The European Union in Prophecy The EU in Prophecy I | Seite 251

The European Union in Prophecy
adopt their sentiments. The current interpretations of Scripture presented difficulties
which seemed to him insurmountable; yet his new belief, while setting aside the Bible,
offered nothing better to take its place, and he remained far from satisfied. He
continued to hold these views, however, for about twelve years. But at the age of
thirty-four the Holy Spirit impressed his heart with a sense of his condition as a sinner.
He found in his former belief no assurance of happiness beyond the grave. The future
was dark and gloomy. Referring afterward to his feelings at this time, he said:
"Annihilation was a cold and chilling thought, and accountability was sure
destruction to all. The heavens were as brass over my head, and the earth as iron
under my feet. Eternity--what was it? And death--why was it? The more I reasoned,
the further I was from demonstration. The more I thought, the more scattered were
my conclusions. I tried to stop thinking, but my thoughts would not be controlled. I
was truly wretched, but did not understand the cause. I murmured and complained,
but knew not of whom. I knew that there was a wrong, but knew not how or where to
find the right. I mourned, but without hope."
In this state he continued for some months. "Suddenly," he says, "the character
of a Saviour was vividly impressed upon my mind. It seemed that there might be a
being so good and compassionate as to himself atone for our transgressions, and
thereby save us from suffering the penalty of sin. I immediately felt how lovely such
a being must be, and imagined that I could cast myself into the arms of, and trust in
the mercy of, such a one. But the question arose, How can it be proved that such a
being does exist? Aside from the Bible, I found that I could get no evidence of the
existence of such a Saviour, or even of a future state. . . .
"I saw that the Bible did bring to view just such a Saviour as I needed; and I was
perplexed to find how an uninspired book should develop principles so perfectly
adapted to the wants of a fallen world. I was constrained to admit that the Scriptures
must be a revelation from God. They became my delight; and in Jesus I found a friend.
The Saviour became to me the chiefest among ten thousand; and the Scriptures, which
before were dark and contradictory, now became the lamp to my feet and light to my
path. My mind became settled and satisfied. I found the Lord God to be a Rock in the
midst of the ocean of life. The Bible now became my chief study, and I can truly say,
I searched it with great delight. I found the half was never told me. I wondered why
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