DON'T FORGET THE LONELY ONES.
By J. E. Green
You who are blessed with the privilege of meeting with those of like faith, cast once in a while a thought to those who do not have the privilege of speaking a word in sympathizing ears for weeks and months together. True, we all have the same Heavenly Parent to go to; but then it is encouraging to talk with those who are passing through the same trials and temptations as ourselves. I know one who does not see a believer in present truth oftener than three or four times in a year; and could you hear her tell how good it is to see, or even to get a line from one, it would spur you up to be more attentive to the scattered ones. If you cannot visit them, you can write to them. Neglecting to answer their letters, often causes them bitter tears; and they have trials enough without being forgotten by those who ought to help them bear their burdens. A word from you may be the means of saving a soul from death. I remember when I had been many months in doubts and trials, all was dark before me, and it seemed I should never see the light again, how often I wished for some one to reach me a helping hand. How often I thought of the church I could not well meet with. After nearly a year of struggles, a brother and his wife came and spent the night at our house; a few words that they spake seemed to give me hope, and I resolved to try once more to make my way out on the side nearest the kingdom. The Lord heard my earnest cry, and I again rejoiced in the hope of the overcomer's reward, and I still feel determined to try to fight till I gain the victory. May God reward that brother and sister for the effort they made to visit me. Oh, don't forget the lonely ones, you who are placed as elders over the churches, and under-shepherds over the flocks,—remember your scattered sheep. Some of them may stray from the fold, if you do not look after them. If you cannot visit them, you can write to them. Are they in trouble, encourage them; and it may be your flock will be preserved unbroken to be stars in your crown. Don't forget the lonely ones.