AN INTERESTING MEETING by Mrs. M. D. McKee

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Feb 13, 1900

AN INTERESTING MEETING.

By Mrs. M. D. McKee

A recent meeting held in Battle Creek, in the Review Office chapel, in the interest of the “Woman’s Work,” was of great interest and profit, and it is desired that all our sisters shall have the benefit of some of the thoughts expressed.

Inasmuch as the meeting was the outgrowth of the work inaugurated by Sister Henry, under the direction of the Lord, as we all believe, those in charge deemed it a privilege to call the service partly a “memorial” service. Not one of eulogy, however, in an offensive sense, but such a meeting as she, who so disliked personal allusion, would approve were she present.

A spirit of deep conviction of present responsibilities seemed to appeal personally to every one. Now that the earnest voice and pen of the one who carried the burden of this work is silent, we who are left, as it were, without a leader, to whom, unconsciously, we all looked for counsel and help,—we are left to carry on her work; now ours in its fullest sense. The Lord had laid upon her this work. Now it falls upon us. We may none of us be called to as public a work as she was, but we are called to be as faithful, where we are, as she was in her place.

Hymn No. 1022 was sung to open the meeting, after which Sister Sisley offered an earnest prayer. Sister Irwin, who was with Sister Henry during the last meetings she held at Graysville, told of the wonderful power attending the talks to the students at the academy. No one who heard her speak will ever forget her appeals to the young, to prepare for the Lord’s work. She especially urged the importance of singing as a means of worship, feeling that, as a people, we sing too little. This subject was dwelt upon by others in testimony, regarding it as a defense against the enemy in time of trial. Let us all sing more; sing while about our work, wherever we are, “singing and making melody” in our hearts to the Lord. A touching recital of Sister Henry’s last message to the church, that she was of good courage and strong in faith, as she went down in death, moved many to tears. Miss Durland brought the last letter Sister Henry wrote concerning the work, to be read at the meeting. It was deeply impressive.

A Scripture reading with comment was then given, as follows: “The dead praise not the Lord, neither any that go down into silence.” “The living, the living, he shall praise thee, as I do this day.” “They that go down into the pit [grave] can not hope for thy truth.” “The father [parent] to the children shall make known the truth.” Isa. 38:18, 19; Ps. 115:17. The study of these words will forcibly remind us of our duty as the “living,” and the need of making “known” the truth especially in our families, before sinners go down into silence. Work is upon us now; earnestness must seize every heart before probation ends.

A portion of Sister Henry’s article in the REVIEW of December 20 was read, and the Spirit witnessed to the message. One burden of Sister Henry’s work was the family life. She so entered into the environment of others that loving sympathy and encouragement were for every one who asked of her. Let this noble work go on in the hearts and lives of our women. The other burden was for the women of the W. C. T. U.

There are noble, honest women among them, who will receive the message when they see it clearly. Sister Sisley presented the importance of our taking upon us the burden of prayer and work for this organization of as noble women as are to be found.

A field of usefulness has been opened to our sisters, and, indeed, to the women of the world, as far as Sister Henry’s influence has gone. The question comes to us each, “What shall I do with my opportunities?” The fact that we are living in the judgment hour, with our cases pending any moment, should impel us to great earnestness in service for God and souls. Our own loved ones—relatives, friends, and neighbors—are judgment-bound with us. “Can we be clear of their blood, and be indifferent or silent?”

The quiet yet powerful presence of the Holy Spirit impressed these thoughts on every heart. About an hour was spent in a testimony meeting of much interest. Appeals were made for a deeper consecration. The testimony of a recent convert was most impressive, as she spoke of the disregard seen among us concerning the Testimonies and the health reform. The influence was hurtful to this sister, new in the truth, until she learned that God would have her stand for the right, no matter who did not. An individual obedience to the message, irrespective of the disobedience of those longer in the truth, and knowing full well its teaching, was the lesson for her.

These words brought to mind what Elder Haskell had said at recent meetings, that “none but those who accept every phase of the message will go through to the end. Those who reject the Spirit of Prophecy and the health reform are in great danger. This thought resulted in a strong appeal to all our sisters to live out the whole truth in their homes, and educate their children to believe and obey these saving truths. Deut. 4:9; 6:4-7; Ps. 78:1-7; Prov. 30:11; Eph. 6:4 were written on the board for instruction.

The meeting closed by singing, “What shall I do for Christ my Saviour?” and prayer by Sister Irwin. Much more of value was said, which can not now be reported for lack of space. The attendance was good for so cold a day; and all were greatly blessed, and encouraged to press on, “looking unto Jesus” for grace to overcome, and power to work as never before, with the love of God for souls in the heart. This love, Christ said, is evidence of our discipleship. John 15:8; 13:35.

Mrs. M. D. McKee.