ENCOURAGING by A. S. Hutchins

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Apr 27, 1876

ENCOURAGING

By A. S. Hutchins

To all who truly love the cause of present truth, it is encouraging to hear of its prosperity. The good tidings from different localities in the great harvest field bring joy and gladness to thousands who watch with interest the advancement of the work. In Vermont, we are in a measure encouraged by a few additions to the number of Sabbath-keepers.

Some months since, by request, I held two meetings at a dwelling-house, more especially for the benefit of an elderly lady who is blind, and who has been for some time confined to her bed. These meetings were held on first-days, and were attended by a few of the neighbors. I spoke on the evidences of the near coming of the Saviour and upon the subject of salvation.

Without previous consultation on the subject, the daughter and her husband, who have the care of this widowed mother, kept the Sabbath following my last meeting. One week ago last Sabbath, I spent with this family, and preached from the words: “Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.” Rev. 22:14.

This was a good meeting for all present who love the Lord. Especially was it manifest that God’s blessing graciously rested upon our blind, afflicted sister as we spoke of the reward awaiting the commandment-keepers. She cherished a faint hope of life eternal previous to embracing the Sabbath, but now she has an assurance that her hope is “as an anchor to her soul, both sure and steadfast.”

What language can express the riches of that hope which lights up the portals of the tomb as earthly prospects fade and recede from our view, enabling the sinking saint to exclaim, “For I know that my Redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth; and though after my skin worms shall destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God; whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another”?

With this family, three others embraced the Sabbath. A sister who has kept the Sabbath alone for years writes us from another county that her companion now rejoices in keeping the Sabbath with her.

A brother from Windham Co., where there are but two families of Sabbath-keepers, and they have been there but a short time, writes that a brother and his companion have recently commenced to keep the Sabbath from reading on the subject. They also believe in the near coming of the Son of man, and hold correct views on the nature and destiny of man.

He says, “We hold meetings every Sabbath: we have a Bible-class, and think of a Sabbath-school, as this brother’s children are old enough to attend.” That is right, dear brethren, work on. And let Tract and Missionary workers take courage in the Lord. Another item is worthy of note. The writer says, “Bro. H. gave up his tobacco some time before he embraced the Sabbath, being convicted that it was a sin to use it.” With emphasis, my soul says, Amen and amen. Go on, brother, you have started right. This is encouraging.

A. S. HUTCHINS.