Fremont journal. [volume] (Fremont, Sandusky County [Ohio]) 1853-1866, 1860-11-30
HOW THE REVIVAL BEGAN.

ton: pray, how did it beginl The last II
heard from your pastor, you we're all asleep
spiritually.
I'll tell you, replied Mr.. Burton, and I'm
sure you will join me in saying, at is the
Lords doing, and marvellous in our eyes,
We. were, as you said, asleep, and we'll for
us that it proved not the sleep of DEATH
For months coldness and stupidity reigned
in our church; our meetings were thinly at
tended and poorly sustained; and it seemed
as if there was no zeal for the honor Of God,
nor any concern for the souls Of the impeni-
tent.
Fifteen or twenty Of US we're gathered at
our usual Sabbath evening conference, orI
prayer-meeting. After the pastor had
made brief remarks ho called upon me to
offer prayer. had some cold upon my
lungs, and l fear a worse one in my heart,
and declined. Brother Mills was asked
he refused also. There we're but three 9th
er brethern present. The pastor turned to
them; each shook his head. He cast his
eye over the small assembly; there we're
two or three men who were not professors,
and the rest we're women and youth. The
pastor sighed. att is so, bretherni Is
there not one voice to speak for Christ, orI
to ask blessing at his hand" A youhgI
man who sat beside me rose with much ag-
itation. I could not think what brought
him to his feet He had been in our place
two or three months, and was usually at
church on the Sabbath; but he was not a
religious man, and had never before seen
him in the conference-room. His first words
explained his reason for so unusual step.
'Christian friends" he said with much
feeling, 81 cannot sit silent under the pas
tors appeal. nthere is no one else here
to speak for Christ, surely I ought to tell
what he has done for my soul. Dear friends,
l hope the Lord has forgiven my sins, and
that | have become new creature in Christ
Jesus. A week ago tonight was with
+ out hope, and without God in the world
But the reading of tract which l found on
the mantel at my boarding-place was bles-
sed by the Holy Spirit to awaken my heart
and conscience and lead me as 1 trust, to
the friend of sinners. And what friend,
glorious friend he is! That he should so
: love sinful world as to die for it! And
o when be sees a poor sinner like me over
whelmed with sense ofguilt, and feeling
/ ready to perish, he stretches out his arms
;, of love, and says, Come unto me, all yc
9 that labor and are heavy-laden, and | viii
: give you rest Shall we not love such Sa
q tvior shall we not praise him shall not eve
n ry heart which has felt his goodness, testify
y y to his loving kindness and tender mercy
It Brethren, l did not mean to speak, but
= could not help it. Forgive mo if l am ou
y of my place"
9 And quivering with emotion, he sat dowI
a a beside me. My own heart was melted, anc
: [ could not restrain my feelings. l threw
my arms around the new convert as broth
! er in Christ. Then I begged his forgive.
. ness, and that of my pastor and brethren
q for my GOODNESS and remissness. My colo
was no impediment now; and with weep
S ing and supplications addlessed the throne
e of grace. The other brethren followed will
# confessions and petitions; and it seemed
Il as if we could not get home. We had me-
= God there, and could not bear TO leave
a The fallow-ground of our hearts was broker
"a a up and made soft with showers ofpenitence
n and the dews of heavenly grace. The won
derful prayer-meeting was the theme of al
e in the village during the week; and whel
ell the next Sabbath evening came, the room
il ir was full, and solemnity upon all faces
At Church-members confessed back-sliding'
Is and asked forgiveness of God and each 9th
mt er. The young convert told his story to tn
impenitent, and besought them to come T.
le Jesus. The holy Spirit strove mightil
!. !. with some, and the cry Of awakened sou
s. has since mingled with the grateful song
me- me- of those who have found their Saviour.
he How is it in the church with which wo
iy ship, how with my brethren, how with m
own soul9 God grant that a revival ma
rs begin with us.-American Messenger
h,
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