OMENS OF PROGRESS by H. A. St. John

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Feb 17, 1876

OMENS OF PROGRESS.

By H. A. St. John

It is a pleasure to note omens of progress. We should exhort one another and so much the more as we see the day approaching. We see the day approaching, brethren, why not commence our exhortations? It is not for the president of your Conference or T. & M. Society to do all the exhorting. Words of good cheer should not come from one side alone; the obligation is mutual—“exhort one another.” Directors, secretaries, elders, church clerks, treasurers, members, one and all, exhort one another. If you will do this, you will see how faith, hope, and courage, will kindle in every breast. Did some one speak words of encouragement to you, reader? Then do not be so selfish as to withhold the same from him and from others.

We note some encouraging omens of progress in this respect. Bro. Haskell, of New England, with very much to do, has found time to write to us twice, giving words of instruction and good cheer. But to come nearer home. The secretary writes words of good cheer, valued highly. The treasurer says he has done the business sent him, and expects to be at the next quarterly meeting. He does not say, “Be of good courage,” but I think the inference is admissible. One director wants German tracts. This means work, and, to me, says, Courage. Another director writes to know the extent of his district. To me, this means, “I am going to do something, but do not want to get out of my territory.” This, again, is encouraging. An elder writes that their meetings are interesting, and the way is opening for a good work in their midst. Encouraging again. A church clerk writes for a little instruction. Very encouraging! I have found one church clerk, who had clipped from Review the article on “Duties of Church Clerks,” and had put it into the clerk’s book. This was very encouraging. It is true he had not pasted it in yet, but I hope he will soon. I might mention other things that give courage, but I forbear.

Now I suggest to both officers and members of the churches and tract societies that you “exhort one another, and so much the more as you see the day approaching.” Why not do some missionary labor among yourselves? Why not write a missionary letter occasionally to your president or director or others bearing responsibilities? Why not? If you can say but this: “We pray for you, be of good courage,” it will be prized, I am sure.

Be of good courage in the Lord, brethren. Look up, and lift up your heads, for your redemption draweth nigh. Walk in the light. Let hope be bright in every eye. There is more virtue in one ray of sunshine than in a whole hemisphere of clouds and gloom.

H. A. ST. JOHN.