The Fast Days in Burlington, Mich.
By James White
THE meetings of the church of Burlington on the appointed days of prayer were the best that I have ever known in that place. As we all tried to humble ourselves before God the blessing of his Spirit was with us, and the result was union with one another, an increased love of the present truth, and a stronger desire to work in his cause. Almost every young person connected with the families in the church made a start for the kingdom, some of them manifesting a very deep interest and strong determination. A series of prayer meetings from house to house has followed, which continue with increasing interest. The members of this church are looking up with more hopeful feelings than they have had for a long time; perhaps more than ever before. And to all it seems apparent that, when a church has been laboring under darkness and discouragements for a long time, it is not possible to settle up each particular difficulty, and this need not be looked for as necessary before they can arise and take hold of the work of the Lord. We might about as well try to live our lives all over again. But if we all humble ourselves together, mutually confess our errors of the past, and try to unite our hearts in the work, the Spirit of God will meet us in the effort, and his work will be revived among us. However much I may have failed to help them in the past, my heart has ever been deeply interested in the welfare of this church, and I rejoice with them for the blessing which they are now receiving. “The set time to favor Zion” has assuredly come. May the Lord bestow his grace, that we may all walk carefully before him, that our hearts may be prepared for the work which is before us. Evidences are thickening all around us that the time of trouble is fast approaching. I find the conviction settling strong on many minds that the coming of the Lord draws very near. I hope I may be able so to realize it that I may join with God’s children in the work of humiliation and preparation for that great event.