24.01.2019 Views

Signs of the Times, Book 1 - Ellen G. White

  • No tags were found...

Create successful ePaper yourself

Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.

could no longer labor.<br />

Yet <strong>the</strong> thought <strong>of</strong> becoming useless was too terrible to be entertained<br />

for a moment. It seemed to me that death would be preferable. Satan was<br />

determined that my testimony <strong>of</strong> warning, encouragement, and repro<strong>of</strong>,<br />

should not reach <strong>the</strong> people. I felt urged to go forward, but seemed<br />

powerless. Night after night I dreamed that my husband and myself were<br />

laboring toge<strong>the</strong>r to bring souls to Christ, and awoke to find that I was alone,<br />

wrestling with <strong>the</strong> powers <strong>of</strong> darkness. Oh, how I longed for rest in Christ! I<br />

thought how he once hushed <strong>the</strong> tempest-tossed waves <strong>of</strong> Galilee, and I<br />

prayed that his voice might speak peace to my soul. I humbled myself before<br />

God, and earnestly presented my petitions at <strong>the</strong> throne <strong>of</strong> grace. My faith<br />

was tried to <strong>the</strong> utmost. I received no direct evidence that my prayers were<br />

answered, but I decided to go to work as though I had received <strong>the</strong> help so<br />

greatly needed.<br />

On <strong>the</strong> Sabbath I attended meeting, trusting in God for support. In<br />

speaking to <strong>the</strong> church, I was comforted and refreshed. The Lord gave me<br />

peace and rest in him. I felt burdened for <strong>the</strong> youth, and my words were<br />

addressed especially to <strong>the</strong>m. They listened attentively, with serious faces<br />

and tearful eyes. At <strong>the</strong> close <strong>of</strong> my remarks I requested all who wished to<br />

become Christians to come forward. Thirteen responded. These were all<br />

children and youth, from eight to fifteen years <strong>of</strong> age, who thus manifested<br />

<strong>the</strong>ir determination to begin a new life. Such a sight was enough to s<strong>of</strong>ten <strong>the</strong><br />

hardest heart. The brethren and sisters, especially <strong>the</strong> parents <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> children,<br />

seemed to feel deeply. Christ has told us that <strong>the</strong>re is joy in Heaven over one<br />

sinner that repenteth. Angels were looking with gladness upon this scene.<br />

Nearly all who came forward spoke in a few words <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir hope and<br />

determination. Such testimonies ascend like incense to <strong>the</strong> throne <strong>of</strong> God. All<br />

hearts felt that this was a precious season. The presence <strong>of</strong> God was with us.<br />

I sought to impress upon fa<strong>the</strong>rs and mo<strong>the</strong>rs <strong>the</strong>ir duty to lead <strong>the</strong>se<br />

1126

Hooray! Your file is uploaded and ready to be published.

Saved successfully!

Ooh no, something went wrong!