p. 78 | Another Year has Gone by S. B. Warren

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jan 14, 1858

Another Year has Gone.

By S. B. Warren

DURING the last week of the year 1857, I have been led to think over and ponder upon the past year, and ask myself, how have I lived, and what have I done to glorify God, and what have I done by way of precept and example which would influence others to seek the Saviour and embrace the truth? I acknowledge and confess with some feeling of heart, that my past course has in many respects been crooked. O that I could recall some of the precious hours of the last year. I am sure that I feel heartily sorry that I have made no more progress in my journey to Mount Zion.

But notwithstanding all my unfaithfulness, and the little I have done, I remember with some degree of thankfulness, God's goodness to me. I have enjoyed many sweet and precious seasons, not only in secret and around the family altar, but with my brethren and sisters in social worship in the house of God.

Brethren and sisters, would it not be well for us all to look back upon the past year, and think how God in his mercy has blest and led us along, how much of his blessed truth has saluted our ears, and how much of the true light has been shining on our path. O how many sharp, cutting testimonies have been given us of the Lord, to wean our affections from this poor earth. I think we can say, at least the most of us, that the year has not been altogether a lost one. We have, I think, reaped great spiritual benefit by trusting in the Lord.

Can we not say of a truth, and feel in our hearts that we have made some progress in overcoming? Have we not gained some victories? It is true we have had some severe combats with the enemy, but have we not sometimes trampled Satan under our feet and put him to flight? I think we have. It has been because the Lord has helped us. It has been because he has given us grace. I can remember many times during the last year, when clouds of darkness have overshadowed the little church here; but the Lord in whom we have trusted, in answer to our strong cries has dispersed the clouds, and light has broke in upon us, and we have felt the sweet melting Spirit of Jesus in our midst.

Who among my brethren and sisters are willing to covenant anew with me that they will spend the coming year better than they have the one just past? Will we not pray and watch more? Can we not, and will we not struggle more and more for victory? Come dear brethren and sisters, join with me in renewing our covenant, and consecrating ourselves wholly to the Lord. We will take our place at the feet of Jesus, low in the vale of humility. O that the coming year may be a glorious year to the remnant, who are resolved on keeping the Commandments and seeking for the Faith of Jesus.

Your brother in the Lord S. B. WARREN. Battle Creek, Mich., Jan. 2d, 1858.