The Use and Need of the Life of Carry A. NationNation, Carry Amelia
History
The Use and Need of the Life of Carry A. Nation
Nation, Carry Amelia
Nation, Carry Amelia, 1846-1911; Social reformers -- United States -- Biography; Temperance -- United States
I was at church in Medicine Lodge one night, during a protracted
meeting held by Bro. Parker and Hodges. Two sisters came to me and
complained that I made so much noise, said they could not enjoy the
service. I said: "To please you I will try to keep quiet, but remember
it is my God and YOUR God I am praising. I would rejoice to hear
you praise Him." Next night something was said that was good to
me. I said: "Praise God!" caught myself when I saw one of the sisters
near, and from that time I felt little impulse and at last none. I went
to every meeting but lost my liberty and became so bound, I could not
testify or pray. I was very miserable, would weep from a desolation of
spirit. This continued for three weeks. The meeting was still going on.
My spiritual darkness became so great, I went up one afternoon to the altar.
I rose and told of how I had "lost my liberty and peace by withholding
praise to God by trying to please two sisters." While I was confessing,
the spirit fell in great power and I acted like I was beside myself, was
almost wild with delight. I seemed to fly home and back in the evening.
One in this state appears crazy to the world, even disgusting. No one
sees a reason for this unnatural overflow of feeling. At the beginning
of the service, opportunity was given for testimony. I rose eager to tell
of my returned joy; told of praying for, and getting what I prayed for,
then losing it, by compromise; closed by saying: "That never again
would I refuse to do the will of God even if it offended all and made me
appear a fool." My testimony seemed to be fanatical, for my manner
indicated one greatly moved. When I took my seat a "still small voice"
said. "You must sing a song." Bro. Osburn was sitting near. He had
the song book "Finest of the Wheat," in his hands. I took it then handed
it back. I felt like one in a dreadful dilemma--all joy had given place
to fear. Bro. Osburn again handed me the book. I felt then I must go
through this trying ordeal. I took the book, walked up to the front, all
were standing, the church crowded and Bro. Parker gave out the number
of the hymn "40". "No," I said, "We will sing No. 3." This song
was, "I know Not Why This Wondrous Grace To Me He Hath Made
Known." Bro. Parker gave out the number again. I said, "No," and
began to sing. Bro. Allen accompanied me with his cornet. Of course
one can imagine what an impression this would make on an audience.
I sang, two verses and the chorus. I then took my seat. Then a flood
of peace and heavenly companionship took possession of me. I then knew
what it was to have angels minister unto you. God took me at my word
and made me appear a "fool," and objectionable, to the whole people.
What a fatal result there might have been, if I had not obeyed God!
I know why people do not have power with God. They will not
abandon themselves to the whole will of God, because they will not suffer
the OFFENSE of the cross. Why care for the criticism of men that change
and die!
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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