“Your Labor Is not in Vain in the Lord.”
By N. Orcutt
For the encouragement of the worn laborers who “sow beside all waters,” I would place upon record in the REVIEW an instance of the verification of the above declaration of the apostle. A sister living near us has recently commenced to honor God in keeping his commandments, who dates her convictions of the truths of the third angel’s message at a tent meeting, held in Jamaica some thirteen years ago. She has unwisely allowed her family to hinder her from obeying, through these many years, but now from the seed then sown, watered by the influence of a beloved daughter who has recently embraced the truth, the fruit is manifest. In feeble health, unable to meet with those of like faith, at the age of sixty-four years, she finds peace in believing, and joy in obeying God. We trust her faithfulness in time to come may lead others of her family to glorify God through obeying the truth, and place the overcomer’s crown upon her brow when the wheat is gathered into the heavenly garner. What an incentive to faithful labor. Brethren in the ministry, it is for us to plant and water the seed as we have opportunity, and for God to give the increase. Brethren and sisters looking for the return of the Lord, you have a part assigned you in this work. Whether you have one, five, or ten talents intrusted to you, for what you have, you must give an account when the husbandman returns. Oh! let us heed the admonition of our Father, given through the wise man: “In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand: for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good.” “Cast thy bread upon the waters, for thou shalt find it after many days.” Eccl. 11: 6, 1. “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” 1 Cor. 15: 58.