Elder William H. Crouse.
Zion's Advocate, November 1903, Vol. 42, No. 11.
Elder William H. Crouse was born in Randolph County, Indiana, February 23, 1874. His childhood was spent at the farm home of his father, attending school during the winter seasons. He had a great ambition from early youth to procure a thorough education. At the age of nineteen he began teaching school. He entered the Indiana State Normal in April, 1894.At about the age of sixteen he became concerned about his condition before God. The burden of guilt that oppressed him was gradually removed and he was finally brought to rejoice in hope of salvation through the merits of a crucified Saviour. A deep interest in the cause of Christ took possession of his mind, and he soon felt impressed to preach the gospel. While he was at the State Normal his mind became clouded and dissatisfied with the work he had chosen, and he was brought to know that another calling was his.
After spending another year teaching he determined to try the study of law, seeking all the time to drive the impressions to preach from his mind. The first Saturday and Sunday in June, 1896, we attended his father's church, Nettle Creek. On Saturday he yielded to our admonitions and presented himself to the church. The next day was a most beautiful and joyful one. A vast congregation gathered, and after preaching to them it was our happy privilege to bury him in baptism after the example of the blessed Saviour. As we led him from the stream it was our impression that he would stand in the pulpit and proclaim the gospel. In the winter of 1897-8, he began to exercise his gift, and in October, 1899, he was ordained to the full work of the gospel ministry. Since then he has spent his entire time in the service of the Master. He has given up everything else for this calling.
For a young man of strong intellectual power and high ambition to turn away from all that naturally engaged his mind and heart and consent to live a life of deprivation and trials, such as the ministry of the true gospel entails, is unmistakable proof of a work of grace and calling of God. The older minister regards the young warrior in the cause with mingled feelings of joy, praise, sympathy and prayer -- joy and praise because the Lord is still raising up witnesses, sympathy because they have learned what such a life is, and prayer for the Lord's support and guidance.
J. R. D.
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