H. C. WINSLOW by H. C. WINSLOW

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Dec 11, 1866

H. C. WINSLOW

By H. C. WINSLOW

From Bro. Winslow.

THINKING that it might be interesting, and a source of encouragement to the people of God to learn how the cause of present truth is progressing in this State, I am induced, for the first time, to pen a few lines for the Review. I have just returned from our Monthly Meeting at Cornville, which has been the most soul-refreshing season that it has ever been my privilege to enjoy; a few particulars of which I propose to give as an indication of our present condition. The weather was favorable, and the lovers of truth seem to have made a general rally. On Sabbath and first-day, Nov. 10 and 11, it was estimated that no less than two hundred and fifty Sabbath-keepers were present, which is no doubt the largest number of the friends of present truth that have ever assembled in New England. This, of itself, was a source of strength and encouragement, though not the great essential. But I firmly believe that the angels of God met with us, and the sweet, sanctifying spirit of our Lord and Master rested down upon us, which seemed to loose every band and let the oppressed go free.

As we came together evening after the Sabbath for a prayer and social meeting, the Spirit of the Lord came upon us in power, causing sinners to tremble, and the saints to greatly rejoice. It was not that wild, fanatical spirit, which has sometimes characterized meetings in New England; but a sweet, melting, heavenly spirit, which softens the heart, and draws the children of God together, in union, sympathy, and love. Cold-hearted, backslidden professors confessed their unfaithfulness to God, and started anew for the kingdom. Sinners, also, for the first time, rose to their feet, openly renouncing their past course of sin and disobedience, declaring their determinations no longer to live in rebellion against God; promising henceforth to be loyal to the government of Heaven, and expressing their desires to go through to Mount Zion with the people of God. Such a union of feeling and sentiment prevailed that we seemed to get a foretaste of what we shall have when the church of Christ all come together into the unity of the faith, when we shall all be perfectly joined together in the same mind, and in the same judgment. In this one meeting I think more than one hundred testimonies were borne, all flowing together in one harmonious strain.

The preached word, also, seemed to be meat in due season. I can hardly express my feelings as Bro. Canright was preaching, Sabbath forenoon, from these words: “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that every one may receive the things done in the body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.” 2 Cor. v. 10. As he was exemplifying the true character of a self-denying servant of Christ, by referring to the life and sufferings of the apostle Paul, I felt condemned. It seemed to me, if I were weighed in the balance, I should be found wanting. When I compared myself with many others who have worn out their lives in their Master's service, the contrast seemed very great. And yet we are living in the most solemn time of our world's history. The door of mercy soon to be closed forever, and the unmixed wrath of God about to descend upon the unshielded heads of a wicked world, thousands of whom are drifting carelessly on toward that impending doom, lulled to sleep by the cry of peace and safety, but have never heard a single admonition, or the sound of alarm. Well might the Chief Shepherd say to me, “O thou wicked and slothful servant.” When I thought upon these things, a heavy burden seemed to roll upon me, which caused me to mourn and weep. Neither could I find any rest until I felt willing to consecrate myself anew to God; but when I got where I could say with full purpose of heart, Lord, thy will be done, I felt relieved; though I still feel sad in view of the great responsibility resting upon us as a people.

At the close of this meeting we all seemed to be animated with new courage and zeal to press forward in the narrow way. Like Caleb, we felt that by the assistance of the Eternal One, we were abundantly able to go up and possess that goodly land. Though the dragon be wroth, and the two-horned beast strive hard to enforce his mark upon us, we will not yield to his unholy demands, nor be moved by his fearful threats; but in the strength of Israel's God, we will firmly stand upon his eternal truth until the last conflict is over. We will “fight the good fight of faith,” and sing the victor's song. I felt as though our captivity was turned, and that a new era had dawned upon the State of Maine. Old prejudices are fast giving way before the rising light of the third angel's message, and many of the honest-hearted are beginning to realize their past inconsistencies, and see that in order to be identified with the remnant people of God, we must have the testimony of Jesus Christ, which is the spirit of prophecy, together with the commandments of God. Truly a great work has been done since Brn. Andrews, Cornell, and Canright, came to our State; and still the good work seems to have but fairly commenced.

In conclusion, I would say to those dear brethren who have so nobly contributed of their means, and sent their most efficient laborers to sustain the Eastern Mission, God has accepted your offerings, and his blessing is resting upon the earnest efforts put forth by his faithful servants in spreading the last saving message to a perishing world, and you will in no wise lose your reward.

H. C. WINSLOW

Topsham, Me., Nov. 20, 1866.