Prejudice Removed, But No Revival
By Mary F. Carpenter
BRO. SMITH: I had hoped ere this to be able to say that some at least in this place had embraced the truth. We had a tent-meeting here last Summer. The truth was faithfully presented by Brn. Buck and Hutchins, and a vast amount of prejudice was removed from some minds; but none have come out and made it manifest by their works, that they have respect unto all the commandments of God. Professed Christians here have been putting forth extra efforts, having preaching and conference meetings nearly every day or evening, or both, for weeks in succession, and prayer meetings after the same manner, but there is no revival. Some acknowledge that something is the matter, but do not seem to see that it is because that they themselves are rejecting the plain truths of God's word. Many are crying peace and safety, and I fear will continue to do so, till sudden destruction comes upon them. I have had the Review more than two years, and I am thankful to God and to my brethren for the light I have received. I have endeavored to have others read them, and the tracts, too, as I have several excellent tracts, which ought deeply to concern all in these last days of peril. I am glad to hear from those of like precious faith, and to hear that the cause of truth is progressing in some places. My prayer is that God will speed on the work till his children are all brought into the unity of the faith. I have learned what it is to be sorrowful, yet always rejoicing. I am sorrowful that so many that have tasted that the Lord is good, should shut their eyes against the plain truth of the Bible. They will not receive the truth themselves, and those that would, they hinder. But I rejoice that God has a people in the earth, and watchmen upon the walls, that are striving to know what the Master saith, and to give meat in due season. I rejoice in hope of overcoming, and with all the faithful ones to sit down in the kingdom of our God, to go no more out for ever. I need not say, pray for me, for I know the children of God pray for each other, they can no more forget each other, than the kind mother can forget her children. My daily prayer is that God would keep his people from all evil, that he would make his ministers like a flame of fire, clothe them with salvation as with a garment. Very much is depending upon their faithfulness. Many of us are like the younger members of a family: we can do little but look on, and grieve or rejoice as the case may be; but it is accepted, if there be a willing mind, according to that we have, and not according to that we have not. I am resolved so to live that Jesus may say of me, "she hath done what she could." Yours in hope of eternal life.
MARY F. CARPENTER.
Waterville, Vt.