A Child’s Early Christian Impressions
By Irena G. Camp
BRO. WHITE: A sadness comes over my mind when I reflect how much less easily the minds of children and youth are affected with solemn and sacred truths now than when I was young. I well remember what a deep impression a sense of death and mourning made upon my mind, and how ardently I desired to be prepared for death, and to appear before God in judgment with all my sins forgiven. And when I was alone, walking in the fields, my mind was dwelling on the beauties and excellencies of the Christian religion, and I deeply felt that I wanted to be a Christian. And while my hands were employed in labor, my mind was engaged in reflecting on the beauties and glories of the heavenly world, while my leisure moments were employed in reading the Bible, or some religious book. And on what was then termed Sabbath morning, I was engaged in reading my Bible, and in serious reflection, before the rest of the family were awake. I well remember the little consecrated place where I used to retire for secret prayer, and the very moment I opened the door of that little chamber I breathed such a holy and heavenly atmosphere that I felt the very place on which I stood was holy ground. And as I used to retire to my chamber for a few moments when my work was done after dinner, worn and weary from excessive labor, I would think I must throw myself upon the bed and rest a few moments before praying, and then I would think that perhaps by some means I might be deprived of the privilege of praying, and I would pray first, then rising from my knees could rest and be refreshed both in soul and body, and all ready to resume my labor. I delight daily to consecrate myself anew to him, and plead with him for grace whereby I may serve him acceptably with reverence and with godly fear, and that I may do and suffer all his blessed will. I had rather be a door-keeper in the house of my God than to dwell in the tents of wickedness, choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season.
IRENA G. CAMP.
Gaysville, Vt.