An Impressive Dream by GEO. O. STATES

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Dec 14, 1916

An Impressive Dream

By GEO. O. STATES

GEO. O. STATES

JUST before the close of the old year and the ushering in of the new, I had been intensely interested in reading in the REVIEW of the wonderful progress the message is making in all parts of the earth.

After retiring, my mind dwelt on the fundamental principles of our faith and the certainty of the final triumph of the message. I thought of some of the words given this people at the very beginning of our work, and of the mighty angel which would unite with the third angel, and give power and force to the message.

Of the power resting upon the people of God at this time, we were told: “I saw a great light resting upon them, and they united to fearlessly proclaim the third angel’s message. . . . The glory of God rested upon the patient, waiting saints, and they fearlessly gave the last solemn warning, proclaiming the fall of Babylon, and calling upon God’s people to come out of her, that they might escape her fearful doom. . . . A compelling power moved the honest, while the manifestation of the power of God brought a fear and restraint upon their unbelieving relatives and friends, so that they dared not, neither had they the power, to hinder those who felt the work of the Spirit of God upon them. . . .”

“Servants of God, endowed with power from on high, with their faces lighted up and shining with holy consecration, went forth to proclaim the message from heaven. . . . God’s people were strengthened by the excellent glory which rested upon them in rich abundance, and prepared them to endure the hour of temptation.”—“Early Writings,” pp. 277-279.

In my dream I was apparently entering a large city church which was well lighted. There were three brethren in the pulpit. One was just reading a hymn, and as he did so, there seemed to rest upon the congregation a solemnity such as I had never experienced.

Then one of the brethren prayed, and the impression that prayer made upon the congregation was wonderful. It seemed that the very doors of heaven were opened and showers of blessing were resting upon God’s people. Then the other minister arose, and in a quiet voice read his text, and began to give the message with a power I had never experienced.

Very soon I felt impressed to step out of the church, and on doing so I found an elderly man standing just outside, apparently listening to hear every word. I walked up to him and taking him by the hand said, “What are you doing here in the cold? Why don’t you go in and sit down where it is more comfortable?” He looked at me in surprise, and pointing to his poor clothing, said “I am not fit to go in there. I am a wicked man; I drink whisky, swear, and use tobacco.” I replied, “You are just the one we are after. Now come in and have a seat.” We took a seat in the rear, and as the servant of God preached the word with the power of the loud cry, it took effect upon the congregation, and there was weeping in all parts of the room. My friend was impressed, and tears came to his eyes.

At the close of the meeting many took him by the hand and said, “I am real glad you are here.” He said, “I had begun to think that religion was all an empty show, but now I know you people have the truth, and I want to be a Christian, and be ready for the coming of the third Lord, which I know is right upon us.”

I was indeed happy, and on awaking I felt deeply impressed as I thought of how many there are among our people who, like myself, because of sickness or the infirmities of age, are not able to go forth in a public way to give the message. These still can go out and hunt up poor souls and bring them in where they can hear this blessed truth. It is not always the great things we do that count, but the Lord can take the little things we do in weakness and in infirmity, and make them count in the work of eternity.

Cedaredge, Colo.