Encouragement from Portland
By E. Lordell
BRO. E. LORDELL writes from Portland, Me.: The words of the prophet could never apply with more force than at the present time, that “darkness covers the earth and gross darkness the people.” I can say for myself that I never felt more established in the present truth than I do now. I feel to praise the Lord for opening my eyes to see the light on the third angel’s message. I have been a reader of the REVIEW about ten years, and my interest in the truths advocated therein are increasing instead of decreasing; and I always look forward with pleasure for the time to come when I weekly receive it. When I read the blessed truths from those who have worn out their lives, as it were, to make ready these blessed truths at our hand, I feel that my interest is with those who have “borne the burden and heat of the day.” The little church in Portland is striving to press their way through to the kingdom. We never had any better meetings than we have now. We are few in numbers, but are all united in the truth. We have been made glad by having one, a youth, voluntarily take up the cross and confess her need of salvation. I have been circulating some of our tracts and publications. I thought that “The 2300 days of Daniel” would be the right thing to give to the Adventists, as it would explain the past and present and future, so I have given a number of them to different individuals, and so far as I have heard from them they are unanimous in saying that the subject is so deep that they cannot comprehend it. I admit that the subject is deep, and that it is a glorious one; but I sincerely believe that the part which they cannot or will not comprehend may be found recorded in the 20th chapter of Exodus, commencing at the 8th verse. If they were willing to acknowledge that blessed part of God’s word, the light would shine so gloriously that they would be able to see what a beautiful harmony there is in the Advent doctrine, “for a good understanding have all they that do his commandments.” If it were not for having to come out and bear the reproach of keeping God’s holy Sabbath, there doubtless are many who could see the light on the ending of the days, and the blessed work of our Saviour in the heavenly sanctuary. I hope for one, that I shall be able to enter fully into the spirit of watching and praying, so that when the Lord cometh, he shall not find me sleeping, but that I may be found worthy to stand with the Lamb on Mount Zion, among that little company who shall have gotten the victory over the beast and over his image.