p. 159 | Montgomery, Vt by S. HASELTON

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Apr 30, 1872

Montgomery, Vt.

By S. HASELTON

There are a few in this place who are trying to obey God's law, and walk in the light as it shines upon their pathway. We have been much benefited the past winter by the labors of Bro. Howlett, of the Richford church. Some who had almost forgotten their Lord and had wandered far from him, returned, and one who never had sought the Lord now prays and rejoices in him. My companion expressed his desire for salvation and to see the earth when the curse should be removed, and covenanted with us to keep God's law.

Brethren and sisters from Enosburgh have met with us quite often since January, and have comforted and encouraged us as much. Last Sabbath, another, with much feeling, gave his testimony for the first time. For all these things, we rejoice.

Christian brethren, you have professed to the world that you have taken upon yourselves the “yoke of Christ”—have learned of him who is “meek and lowly in heart,” and to bear his burden. He has said, “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these, my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” Ought ye not, therefore, to “bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ”? Are you all constrained to bear part of the same burden? to exercise mutual tenderness, forbearance, and support? Let fellowship in sufferings excite in you sympathy of affections. Partakers of the same afflictions, “Be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another.”

Taught by experience to lament the deceitfulness and desperate wickedness of the human heart, be not severe in judging and condemning others. Magnify not every inadvertence of which they may be guilty into a wilful transgression. Brand not every false step, which they may happen to take, as a mark of hypocrisy. Extend to them that favorable indulgence which you claim for yourselves. Encountering yourselves opposition from the world, and “knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren,” add not to the weight which they endure, by unfriendly behaviour or uncharitable language. Imitate not the conduct which you affect to deplore. Chastened yourselves of the Lord, learn to pity them that are chastened. Pray for them. Strengthen them. Comfort them. Break not the bruised reed; quench not the smoking flax.

Let identity of interests, of trials, of feelings, swallow up all trifling differences. Traveling the same road, exposed to the same difficulties, “see that ye fall not out by the way.” By jealousies, by animosities, by divisions, increase not your own load, aggravate not each other’s burden. “Love as brethren; be pitiful, be courteous, endeavoring to keep the unity of the spirit in the bonds of peace.” And “may the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means.” S. HASELTON.

April 10.