Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1858-04-07
SEXPERIENCEO OF "AWFUI,,
GARDNER.


Orville, better known as "Ayful', Gardner
gave an account Of his conversion at the Green.
street Methodist church, New York, last Sun
day evening, as follows:
L feel it my duty to tell you what God has
done for me. hope you will hear all have
10 say. There are many here who have K nown
me for ten years-have known me when 1 was
fearfully wicked. Now I am on the Lords
side want it thoroughly understood that now
am on the Lords $ side,
was on visit to my brother in the country
about twenty-eight miles away, at a town called
Portchester; when went there had as much
idea of getting religion as many of you have
now-that is none at all. But hope when Won
go home you cannot rest nor sleep till You get
religion. went to church in that town for ac-
eommodation-that's ALTO the folks. The
Saviour was there. The Lords spirit was DOW
eTtuily displayed, and went from heart to heart
all through the church. 1t worked upon mo
three or four nights. The pastor of the church
came to me and asked me if would not like to
get religion and serve God. / answered, mo,
didn't care about it just them" and I told
him lie; for did, l felt as though wanted
religion.
get dreadfully uneasy, and made up nv
mind L had better leave that part Of the coun-
try; it was getting too warm for me- told my
brother was going to New York in the morn
ing. lie said, "Wait another day." and L
made up my mind would stay and attend an
otner night Some remarks were made to back
sllders the next night, many of whom l know;
they sat unmoved. The minister and my
friends had been trying to get me to be a Chris
tan, but the devil said, a." Don't be taken in by
those Fellows" After church that night. as we
we're going home-the minister lived up our
way-l made some remark about those back
sliders, saying to him that if were IN their
4 Il
iigion over again.
lhe minister told me that he thought was
very great sinner; that 1 stood in a critical
condition, and was more likely to be lost than
any OF them. said to my brother, if that as
the way the minister was going to talk | would
go. got my carpet bag ready next day and
started; L opened the door; 1 wanted to go.
and and l didn want TO go; and hoped my
brother would again urge me to stay. He did
so, and | stayed. That was Saturday. After
had my dinner l resolved that would seek
the Lord that night. 1 made strong resoIu-
ton; felt where l stood that perhaps it was
perhaps the last time the Lord would strive
with me Saturday night the invitation was
given to come forward to the altar, and 1
started-on my shoulders my load of .ins-up
went with them-the cross Of Christ upon nv
back: got up and threw my sins down by
the altar. l tried as hard as a man ever did.
and L got no religion.
Sunday night attended with a like result.
That night L could not sleep, my sins looked so
bad they came up on every hand and looked
at me; all the sins of my life crowded upon
me, many should never have thought of had
not the Devil brought them before me could
c1uld not sleep; wiggled and waggled around
the bed all night; the Lord was striving with
me Monday morning 1 got up and prayed I
did the best L could; asked the Lord to take
away the weight that bore me down so. There
was friend came to me that day and said he
was going over to White Plains, and 1 could
go with him. knowing 1 would be in good
company concluded to Co. thinking he might
do me some good. There was little said ON the
way, but he told me to keep looking for the
Saviour; that was trying to get religion, and
had let every body know it the Lord was
willing to bless me at any time, or anywhere.
!! was riding along, singing hymn, and in an
instant felt as though was blessed. L am
sure gave up my soul and body
The first thing knew, God spoke peace to
my soul 1t came like shot-is came like
lightning, when was not anticipating il. and
the first thing / said " Glory God blessed
me. My friend said be knew it; he felt the
shock too. We rode against a stone fence two
or three times, and came near tumbling on the
ground The change was surprising; the trees
looked as II they had been blessed every thing
appeared to have been blessed, even the horse
and wagon. felt strong. could almost Nv.
Glory to God, this religion is good The Lord
has blessed me ever since. My faith in him
grows stronger every day. l would face all
the people that God ever put on the earth and
| tell them all L am bound for Heaven NV
heart says, see the scorner: say l will "a
pray for him. Every thing is pleasing. love
those l used to hate. Now, that shows pretty
| gcsi for religiOn-don't it brothers! Yes
| yes. Men that used to seek to injure love
now; pray for them. 1 don't hate a soul
that God ever put breath in. As look round
you all look good to me; / love the Christian
little better than the sinner, but love you
too. l would not swap this religion for all
New York city. L would rather have religion
and live on bread and water till God calls me
They talk about noise here-what will it be
WREN we get TO Heaven! l have tested the
world pleasures, but religion is the only thius
that will make man happy here, and the only
thing that will make him happy hereafter
| There are great many here that know me-
and 1t Is, no doubt, mystery to them that God
should accept such creature. Now is the time
to step to the altar. Don't say to God let me
accomplish this or that, and then will seek
you: When you receive the religion of Jesus
Christ you are the richest person on earth
Come At once. Clear the way, here Seat.
allaround; allow yourselves to be led to Christ