Backsliders

A Lost Fellowship. — I once asked a brother how long it was since he had enjoyed fellowship with Jesus. His reply was remarkable. “I feel sorry,” said he, “you have asked me that question, and yet I must thank you. Had you asked me whether I continued in prayer, I would have said ‘Yes, for, with more or less fervor, I do constantly pray. Had you inquired whether I endeavored to walk honestly and uprightly before my

fellow creatures, I should have said, ‘Yes, thank God, I hope I have not slipped with my feet; ’ but when you say, ‘How long is it since you really have had fellow ship with Jesus? ‘I blush to own that many a day has passed since I have known this high privilege.” Is that so with you, my dear brothers and sisters in Christ? If so, it is very, very sad.

Backsliders Reclaimed. — I remember one Monday afternoon, when we had been waiting upon the Lord in prayer ever since seven o’clock in the morning, that there came a most remarkable wave of prayer over the assembly. And then two backsliders got up and prayed one after the other. According to their own account, they had been very bad fellows indeed, and had sorely transgressed against God; but there they were, broken-hearted and fairly broken down. It was a sight to make angels re joice as their tears flowed. Certainly their sobs and cries touched the hearts of all of us who were assembled. I thought to myself,” Then God is blessing us, for when backsliders come back it is a proof that God has visited his people.