The Visit of Bro. and Sister White.
By Uriah Smith
WE make no apology for speaking in a personal manner on this subject; for a matter which has been of such interest to the church and brethren here, and such a signal blessing to the cause of truth, will be of interest to the readers of the REVIEW everywhere. If the special working of God’s providence was manifest in turning the minds of Bro. and sister W. this way at the present time, it has been no less so in what has transpired during their brief sojourn with us. Never was a visit more timely. The cheering advance that has been made on the part of many, to which their presence and words of good cheer have so largely contributed, is proof enough of this. A better understanding is to exist of the basis on which the cause and work of the third message rests. The good blessing of the Lord has been in the meetings. He has been reaching down his arm to our help; and it has seemed evident, as these servants of the Lord of whom we speak have many times felt impressed to declare, that the set time to favor Zion has come. We have been enabled to sing with a reality never before felt, the words of the familiar hymn, “Union, faith, and love abounding,
Bid the little flock rejoice.”
With gratitude we acknowledge the blessing of the Lord upon Bro. W. in sustaining his health during his manifold labors here at this time. Early and late he has given attention to the many interests that center in this place, which seemed to demand his care and labor, besides his earnest work in the meetings for the spiritual advancement of this people. All this has been a severe tax upon his strength. Yet he is able to report as good a physical condition as when he recently left the mountains of Colorado. The church here would be rejoiced to have him and sister W. remain for a longer season, and continue the meetings; but important duties call for their presence in California. As they go, may it be as it was with Ezra when he went up to Jerusalem, with the good hand of their God upon them, touched with new strength and vigor by the operation of his Spirit; and may they in due time return to find the fort here well kept, friends all true, and a still greater measure of the blessing of God awaiting them.