104 OUK HYMNS :
the age of twenty-seven, he wrote in his own blood a form of dedication of himself to Jesus. He writes, " God graciously called me out of the world, and granted me the desire to belong to Him, and to be willing to follow Him. I long for an eternity that I may suitably glorify Him for it." His subsequent life of devotion to Christ may be expressed in his own words
" Is there a thing beneath the sun,
That strives with Thee my heart to share ? Ah ! tear it thence, and reign alone, The Lord of every motion thci-e."
Three years after his act of dedication a spiritual awakening was experienced at Muhlheim, and Tersteegen was prevailed upon to overcome his aversion to publicity, and to address the people on Christian themes. Beginning with meetings in private houses, his sphere at length so widened, and so many were drawn to him, that he found it necessary to give up his ribbon-making in order to attend to his writings, his public addresses, and his work of caring for the sick and poor. His house, which received the name of " The Pilgrims Cottage," became the resort of multi tudes from his own and other countries. They came to him for medicine alike for body and mind. Many claims were made upon him, and he managed to meet them from the savings of his own abstemiousness and the kind gifts of his friends. Often absorbed in communion with God, and constantly seeking to be unknown to men, he yet found his fame extending on every hand.
He sometimes made journeys to fulfil his Christian mission, but at the age of sixty, having overtasked his energies by address ing large multitudes, he found it necessary to lessen and limit his labours. Like many other eminent Christians, Tersteegen was a great sufferer, and he had also to bear the calumnies of men ; but by simplicity of character and humble submission to the will of God, he proved himself superior to hostile circumstances ; and, after bearing with patience his last affliction, an attack of dropsy, he peacefully fell asleep in Jesus.
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