Sister Simonds on Hearing an Adventist Minister Preach
By Sister J. E. Simonds
SISTER J. E. SIMONDS writes from Union Co., Iowa: Some three weeks since, I returned home from Wintersett, where for the first time in my life I heard an Adventist minister preach. It was a feast of fat things to my happy soul. I never realized before what responsibility rests upon our ministers, but I pray that the Lord will uphold them with his almighty arm; for it is a great work to preach the last warning to fallen men. I feel a great interest in the cause of truth, and also a responsibility on myself as one that is trying to keep the commandments of God. Although I cannot preach, nevertheless I can exert an influence around me for the truth, and try to show by my daily walk and conversation that I esteem it a privilege to do something for my Redeemer and his cause. Although unworthy, I feel that I should not hide my talent in a napkin because I may not have the ability of some of my brethren and sisters around me. I have reason to thank God that he has inclined my heart to embrace the third angel’s message. I expect many temptations and trials, but the Lord is our strength, the God of Jacob our refuge. Heaven will be the more sweet to us when we have done toiling here below. May the Lord give us grace to stand firm unto the end, that we may at last enter in through the gates into the golden city.