THE CONFERENCE MEETING.
By E. Goodrich
Yes, it is good to be there where all meet in love and union. There the Spirit of God pervades each heart, and all desire to bear some humble part in the solemn worship of God. 'Tis there that the aged pilgrim (it may be leaning upon his staff), recounts his conflicts and victories. And having discovered some new truth, having gained some new eminence, he is rejoiced to think that his journey is almost done, with such a bright prospect just before him. And then there is the aged matron who has been brought through the deep waters of affliction and temptation. Her hair is whitened, her face is deeply furrowed, her strength is almost gone; yet how strong is her confidence in God. She knows that her Redeemer lives. She knows that she has passed from death unto life, and that it is good to serve God. And she expects, if faithful a few more days, the crown will be hers, and soon Jesus will come, and this mortal will put on immortality. Yes, and there also we find the young convert who has just begun in the service of the Lord. His heart is filled with love to God and to his brethren, and he is rejoiced that he has found the way, while he sings: “Oh how happy are they,
Who their Saviour obey,
And have laid up their treasure above,
No tongue can express
The sweet comfort and peace
Of a soul in its earliest love.” He little realizes how straight and narrow is the way to life. He knows not the power of the tempter, nor what sore temptations mean. He knows not that the heart of man is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked, and that the fiery trials through which he may be called to pass will burn his very soul, purging it of dross as gold when tried in the fire. He reads, “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution,” yet how can it be that a man will be hated, pursued, and persecuted without cause? Again he reads, “And a man's foes shall be they of his own household,” but how can parents hate their own children, or sisters their brothers, or the wife become the husband's most bitter enemy? No, he understands none of these things, and 'tis well he does not: for then how could he stand? Having been suddenly exalted he would as suddenly be thrown down to earth without power to rise again. But it is good for the young convert to attend the prayer and conference meeting. 'Tis there he learns to live religion. If doubts creep in, if darkness shuts out the light, or even if he has stumbled, how many a good and experienced brother is ready to hold him up and bid him God speed. It is not easy falling among brethren. Yes, it is good to be there to hear the words of mutual comfort and exhortation. How it makes us forget our past gloomy days! How it buoys us above the trials of this life! How it strengthens us to do good and go on our way rejoicing! Yes, it is good to be there.
E. GOODRICH.
Edinboro, Pa.