Encouragement in Gospel Labor
By Frederick Wheeler
BRO. SMITH:—I am still encouraged to hold on in the way of obedience to the last message of mercy; and to labor to present the truth before the minds of my fellow men, if by any means some may be saved in the day of the Lord's fierce anger. For truly, "The great day of the Lord is near; it is near and hasteth greatly." I have of late enjoyed some very interesting seasons in meetings with the brethren. Dec 15 and 16, according to previous arrangement, I met with Bro. Barr at the house of Bro. Hastings, New Ipswich, N. H. The company of brethren and sisters present was not large; but we were permitted to share largely of the divine presence and blessings. There appeared to be a deep feeling on the necessity of an entire consecration to God and his truth. And while we endeavored to present ourselves anew to God a living sacrifice, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon us testified that the offering was accepted, and we felt indeed that it was good to be there. We parted Second-day morning, joyful in hope, and encouraged to labor on, until the redeemed shall be gathered home. Dec. 22 and 23, also from the 26th to 30th, held a series of meetings at the house of Bro. Gould, in Unity, N. H. The Brn. had been making some previous efforts by holding evening meetings to awaken an interest in the minds of their friends on the importance of present truth. Our meetings were deeply interesting. Those that attended (except Brn.) were mostly youth. The truth spoken was127accompanied by the influence of the Holy Spirit, and was not without effect. Almost all that attended were deeply affected; and while tears of penitence witnessed their sincerity, they desired the prayers of God's children, and willingly bowed with them before the Lord in prayer. Some acknowledged the blessings they had received, and expressed their full determination to serve God, and prepare to meet Christ at his coming. Others will, we trust, give themselves fully to the Lord. The church was also much blessed and strengthened during the meetings. Bro. Wakefield from Newport was present and assisted in the labors of the meetings. I have long felt that there was need of more persevering efforts by the church in laboring for the salvation of those around them. Our efforts have been too feeble, and we have been too soon discouraged, and our efforts for the conversion of souls too soon given over. It is not by the simple presentation of the truths of the last message alone that the honest are to be reached and their hearts made to feel its power; but there must be a spirit of labor in the church. Earnest, fervent and continued prayer should ascend to God. Dear brethren, let us awake anew to the great work. The truth is mighty and must prevail. There is yet power in the prayer of faith to prevail with God. Our time to labor is short. What we do must be done quickly. There are honest souls around us, especially the young, that may be saved through our instrumentality. Shall we see them perish for want of effort on our part? God has made the church responsible, to a certain extent, for their salvation. Says the Saviour, "Ye are the light of the world. Let your light so shine that men may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven." It is not words merely, but works that carry conviction home to the heart. I arrived at this place the 4th inst., and held meetings the 5th and 6th. Owing to the storm, the attendance was not as large as it probably would otherwise have been. But some heard with interest and acknowledged the Lord's Sabbath, and we hope will have confidence to plant their feet on all the truths of the last message. I am glad to receive the Review weekly, richly laden with food to the household of faith. I fully approve the resolutions adopted at the Battle Creek Conference, and also the advices of the Committee on the gifts of the church. And I hope, dear brethren and sisters, we shall feel that we have a part to act in making the Review interesting. We all like to read warm, heart-stirring communications from different parts of the field. If we would have such epistles the brethren and sisters must write. O let us get our hearts deeply imbued with the Spirit of our divine Lord, and the law of God fully written thereon, our affections glowing with a bright earnest of the heavenly inheritance, and with that deep interest that we should feel for the salvation of perishing ones around us. Then shall we seek to communicate our glowing hopes and our ardent desires for the advancement of the cause of truth in words of warning, exhortation and encouragement to the scattered flock and the honest seekers after truth. As an individual I am encouraged to toil on, believing that our labor is not in vain in the Lord. I am led to believe by the rich blessings recently enjoyed with Brn. where I have met, that we may soon realize more signal displays of the divine presence and power to move forward the great work of the Third Angel's Message. May I be found prepared to share in the labors of the cause here, and the glories of the redeemed hereafter. Yours hoping for eternal life in the resurrection morn. Ashfield, Mass., Jan. 7th, 1856.