Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1881-12-07
A Man Who Believed.

saw him first as he presented himself
as candidate for church membership, and
when asked if he believed in Jesus" with
look OF mingled surprise at the implied
doubt, and Of joyful assurance that lighted
up his whole face, be gave answer ado
believe in Jesus Ay, sir, that do, with
all my soul, heart mind and strength. i
believe in him, love him, and | mean to
serve him to the very best of my ability for
the balance of my days" Then, springing
to his feet and facing the congregation, he
added, GLOW can | help believing in One
who has broken the letters of sin that had
bound me fast for so many years, aud made
a free man of me; One who has routed out
the terrible, burning thirst for liquor that
was consuming me, body and soul, and
given me in its stead longing for himself,
for his forgiveness, his everlasting love, and
his blessed service2 Don't talk to me
about antidotes or pledges, or anything of
the sort. They may be well enough for
some men, and | don't doubt they have
done a great deal of good in the world; but
mine was a desperate case. | had lost all
power over myself, the Evil One led me cap
tive at his will, and nothing but Omnipo-
tence itself was strong enough to break the
evil yoke. Worse than all, had lost all
hope of myself, and ceased to make any
effort to restrain my wicked propensities.
knew | was far on my way to perdition, but
was too hardened in sin and too stupefed
by strong drink, to be very much troubled
either by my guilt or danger, till was
struck down, as was Saul of Tarsus, and
like him had my eyes opened by Almighty
power. Then fell on my knees Just where
| was, and cried to God to save me from
myself, and help me to come to him. saw
my sins as had never seen them before;
felt all my unworthiness, all my weakness,
all my utter inability even to come to the
great, merciful Savior saw waiting to help
and TO save me. So cried aloud, % Jesus,
Master, save me in spite of myself; put out
thy hand and snatch me from the Evil One
who holds me fast bound, and give me- who
have no power at all, the power and strength
to cling only to thee. And he did it. From
that hour, now nine months ago, he has held
me SO fast that neither my old master,
Satan, my own evil nature, nor my former
burning thirst for liquor have had any power
at all to separate me from my Lord and Sa-
vior. And you ask me, sir, if l believe in
Jesus Do believe in the very breath l
draw do believe that am alive to-day
that l am on earth and not in hopeless per-
dition that l have heaven before me and
not hell ? Ay, ay, sir, you may be assured
believe in my Lord and Master, and that
every throb of my heart is henceforth hal.
lelujsh to his praise, for stand here to-day
a monument of his power to save the very
worst sinner, and of his wonderful compass.
sion for them that are farthest lost in the
mazes of their own iniquities." He wiped
his streaming eyes and sat down, and there
was many an older Christian present who
felt that he could hardly have preached such
a sermon, or borne stronger testimony for
his Lord and Master. As Jesus said Of the
Magdalen, ITO whom much is forgiven the
same loveth much."-Selected.