p. 61 | EASTERN TOUR by James White

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jun 25, 1857

EASTERN TOUR.

By James White

BRO. SMITH: At our second meeting at Lancaster, Mass., several Advent brethren came in from other towns who listened with interest. A few decided to keep the Sabbath, and subscribed for the REVIEW. We felt confident that a number would take hold of the Third Message as the fruits of these meetings. June 6th and 7th, we were with Bro. S. Howland and family in Topsham, Me. Weary and unwell by labor, traveling, and care arising from the purchase of the Power Press, we found rest with this very dear family.

The 9th we passed up the Grand Trunk R. R. to Island Pond Station, where we found Bro. Barrows of Vermont waiting to take us about twenty miles to his home. We had the pleasure of spending two days with this devoted family. Bro. and Sr. Hutchins were at home. Our communion with these dear friends, especially around the family altar, was sweeter than language can describe. As we saw Bro. and Sr. Hutchins, pale, care-worn and much wasted in flesh and strength, our fears were aroused: First, that they had not been as careful to nourish their strength as they should have been. Second, that a lukewarm, worldly church had suffered them to bear burdens grievous to be borne. Third, that they had not been held up by the prayers of the church, but, rather, borne down by laboring in unnecessary trials in the church.

O how precious are God’s chosen ones, those to whom he has committed the Message, and are willing to leave all the pleasures and comforts of home, and wear out in the cause of their Master. How carefully should the church watch their wants, their toils, and in every possible way help bear their burdens and soothe their sorrows. But it is a fact that but very, very few realize anything of their toils, weary feelings, depressed spirits on account of wrongs in the church, and wasted bodily strength, their aching heads, pained lungs and restless nights. Jesus knows it all. Angels sympathize and strengthen. If special strength from heaven should cease, how soon would some of the chosen ones drop into their graves. The church do not feel these things, neither will they, till they open the door and let Jesus in. Then will they sympathize with, and help the faithful, suffering servants of Jesus Christ.

June 10th a large room-full of brethren and sisters assembled at Bro. Barrows', to whom we spoke with some freedom on the present position of believers in the present truth. A few only seem anxious to follow the light while they have it.

The 13th and 14th, we joined the brethren in their general Tent-meeting which was held in Morristown. The gathering was large. We spoke twice on the Sabbath on the subject of the Seven Churches and the judgment with some freedom; but with little effect upon the large congregation of professed believers. We were more than ever satisfied that but few Sabbath-keepers have received into their hearts the testimony to the Laodiceans, so as to love the strait testimony. Social meetings moved heavily. First-day morning the plain testimony reached the feelings of most present, and there was some freedom.

At half past ten we went to the Tent where hundreds were assembled to hear. We presented to the intelligent and candid audience every text in the New Testament which mentions the first day of the week, also every text which mentions the Sabbath of the Lord. Good order was preserved in the Tent, and strict attention was given to the subject. We read the only eight texts in the New Testament which mention the first day of the week, and not one of these texts speak of the day as being holy or a day of rest. We also read from the New Testament where the Sabbath is mentioned fifty-nine times, and in every instance refers to the day on which God rested, the day he hallowed, the only day of the week which he commanded man to keep holy. While speaking we felt that conviction was resting on many minds, that we had the truth of God’s word on the Sabbath question. In the afternoon we spoke on the Messages of Rev. xiv, with freedom, then Mrs. W. spoke near half an hour to the large and very attentive congregation with much freedom. The future will determine the amount of good accomplished at this meeting. We were more than ever convinced that but little can be accomplished in New England at present. Brn. Sperry, Hutchins and Phillips will probably visit the West this Summer, and hold some Tent meetings in Michigan in the Vermont Tent.

May the Lord reward Bro. Bingham for his efforts in the interest of this meeting, also his companion, who though not a Sabbath-keeper, welcomed God’s people to the good things of her house. J. W.