Encouragement from Conference
DEAR BRO. WHITE: I feel thankful to God that he has permitted me to meet at conference with those of the same faith. I found it good to be there. I felt that it was good to dwell among the children of God. But few know how we are situated in this new State, debarred from meeting on the sabbath for nearly six years; but we rejoice to know that God is raising up a people in this State to worship him. Although our enemy, Satan, has had a fast hold on the hearts of some, yet I think that spell is broken. When I compare the present time with the past, I see that our numbers have increased greatly. The labors of our preaching brethren have been blessed this past season. I was happy to form an acquaintance with our dear Bro. J. N. Andrews, and several others whom I there saw for the first time. I can truly say that Bro. Andrews by his kind admonitions to us and fervent zeal for the cause of God, has filled our hearts with joy. We rejoice that we are not left alone nor forsaken; but God has sent his servants to feed our hungry souls with precious meat in due season. Did not our hearts burn within us when he told us that it was for us to look up and lift up our heads for our redemption draweth nigh. Let us therefore cast off the works of darkness and let us put on the armor of light, that we may be found without spot or wrinkle when the Lord makes up his jewels. I feel to say with David, "The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake." I am determined, God being my helper, to press forward to the kingdom of God by keeping all his commandments, and help to repair the breach that has been made in his holy law. I am thankful to Bro. Andrews for bringing us to order, and establishing the plan of Systematic Benevolence, and monthly meeting, and showing how necessary it is for us, as a people, to be prepared for all coming events. I hope that the brethren and sisters in Minnesota will remember all those covenants that we have made, and strive to enter the gate that is narrow. May God enable us to perform all our vows, is the prayer of one who is seeking for eternal life through Christ. WM. MERRY.
St. Charles, Minn.