Repentance Among Vermont Saints
By E. L. Barr
BRO. SMITH: One year has elapsed since I last mingled in the society of the afflicted people of God scattered among the mountains and valleys of Vermont. The changes of the past year have made this world more dark and dreary and caused me to sigh for and desire more ardently the better land. Here I find many vacant places caused by the dear saints' removing to the far West to scatter light and truth, or to be overcharged with the cares of this life and so that day come upon them unawares. Others have been laid away in the silent grave, free from the cares and sorrows of earth. God is infinitely good to the remnant that remain. The message to the Laodiceans has deeply affected the hearts of many of the saints who are zealously repenting of their past lukewarm life, and are striving for the eye-salve, the tried gold and white raiment. God has graciously blessed their efforts and has wrought for the salvation of the children. Sabbath, Dec. 13th, we met with the saints at Johnson, Vt., who assembled there for the worship of the living God, and enjoyed one of the most deep, heart-searching, fault-confessing seasons that we ever witnessed. To God be all the praise for that truth that has power to affect the hearts of the lukewarm and cause them to arise and work while the day lasts. The petition, "Spare thy people, O Lord, and give not thy heritage to reproach," has been heard by the Lord of the harvest and is now being answered. It is evident that those that profess the present truth and are not awakened and aroused now, never will be until it is too late. Many have said, "I do not know what to do;" but the true light has now come, "Be zealous and repent." This testimony of the true and faithful Witness is preparing the way for the final triumph of the last message of mercy to poor fallen man. Lord speed the work till thy servants are sealed, is my prayer. E. L. BARR.