REJOICING IN THE TRUTH by D. W. MILK

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Apr 14, 1868

REJOICING IN THE TRUTH.

By D. W. MILK

I rejoice in the light of the third angel's message. That God has, in his providence, led me and mine to see light in these harmonious and glorious truths, makes our hearts exceedingly glad.

I have often expressed, and heard the same from others, and have almost as often asked myself the question, How much do I really love these truths? And in pursuing this question, I have sometimes been led to see too much of a selfish love, somewhat illustrated by the following story:

A poor drayman lost his only horse, which was his only source for supporting his family, and he had no means to secure another. His friends gathered around him in sympathy, and said, It is too bad, I am sorry, how I pity, &c. While they were thus conversing, a benevolent man comes forward and says, I pity this man ten dollars' worth. Suiting the action to the word, aroused the right kind of pity in others, and he soon obtained nearly enough to purchase the poor man another horse.

Words of charity are good, but deeds are acceptable. This in a measure, illustrates our position, when we rejoice in the truth, and pray that others may see it, without lending help to spread it abroad.

But you may ask, What can I do, I am so unworthy? Let me suggest for you. You perhaps have books and papers, which you have read, and can spare. Or, if not, there are plenty of them at the Review Office, waiting to be sent out to herald the glad tidings of the coming kingdom. Send these, those of you who are able, to your friends and kindred, praying for the blessing of God to attend them. Thus all may become laborers in the Lord's vineyard. But you may say, I have tried your plan and have never heard any good from it, and I almost despair, seeing no fruit from my labors. Wait a moment and let me try to encourage you.

About six years ago, while visiting my relatives in the western part of the State of New York, I scattered a $5.00 package of books among them, often remembering them at the throne of grace. Over five years passed before I heard from the fruit thereof. But in due time I learned that one of my cousins, and his family, had been keeping the Sabbath about three years, as the result. You only, who have experienced such, can realize the joy I felt. I felt doubly paid for my labors.

A few weeks since I visited them again, not forgetting a good supply of publications. I found them holding fast to what they had learned, though making but little progress, not having the Review and other helps that the lonely traveler needs. I induced them to take the Review, and encouraged them in the health reform as best I could by precept and example, and received faithful promises, which, if they continue in them, will do them good.

And this was not all. They had not suffered the truth to be buried in their hearts, nor their books to become dusty upon their shelves, but had induced their friends to read, until two more, men of large families, are now keeping the Lord's Sabbath, and others are interested. These two took one copy of the Review.

In company with my cousin and family, we visited these two families, some ten miles distant, and held a meeting in the evening. Some of their neighbors came in. A good interest was manifested, and I sold $2.00 worth of books, and gave some away.

Thus the way is opening for the truth to be spread before that people, and I trust the day is not far distant, when they shall be privileged to hear, and learn more perfectly the will of the Lord. May they be kept from the power of the enemy till Jesus comes.

Thus, dear brethren and sisters I take courage, seeing so much fruit from these feeble efforts. And now I believe I can truly say, I do rejoice in the truth; and that my rejoicing is not altogether a selfish one. May the Lord help us all to be laborers together in his vineyard, that we may rejoice together in his kingdom is my prayer.

D. W. MILK.

Chesaning, Mich., April 5, 1868.