Untitled article by HANNAH C. EMERY

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · July 23, 1867

From Sister Emery.

By HANNAH C. EMERY

BRO. SMITH: I have often thought of writing for the Review, but have never done so, for several reasons, the greatest being my sense of unworthiness and inability. But when reading in No. 25, last volume, a call for contributions, from every one, who is able, however feebly to use the pen, and the question, Who is willing to contribute their mite, to help support our paper? such thoughts as these came to me. Now, if you thought you could write some great piece, would you not eagerly grasp the pen, and commence an article? And is it not wrong to do nothing, simply because you cannot do a great deal? Are you not required to give according to that which you have? And if God has bestowed upon you but one talent, will he bless you if you will not occupy upon that, because you have not five? And if the paper which we all prize so dearly, is dependent upon the contributions from brethren and sisters, should not all be willing to help bear the burden, to write a short piece, asking God to direct us what to write, that his name may be honored, and some soul blessed? I know I have often been more encouraged, while reading a few lines, traced perhaps by some trembling pilgrim, who hardly had courage to write for fear it would be rejected, or would profit no one, than I have by reading a sermon or some lengthy article. But the Review is all interesting to me. I prize it next to the sacred word. When it comes, I first look it over to see if there are any letters or articles from the loved ones at home, in Maine, to know how the cause is prospering there; and I often find myself wishing more of the brethren and sisters from that section would write.

But this morning I feel like asking the prayers of God's people for the scattered ones of the flock, those who are separated from all of like precious faith, whose only help is in the Lord, who are surrounded by no influence except that which would tend to divert their minds from the truth. With nothing to stir up their “pure minds by way of remembrance,” they grow stupid and lukewarm, Satan takes advantage, a sort of lethargy creeps over them, and they sink into a spirit of indifference. For such I would ask your prayers. They need them.

Why, if you think it hard to keep the importance of these truths before your minds, when you frequently hear them so plainly set forth by your preachers, or join in the Bible Class, in your Sabbath Schools, and talk them over, and when social meeting comes, be there, and get your spiritual strength renewed, and if you are “given to hospitality,” have the privilege of entertaining God's children, and conversing with them on the glorious themes of “Christ's soon coming,” and the “Saints inheritance,” until “your hearts burn within you,”—if you, with all these inestimable privileges, think it hard to keep God's commandments, and walk uprightly, think how those who walk the narrow pathway alone, with none of these helps, need your prayers. Do not forget them! Pray earnestly that they may be kept by the power of God, that holy boldness may be given them, to live out present truth where none but scoffers surround them, that they may lay hold on God's promises, that “his grace is sufficient,” and with you at last be gathered into the kingdom, where there will no longer be any lonely scattered ones.

HANNAH C. EMERY.

Lycoming Co., Pa.