p. 109 | My Experience by Wm. C. Gage

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Mar 1, 1864

My Experience.

By Wm. C. Gage

BRO. WHITE: I have concluded to give the readers of the Review a little of my experience in embracing the third angel's message, although I doubt not it is similar to that of many others.

When the tent was located in Manchester, I was away from the city, but was providentially, as I now think, obliged to return sooner than I anticipated. I was attracted to the tent by curiosity, but soon became interested, and was led to ponder deeply upon the truths so faithfully presented there. I soon became convinced, but was unwilling to yield, pleading with conscience that I must hear all that could be brought on the other side.

At length came the discussion between Bro. Cornell and Eld. Grant. I had previously silenced the "faithful monitor" with the mental resolve that I would await the result of the discussion, and abide by it at any cost; and when the truth, thus so clearly brought out, was forced home to my heart, my perplexity cannot be described. I then commenced to count the cost: separation from the church whose members were so dear to my heart; loss of influence in society, derangement of business; the scoffs and sneers of a large circle of personal friends—these, and much more, were to be the inevitable results of the steps I was meditating.

And could anything outweigh all these? Yes; for in the other side of the balance was eternal life! I resolved, and walked out upon the resolution.

Upon presenting my case to the church, they refused to dismiss me, until the pastor could labor with me, and assured me that they should not refuse to fellowship me, even if I persisted in observing the Sabbath. The evidences presented me by my pastor, chiefly contained in Wayland's "Moral Science," were simply confirmatory, where a month sooner they might have been otherwise. My name is yet held by the church; but I prefer to worship with the little band of commandment-keepers, although our whole number can be contained in one small room.

I find that "light afflictions" sometimes arise, but hope grows brighter, and faith stronger, with each trial; and the "weight of glory" is inducement enough to press onward.

I receive much comfort from the weekly visits of the Review, and encouragement from the experience of others contained therein, and hope that the cause may prosper, and that many may be led to embrace this message ere the advent of our blessed Lord.

Yours in hope.

WM. C. GAGE.

Manchester, N. H., Feb. 19, 1864.