S. N. HASKELL by S. N. Haskell

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Dec 9, 1862

S. N. HASKELL

By S. N. Haskell

From Bro. Haskell.

Bro. White: The solemnity of the time in which we live has been on my mind much of late; and O, I long for the time when there will be such a complete state of organization that every gift in the church will stand in its proper place, and its influence be felt in favor of the truth. It does seem to me that God is waiting to clothe the message with more power.

Dear brethren, if we wish to see the message go with power, souls coming into the truth, and the loud cry be given, we should stand in the place where God can work through us. We must away with doubts and fears in relation to organization, and the gifts that we already have, and press together, if we ever expect to see prosperity. Did we more highly appreciate the gift of prophecy which is, and has been, in the church, we see and feel more the necessity of pressing together, uniting our efforts, our prayers, our means, and our sympathies; the means of accomplishing which has been shown by the gift of prophecy, as well as otherwise, we should find ourselves much stronger, feel more the force and power of the truth in keeping us out of darkness which Satan would throw over us to discourage us; and we should save ourselves from being clogs to those whom God is using to bring up this people. If any are cast down because of the straitness of the way, let them go to work.

We can enter into the systematic benevolence operation, if we are entirely alone. We can lay by on the first day of the week. We can unite our hearts in prayer that God will speed forward the work of organization and unity. We can give our entire sympathy and aid, by our prayers, to those on whom God has laid the burden of the work. We can lend our publications to our friends and neighbors, and thus be preparing the way for the message. Do not let us stop to doubt and query about the way and means of God in leading out this people. It is altogether too late. If we stop to dally here we shall find ourselves ill prepared to gain victories which are between us and the kingdom.

The conflict will be more and more severe. The way grows straighter and straighter. The tests will be closer and closer. We shall need all the strength that can be derived from the performance of every duty. We must have our sympathies so wrapped up with the people of God, that when they are encouraged and strengthened by light and glory from the Sanctuary, it will affect us. May God give us, here in the East, a spirit to search our own hearts, and throw our entire being into the work, that when the final victory is won, and the countenances of God's people are lighted up with his

glory, we can exclaim, "Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us."

S. N. HASKELL

Worcester, Mass.