REPORT FROM BRO. STERLING.
By J. G. Sterling
Three months have passed since, for the first time, I had the privilege of meeting with the brethren and sisters assembled in yearly Conference at Battle Creek. I have an earnest desire to improve the privileges granted me by the Conference, as a laborer in the vineyard of the Lord, among the people called S. D. Adventists. I am sorry to be obliged to say, however, that up to the present time, I have done almost nothing, having preached but five or six times during the past time mentioned. At present I see no prospect of being able to enter the field as a continual laborer, but am earnestly desirous for the time to come when I shall be free to give my time all up to this great work. I feel deeply impressed with the solemn conviction that the only safe position for those whom God has called into his vineyard as ministers of the word of eternal life, is, so far as in them lies, to keep disentangled from the affairs of this world, that they may war a good warfare. For the past few weeks I have labored so hard through the week that I have felt unable to get away on the Sabbath where I could have the opportunity of preaching, and alas, I feel the consequences, a want of spiritual strength, a dreadful apathy coming upon me gradually, and almost imperceptibly at times, but oh! how apparent when I meet with God's people. But enough of this. I have resolved in the strength of God to go forward. I know that it is possible to do our whole duty, even when we cannot give our entire attention to the preaching of the word. My prayer is that I may be wholly given up to the Lord, and by example as well as precept, be able to proclaim my faith in the third angel's message. Give me your prayers, brethren and sisters.