A Call to Earnestness and Repentance
By D. C. Elmer
Bro. Smith : I wish to acknowledge the merciful hand of the Lord in sending Bro. Barr to this place about two weeks since, and also others from Connecticut, who gave evidence that they were the Lord's chosen. I feel that Bro. Barr's labors and pointed testimony to the little church here was indeed meat in due season. My soul has been drawn out in deep gratitude to God that his mercy is still extended to one so unworthy as myself. I feel for one that by the grace of God I will profit by the strait truths which I have heard. The Lord is in earnest with his people, and we must be in earnest with ourselves, if we would obtain the precious treasures which we are counselled to buy of the faithful and true Witness. O I am sad when I think how long the Saviour has been knocking at the door of my heart, and yet I have barred him out till his head is filled with dew, and his locks are wet with the drops of the night. And while I mourn over my past unfaithfulness, I praise the Lord that I am yet rebuked and chastened. Why it is that mercy still lingers for me, I know not. I wonder at the longsuffering of the Lord; for I feel that my goodness has been as the morning cloud, and as the early dew. I have resolved, and re-resolved, that I would know by happy experience what it was to have the Saviour come into my heart, and sup with me and I with him. At times rays of light from Jesus have greatly encouraged me to struggle on in this self-denying, cross-bearing, yet good way, and also increased my confidence in claiming the promises of God, for which I feel to praise his holy name. I believe that every honest child of God will soon emerge from the stupor into which they have fallen, and stand out in the clear light of his word, where their influence will tell decidedly for the cause of truth; and also that the time is not far distant when the servants of the Lord will return and discern between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not. Mal. iii, 18. I am, I think, prepared to sympathize with such as are passing through trials; but I would not complain nor trouble you with the nature of mine, though they are peculiar. Suffice it to say that I have been, and still am, wading through fire and water, as it were; but I think of the following promise left on record, and am comforted: When thou passest through the waters I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee. When thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned, neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. Isa. xliii, 2. I would not shrink from trials. I feel that some of mine have been among my greatest blessings. If I can but know that my ways please the Lord from day to day, it is enough. I will not murmur, though the road through which I am called to pass be a thorny one. My trust is in the Lord. No other can deliver. It is indeed cheering to my soul to hear through the Review from the scattered ones who are striving to make their way through to the kingdom, and also to hear of the progress and wants of the precious cause of truth. May the Lord speed on the work, and gather in the honest ones, is my prayer.