Prevailing Prayer and State Conferences
By David Chase
Bro. Smith: Our little company of nine in Fairhaven are still striving to hold on our way, and I think making some effort to arise with the last message of mercy. I feel more than formerly that when I pray in secret, I must get hold of the strong arm of God before I leave the place, or the effort is a lost one. I must prevail or perish. Read Gen. xxxii, 24-30. Jacob was alone, and wrestled until the break of day. "And the angel said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not except thou bless me. And he said unto him, What is thy name? And he said, Jacob. And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel; for as a prince hast thou power with God, and with man, and hast prevailed. And he blessed him there." When thus engaged in secret it is often suggested to my mind to stop, but if I continue to press my petition I do at length prevail, and find the blessing. O let each brother and sister press their suit, and say with Jacob, in the Lord's strength, "I will not let thee go except thou bless me." The Lord will hear the earnest, pressing call, and will bless. Thus we shall gain the title of Israel, and be overcomers and possess all the great blessings promised in the word of God. I am much pleased with the proposition of Bro. White, in reference to the importance of State conferences. The word is, Exhort one another, and so much the more as ye see the day approaching; but it has not been so with us in the east. We used to have camp-meetings often in the first angel's message, and make great efforts to go and carry as many as we could, and some of the poorest were freely helped to go to meeting by those stewards who had horses and money. I do think the cause in the east has suffered much by not having more meetings. I believe God will bless his own appointed means. "So much the more as ye see the day approaching." Not only more meetings, and protracted longer, but exhorting one another more and more. We are scattered and some of us poor, and must be helped to go, but the testimony of Christ through the apostle must and will be heeded. If we do not heed it, others will be raised up that will obey it. We shall have to make more effort and more sacrifice to do it, but God will bless his obedient people, and they will wax stronger and stronger. Praise the Lord, O my soul! I feel the fire burning while I try to write. O Lord, make us all living, acting members of thy one body to move as members of a perfect man. The time draws near when every one shall be delivered that is written in the book. O brethren and sisters, let us not be weary in well doing, for in due season we shall reap if we faint not. Yours looking for the blessed hope.
DAVID CHASE.
Fairhaven, Mass.