And They All with One Consent Began to Make Excuse.
By Wm. Potter
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: My mind of late has been very forcibly called to these words of the Saviour. Since the appointment of the camp-meeting, as I have been trying to urge upon those whom I met the necessity of going, with a very few exceptions I have had to listen to the many, many excuses which, if possible, were more groundless than those made in the Saviour's day. Dear brethren and sisters, how can we think it is not important whether we attend the camp-meetings or not, and still expect to enjoy the blessing of Heaven? How glad we all should be to have the dear servants of God come to our homes, and talk and explain the way to us more perfectly. But we know this cannot be; neither can they visit all the churches, to labor for them. Therefore the plan of camp-meetings has been adopted, so that by a little labor and sacrifice of each one, they may avail themselves of the opportunity to hear from those whom the Lord has called to dispense the words of life. Dear brethren and sisters, let us bear in mind that the Lord has said, Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and not be overcharged with the cares of this life. And as we make excuses for not attending the gatherings of God's people, let us be sure they are such as will be pleasing to our Heavenly Father, so that after we have borne the name of Christian and endured some of the scoffs of the world, it may not finally be said of us, as it was to those that made excuse in the Saviour's time, that those who were bidden should never taste of his supper. Oh! let us remember that the supper time is coming, when the Saviour will gird himself and serve those that are ready and prepared for it. And how can we better prepare than to avail ourselves of the opportunity of hearing the duties and dangers of this time pointed out by those whom the Lord has called to the work? Yes, we all need the benefits of the meeting, to prepare us for the Judgment, and finally for the gathering of God's people to the marriage supper of the93Lamb. Then come one, come all. Backslider, come. It is the place for you. Believer, come. Bring the good Spirit of the Lord and good angels with you. Come, praying that the blessing of the Lord may be with his servants, and in the meeting, that lasting good may result from it.