A Testimony of Repentance
By M. E. L. BROWN
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: Quite a length of time has been permitted to pass by since penning my testimony for the REVIEW, but while I have remained silent, my heart has oftentimes been cheered and encouraged by perusing the exhortations of others. Oh! how sweet is the communion of saints. Truly can I say that my love for God’s people, and the cause of Christ, has increased much of late. Nearly six years have come and gone since I sought and found my Saviour, and took upon myself a profession which should be adorned by a well-ordered life, and godly conversation. As I arose from the water to start anew in life, everything seemed to possess a lovelier appearance, and I thought I would never again, in any way, grieve God’s Holy Spirit; but oh! how frail and sinful is human nature! and how cunning and full of deceit is the enemy of our souls. I have only to regret that since then I have strayed from the narrow path leading unto life, and, in some respects, broken the law of God. Oh! how good and merciful is the Lord that he has not stricken me down without hope. I feel that I have great reason to praise his holy name. I attended the Conference at Adams Center, desiring greatly to be benefited, and think I was in a measure, as I never before felt such a deep solemnity resting upon me in view of the shortness of time, and my perilous condition; and oh! how sad did it cause me to feel to see the burden of prayer resting so heavily upon Bro. and Sr. White, in behalf of souls there present. I felt, for one, ashamed of my negligence, and to humble myself low in the dust that I had ever wounded the cause of Christ, or brought sadness upon those dear servants. I feel determined, by the help of the Lord, and your prayers and words of encouragement, to fully arouse, and become wholly consecrated to the Lord. But a little while longer, and our work will be completed. Shall we not then spend the remainder of our days in the service of the Lord? Time’s career is swiftly closing. Soon probation will cease, and then will be no hope in the case of the sinner. How solemn to think upon. We must work while the day lasts; for soon the night cometh wherein no man can work. I feel for one that I want to lead such a life, that I may at last be counted worthy of a place among them “When the saints of all ages in harmony meet
Their Saviour, and brethren, transported to greet,
When anthems of rapture unceasingly roll,
And the smile of the Lord is the feast of the soul.”
M. E. L. BROWN.
Jeff. Co., N. Y.