. About noon I went away and prayed the Lord to help me; but all seemed as dark as ever. I arose from my knees, sat down, took my pocket Testament, and read a few chapters. I then knelt down and prayed some time. When I rose from my knees my faith laid hold of the promises, and I felt that I should have a blessing. I went along a little way and it came to me suddenly, I cannot describe how I felt then; it was all glory to God. I came home very happy, praising the Lord for his goodness to me. I cannot praise the Lord too much for what he has done for me. Ps. xxxiv, has been precious to me since. I have had to watch very close in order to keep from grieving the Spirit away, but the Lord has helped me. In the strength of the Lord I am determined to go on to the kingdom. I have been in the habit of saying a great many unnecessary, idle words; but with the help of the Lord I am gaining victory. I have had many sweet seasons of prayer, and have seen the answers of my prayers many times. The Lord truly is a very present help in time of need. "From the rising of the sun to the going down of the same, the Lord's name is to be praised." I have a desire to be baptized, and hope soon to have an opportunity. If it is the Lord's will, I should like to be where I could meet with those of like precious faith; but I feel to say, The Lord's will be done. If I cannot meet with you here, I hope to meet you in the earth made new. Yours striving to overcome. SIMON PATTEN.
Shields, Wis.