Beginning of Public Labours
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perfect will of God. I felt the assurance of an indwelling Saviour, and
realized the truth of what Christ had said: “He that followeth Me shall
not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.”
John 8:12
.
My peace and happiness were in such marked contrast with my
former gloom and anguish that it seemed to me as if I had been rescued
from hell and transported to heaven. I could even praise God for the
misfortune that had been the trial of my life, for it had been the means
of fixing my thoughts upon eternity. Naturally proud and ambitious,
I might not have been inclined to give my heart to Jesus had it not
been for the sore affliction that had cut me off, in a manner, from the
triumphs and vanities of the world.
For six months not a shadow clouded my mind, nor did I neglect
one known duty. My whole endeavor was to do the will of God, and
keep Jesus and heaven continually in mind. I was surprised and enrap-
tured with the clear views now presented to me of the atonement and
the work of Christ. I will not attempt to further explain the exercises
of my mind; suffice it to say that old things had passed away, all things
had become new. There was not a cloud to mar my perfect bliss. I
longed to tell the story of Jesus’ love, but felt no disposition to engage
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in common conversation with anyone. My heart was so filled with
love to God and the peace that passeth understanding, that I loved to
meditate and pray.
Bearing Testimony
The night after receiving so great a blessing, I attended the advent
meeting. When the time came for the followers of Christ to speak in
His favor, I could not remain silent, but rose and related my experience.
Not a thought had entered my mind of what I should say; but the simple
story of Jesus’ love to me fell from my lips with perfect freedom, and
my heart was so happy to be liberated from its bondage of dark despair,
that I lost sight of the people about me, and seemed to be alone with
God. I found no difficulty in expressing my peace and happiness,
except for the tears of gratitude that choked my utterance.
Elder Stockman was present. He had recently seen me in deep
despair, and as he now saw my captivity turned, he wept aloud, rejoic-
ing with me, and praising God for this proof of His tender mercy and
loving kindness.