The Four Days of Fasting and Prayer.
By E. H. Root
BRO. WHITE: We thought it might be of interest to the readers of the Review, to learn how the days of fasting were spent by the church at Wright. First day we read the call and reasons as given in the Review, and the Laodicean message. Meeting very good. We advised the brethren to spend their time between meetings in reading, prayer, and meditation. Second day, good attendance. Some of the brethren got free in the Lord by confessing their faults. The burden was for an individual experience in the things of God, and that his servants might go free, and the rebuke be removed from his people. Third day the object of fasting was presented. It was that our minds might be clear, and we thereby understand ourselves better in the light of God's word. Read again the call for a fast, and thought of what God did for his people one year ago, and how unthankful we had been. We tried to understand the message to the Laodiceans, and saw ourselves as never before. The words, "knowest not," surely applied to us. We then looked at the testimony of Jonah, third chapter, and learned that it was their works in turning from their evil way, that God noticed when the city of Nineveh was spared. The importance of putting away our wrongs began to rest with more weight upon us, and every effort made in that direction God blessed. But some did not humble themselves, and the work was somewhat hindered. These three days spent mostly in prayer. Fourth day, read John ii, it being addressed to all; the 6th verse showing us that we ought to walk as Christ walked; verses 15-17 teaching us the consequences of loving the world, also that he that doeth the will of God abideth forever. Finding ourselves entangled with the things of this world, we desired to become free. Verse 9 of chap. i, told us how. It says, "If we confess our sins he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." We still inquire also of the Psalmist. Ps. xxxii, tells us of the blessing that follows those that acknowledge their sin; also of the wise man, Prov. xxviii, 13, which says, "He that covereth his sins shall not prosper." The Spirit of God set his word home to our hearts. Such a heart-searching work we never saw before here. Our meeting this day was one of confessing, and rejoicing in the blessing of God. The work has been quite general, and we pray that God's word and Spirit may continue to search our hearts until we see ourselves as he sees us, and we have strength to overcome every wrong. In love of the truth, Wright, Ottawa Co., Mich.