Chapter 34—Genuine Christian Experience
I saw that unless there is an entire change in the young, a thorough
conversion, they may despair of heaven. From what has been shown
me, there are not more than half of the young who profess religion and
the truth, who have been truly converted. If they had been converted,
they would bear fruit to the glory of God. Many are leaning upon
a supposed hope, without a true foundation. The fountain is not
cleansed, therefore the streams proceeding from that fountain are not
pure. Cleanse the fountain, and the streams will be pure.
If the heart is right, your words, your dress, your acts will all be
right. True godliness is lacking. I would not dishonor my Master
so much as to admit that a careless, trifling, prayerless person is a
Christian. No; a Christian has victory over his besetments, over his
passions. There is a remedy for the sin-sick soul. That remedy is in
Jesus. Precious Saviour! His grace is sufficient for the weakest; and
the strongest must also have His grace or perish.
Saving Grace
I saw how this grace could be obtained. Go to your closet, and
there alone plead with God: “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and
renew a right spirit within me.” Be in earnest, be sincere. Fervent
prayer availeth much. Jacob-like, wrestle in prayer. Agonize. Jesus
in the garden sweat great drops of blood; you must make an effort.
Do not leave your closet until you feel strong in God; then watch, and
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just as long as you watch and pray you can keep these evil besetments
under, and the grace of God can and will appear in you.
God forbid that I should cease to warn you. Young friends, seek
the Lord with all your heart. Come with zeal, and when you sincerely
feel that without the help of God you perish, when you pant after Him
as the hart panteth after the water-brooks, then will the Lord strengthen
you speedily. Then will your peace pass all understanding. If you
expect salvation, you must pray. Take time. Be not hurried and careless
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