To Whom Shall We Render Praise?
By A. S. Nason
“Oh! that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!” Yes, let us give to the Lord all the praise for what he hath wrought for us here in Ipswich. A few weeks ago we numbered only about twelve Sabbath-keepers. For months in the past, we have been earnestly praying that the Lord would add to our number such as should be saved. There seemed to be a good field of labor here. Quite early in the spring, a missionary from Boston came here and scattered books and tracts relating to present truth extensively through the village. There seemed to be some interest manifested to read, but we felt the necessity of having preaching here in order to get the truth clearly before the minds of the people. Then the question arose, Where shall a laborer be found who will take upon himself the arduous work of advocating unpopular truth, and breaking down prejudice in a new place? We made this a subject of fasting and prayer. The Lord heard us, and in answer to our prayers sent his servant, Eld. Rodman, who came in humility, weeping, bearing precious seed. The tent was erected near the center of the village in a beautiful field, and dedicated to God by many earnest prayers. Our congregations were not large, except occasionally. The proud, the pleasure loving, and the gay, cared not to listen to the sublime truths proclaimed in earnestness and power. For a time we seemed to be rowing against wind and tide, but we did not despair. And He who never turns a deaf ear to the cries of his importunate children sent forth his angels to draw some noble souls to the truths of the third angel’s message. With what sincere gratitude did we lift our hearts to God as we saw these noble soldiers advancing and falling into line with our feeble ranks. May Heaven’s richest blessing rest upon every one who has thus determined to bear the cross in the face of a frowning world and boldly dare to live out the solemn truths of the Bible. Some among these stood high in society, and in coming out to obey unpopular truth, they leave many cherished friends behind. The dear Saviour will not forget the sacrifice these dear ones have made for his sake, and if they continue faithful, their reward will be great in Heaven. It is far better to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season. We feel to rejoice with trembling, when we consider that in the work accomplished here, we are laid under greater responsibility. How carefully we need to watch our lives, lest we lay a stumbling-block in the way of some precious soul. We need to redouble our efforts and gird the armor on anew in order to withstand the vigilant foe we have to deal with. He will not be slack in his efforts to overthrow the work of God. But in Jesus’ name we can resist him. Let us, then, with hearts and hands united, present a bold front to the enemy, and press our way onward even to the gates of the golden city. And there on the threshold of that fair dwelling place prepared for the saints of God shall we lay staff and sandals down, to rest forevermore with Jesus.