Monthly Meeting in N. Y.
By Mary F. Maxson
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: Our Monthly Meeting which has just closed, was one of interest, and I trust, profit, to the church here and at Mannsville. Bro. Fuller was with us according to appointment, and we were glad to hear from his lips the words of life. Sabbath morning he gave a discourse from 2 Kings, x, 15. The Spirit of the Lord accompanied his words, and we felt to tremble as the question came to us, “Is thy heart right?” We felt that we had given up everything gladly for the truth’s sake, and had followed Jesus with a willing heart; yet as we looked into its depths, we feared there was much there that was not right in the sight of a pure and holy God, and in agony we cried, “Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my thoughts; and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” And as we gave ourselves anew to God, we felt the sweet assurance that the blood of Jesus would cleanse us from all sin, and that we should stand at last pure and white before our Father’s throne. In the afternoon, we listened to an excellent sermon from 2 Tim. i, 7. “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power and of love, and of a sound mind.” Our hearts were stirred within us, as we followed the speaker, and we felt more determined than ever to reach out the hand of faith and grasp the blessings God is so willing to bestow. He “hath not given us the spirit of fear.” Ah no, for “fear hath torment.” Then let us cast it from us, and wrestle before God until we have “power” to prevail with him as did his people anciently, and until our hearts are filled to overflowing with such “love” as angels feel. In addition to these rich blessings, God wants us to have “a sound mind;” and how can we possess it without a sound body? And how can we have a healthy body, while we are continually transgressing the laws that govern our being? Bro. F. dwelt largely at this point, on the necessity of the health reform, and our hearts were made to rejoice as we listened to him. We are always glad to hear anything on this subject that will show our brethren its great importance, and encourage them to take hold of it with zeal and earnestness. We feel deeply on this subject, and would that all might see the important part God designs it to act in preparing us for translation. The reform is very dear to me, for I feel that it has saved me from an untimely grave; and instead of rapidly descending the steps to the dark tomb, as I formerly was, I am now “going up the hill,” and feel that I am daily taking hold of life with a stronger, firmer grasp. No wonder, then, that with a grateful heart I can exclaim, Thank God for the health reform. In the evening, we enjoyed a sweet, solemn season, while celebrating the ordinances of the Lord’s house. And as we followed Bro. Fuller in prayer, our minds were carried back to that sad night in which the Lord of life and glory drank the cup of anguish for our sakes. So vividly were his sufferings portrayed, that we almost seemed to behold him with the natural eye, as he bowed beneath the weight of woe, “in sad Gethsemane.” We seemed to hear the groans, and the sad, mournful cry, “Oh my Father, if it be possi-ble let this cup pass from me.” We seemed to behold the tears, and the great drops of blood as they fell from his holy brow, and bedewed the ground on which he knelt. We followed him in imagination to the judgment-hall, and saw the crown of thorns as it was placed upon his sacred head, and heard the scourge, and cruel mockings; and as we followed him up Calvary’s rugged heights, and by faith saw him expire there, we could but exclaim, while feelings of mingled agony and love filled our souls, “Were all the realm of nature mine,
That were a present far too small;
Love so amazing, so divine,
Demands my heart, my life, my all.”
Sunday morning, we listened to an interesting discourse from those sweet, beautiful words, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me; and I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.” This is a favorite theme, and our hearts grew warm as we contemplated the love and care which the good Shepherd bestows upon his weary, afflicted flock. But let us remember that ’tis not those who hear his voice, but those alone who follow him, that at last will receive the priceless boon of eternal life. Oh let us ever heed that sweet voice which so gently calls us, patiently walk in the path that is pointed out to us, and thus, keeping close by the side of our gentle Shepherd, we shall be led through “this dreary, tangled, wild,” into green pastures, “where peaceful waters ever glide,” and where naught can ever harm or annoy. In our social meetings many testimonies were given, in which the brethren and sisters expressed a determination to gird the armor more closely about them, and stand bravely upon the field of battle, until our enemies are all vanquished, and “victory turns on Zion’s side.” We trust that the holy, solemn influence of the meetings will linger around our hearts till Jesus comes; and that the precious seed sown has not fallen on stony ground, but that it will spring forth and bear fruit unto eternal life. Dear brethren and sisters, do we realize the high, exalted character we must possess, the holiness of heart, and strong faith that must be ours, if we are prepared to stand in the time of trouble, and are ready for translation at Jesus’ appearing? Some of us do, I know, and are earnestly pleading for “clean hands and a pure heart.” But for others, I fear. O careless brother, sister, awake and see where you are standing. You are surely on dangerous ground. Would to God that I could say something to arouse you. I feel deeply for you, and my heart aches as I think of the possibility of your being lost. You, perhaps, have sacrificed for the truth’s sake, and at times have caught a glimpse of the joys that await the faithful. And now can you bear the thought of longer grieving the lovely Jesus, who follows you by night and by day, and patiently knocks at the door of your heart? Will you still refuse to listen to that sweet voice which so tenderly pleads, “Open to me my beloved; for my head is filled with dew, and my locks with the drops of the night.” Oh, I beseech of you to heed that dear voice, and from this hour resolve that you will put every idol from your hearts, cut loose from worldly influences, and love God with all your heart. Let not the things of time longer attract you. “Stay not, oh stay not for earth’s vain allurements;
See how its glory is passing away,
Break the strong fetters the foe hath bound o’er thee,
Heir of the Kingdom, turn, turn thee away.”
Oh, these are fearful times; times of peculiar trial and temptation. And shall we still slumber on all unconscious of our true condition? We have lulled ourselves too long already with the soothing song, “I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing.” We may make ourselves believe this, but we cannot deceive the faithful Witness, for he knows our works, and declares that we are poor, miserable, blind, and naked. And unless we heed his counsel, and buy of him gold, white raiment, and eye-salve, we shall surely be lost. But do you ask, How am I to obtain love that will stand the test of fire, righteousness that will cover me in the day of the Lord’s fierce anger, and the Holy Spirit which shall illumine my heart with light divine? These precious pearls of119heavenly hue are won by faith and prayer—by deep repentance, constant watchfulness, and untiring efforts to please God in all our words, thoughts, and actions. And let us not be discouraged, if, after earnest and continued effort, we do not have all the light, joy, and peace we could wish; but let us remember that every strain of heavenly music which is wafted o’er the troubled waters of life to our sad hearts, every ray of light that steals through the deepening gloom, every pang of godly sorrow, and every tear of penitential grief, are all bright evidences that our names are engraven on the breastplate of our great High Priest, and that we are not forgotten before our Father’s throne. I fear we do not love one another as we should. If we did, all the little trials and dissensions which angels blush to view, would be forever banished from our midst, and we should esteem our brethren better than ourselves, and willingly yield our wishes to theirs. We are commanded to love one another with a pure heart, fervently, even as Christ has loved us. Oh, can we comprehend the hights and depths of this wondrous love? May the blessed Jesus help us to realize it, in a measure at least. And may this crowning grace of the Christian character rule supreme in our hearts, bringing all into subjection to its mild sway. Let us strive more earnestly to cultivate this flower of heavenly birth, of which only the tender bud may now appear in our souls. And let us remember that it cannot grow amid the rank weeds of pride, selfishness, covetousness, and worldly-mindedness. Ah, no! These must all be rooted out, and our hearts kept moist with tears of godly sorrow, and warm, by prayer and faith. If we thus nourish it, we shall see the tiny bud expanding into a beauteous flower, which angels shall ere long pluck to adorn the paradise of God. Yours in love, Adams’ Center, N. Y., Aug. 17, 1866.