Gratitude for Present Truth
By M. E. Reynolds
Bro. WHITE : When I realize the great goodness of the Lord to me, in permitting me to live in these last days, when the last note of warning is being given to a sin-cursed world, and the mist which has so enshrouded the truths of the Bible is being swept away, and God's glorious truths are shining forth in all their clearness and beauty, an unerring guide to those who yield themselves servants to obey, my heart is filled to overflowing with gratitude, and I would say with the poet, “I do rejoice that life was given,
In these last days to me.” Again, when I witness the special tenderness and watch-care of the Lord in leading his people step by step, gently bearing with our wayward, rebellious spirits, forgiving our wanderings and departures from the narrow way ; kindly winning us back to himself, my heart exclaims, “ surely the Lord is good,” and I feel that henceforth I will devote all to his service. The visions of Sr. White are a source of great comfort to me, so full of light aud instruction, and affording such unmistakable evidence that the Lord is with his people, preparing them for the latter rain, and for translation to his heavenly home. I might say much in favor of the Health Reform, as I have received great benefit from heeding it, both physically and spiritually, and have resolved never again to allow rebellious feelings to rise against the requirements of the Lord, knowing that he will require nothing of me which is not for my good, however crossing to nature. Let us rather rejoice that the Lord condescends to point out these things, drawing our affections from earth, making the path plain and easy for our feet, that we may overcome, and inherit all things. My heart has often been cheered by the testimonies of the scattered flock given through the Review, especially have I felt interested in those containing an account of the observance of the days of fasting and prayer, and while I have feasted on their testimonies, I have thought of those who I knew felt a deep interest for the prosperity of the cause of truth in this vicinity, and who, perhaps, like myself, were anxiously awaiting each week's paper, thinking to receive a report from the church. As no one has spoken, perhaps it would not be amiss for me to say that it was my privilege to spend the four days of fasting and prayer with the church in Orwell and Bloomfield. The meetings were held in a private house, and were pretty generally attended, though some did not feel the importance of suspending business during the four successive days. The Spirit of the Lord was with us, and we had a heart-searching, profitable, waiting together. “While we earnestly besought the Lord to remove the rebuke from off his servants, and speed the third angel's message, we felt the sweet assurance that he heard our prayer and would in his own way send deliverance to his afflicted people. The little church here are passing through some severe trials, which, though for the present they seem grievous, we trust will work out for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. Truly we are in the sifting time, and the Lord is trying our motives. Pray for us, that we may endure the refining process, and come forth thoroughly purged from dross, that we may be prepared for an abundant entrance through the gates into the city, when Jesus shall come to gather his waiting children home. In hope, M. E. REYNOLDS.