ENCOURAGEMENT FOR THE LONELY ONES.
By M. E. Williams
I have thought that perhaps it might encourage some of the lonely ones to know what the Lord hath wrought here. We moved to this place last fall, and through the winter were very lonely, as there were none of like faith anywhere in this vicinity. My health was poor, and symptoms were such that I felt that, in all probability, I had but a short time to live, and what I had to do, must be done quickly. I found our neighbors willing to listen to the evidences of our faith, and willing to read. So I sent to the Office, to replenish my stock of books, which, together with our papers, we circulated freely among them, imploring God to bless these silent messengers to their good, and cause an interest in their minds which would eventually lead them into the truth. Soon some began to express a desire to hear a course of lectures. As Bro. Cottrell had told me previous to our coming here, that his mind had been led to Cattaraugus Co., as a field of labor, I wrote for him to come. Twice was he obliged to disappoint us on account of his health; but as the people expressed so much disappointment, I felt that I could not give up. It seemed to me that then was the time while there was an interest to hear. So I again wrote to Bro. Cottrell, asking him to come and labor as his strength would permit. This time my efforts were crowned with success. The Lord sent Bro. Cottrell here in answer to earnest prayer and blessed his labors, and now there are six families of Sabbath-keepers here besides ourselves. There were so many calls for labor, and so few laborers, that I hardly dared to hope that we should be so highly favored as to obtain one; but I felt that I would do all in my power to obtain one, and leave it with God. I feel very grateful to the Lord for what he has done here. I believe the work is not yet finished. I think there are others who will yet be added to our number. We have meetings on the Sabbath, and on Wednesday evening, and though it has been unpleasant weather most of the time since our evening meetings were established, yet they have been quite well attended, some going a mile through a drizzling rain. This shows that their hearts are in the work. Some have had quite a struggle with the idol, tobacco, and are gaining the victory. I think all mean to press forward in the good way, though there seems to be a greater degree of earnestness with some than others. I hope none will fall back, but may all be of that number that shall be saved. In the meantime, Satan has not been asleep nor idle, but has tried his best to overthrow the work here in various ways, and has caused some very evil reports to be circulated in the community, concerning Adventists, our preachers coming in for their full share. The enemy is strong; but I am thankful that there is One mightier than he, whose hand is over us for good, and who will take care of his own cause, and get glory to his great name. To the lonely ones, I would say, Take courage, live out the truth, do all you can to spread the truth about you with an earnest zeal, yet with that true humility which will show that you have learned of Jesus, and that his Spirit dwelleth in you. And may God grant that in that last great day of accounts, we may have something besides leaves to lay at the Master's feet. He has seen fit to restore me to a good degree of health, and I desire so to spend my time and strength as shall best glorify him. M. E. WILLIAMS.