The Conference at Adams' Center, N. Y.
By Mary F. Maxson
Dear Brethren and Sisters: Our conference here has just closed, and you must bear with me while I try to tell you of the precious season we have enjoyed. Meetings commenced with the Sabbath, and Bro. Fuller gave a discourse from 1 John iii, 1-3. It was indeed meat in due season. Our thirsty souls drank from the fount of life, and we went away with a stronger determination to struggle up nearer to God, to live in such a manner that we could daily say, "Now are we the sons of God," than we had ever before felt. Sabbath morning we had a social meeting. The Spirit of the Lord was with us, and we felt greatly encouraged while listening to the cheering testimonies from our dear brethren and sisters. Some of them were in deep affliction, as they had just laid their loved ones in the cold, silent grave. But while we wept with them in their sorrow, we rejoiced to see with what faith they looked forward to the time when the great Life-giver shall come to break the fetters of the tomb, and bring again their dear ones from the land of the enemy. After the social meeting had closed, Bro. White gave a discourse from Matt. v, 16. He commented upon the preceding verses of the chapter, and as he talked, our hearts burned within us. We felt that the good Shepherd was there, feeding his flock with the bread of life. At the close of the sermon, sister White gave her testimony, greatly to the edification and comfort of believers. In the afternoon Bro. White discoursed upon the subject of the seven seals, showing clearly that we are living in the last days. Sister White again bore her testimony, and oh, how the immortal inheritance was enhanced in our estimation as we listened to her words. And while we went away rejoicing in the thought of soon meeting our blessed Lord, others were scoffing, saying, "Where is the promise of his coming?" Poor, deluded souls! They are crying, Peace and safety, and soon sudden destruction will come on them. Oh, may God pity them. Bro. Andrews gave two deep, earnest discourses on Sunday. One was upon the subject of the Sabbath, and I think we all resolved, after hearing it, to try more earnestly to keep it as it should be kept. It is indeed the holy of the Lord, honorable, and let us strive, dear brethren and sisters, to keep it holy unto him. Not in doing our own ways, finding our own pleasure, and speaking our own words; but according to the commandment. Remember that the eyes of the world are upon us. All our words and actions upon that sacred day are watched and weighed, and if our influence tells against the holy Sabbath, how, oh, how shall we escape! In the afternoon sister White again gave her testimony. Deep silence pervaded the assembly while she was speaking. Her words were enough to melt a heart of stone. Oh, how vividly were the sufferings of our dear Saviour, and the sacrifice which he has made for us, portrayed. We felt ashamed to think we had ever thought our trials and sacrifices great. Oh, how small our light afflictions, which are but for a moment, seemed, when compared with the far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, that is soon to be ours. We thought of you, dear lonely, scattered ones, who are deprived of these precious privileges, and our prayers ascended to God in your behalf. Do not be discouraged though you are deprived of the privilege of occasionally hearing the words of life from God's messengers. Jesus is near you, and if you listen you will hear his sweet voice whispering words far more cheering than those that ever fell from mortal lips. We have had a sweet, refreshing season from the hand of the Lord, and to his dear name be all the praise. We trust the meeting has been one of great profit to the cause in New York, and hope hereafter we shall all labor more earnestly to advance the glorious truth. Our spiritual strength has been greatly renewed, and we feel determined to press onward until our feet shall be planted upon the crystal sea. May God bless Bro. and sister White, and all the rest of the dear brethren and sisters. It was hard to part with them; and as we stood, with sad hearts, watching the train that was bearing them from us, a brother remarked, "Well, when we start for the kingdom we shall all take the same train—all go together." What a thrill of rapture those words sent through my heart, as I thought of the train that would soon be sent for us. It will be a glorious train, consisting of Christ and his holy angels. We shall be conducted in triumph to the heavenly mansions of the New Jerusalem, there to receive "spotless robes and crowns of glory from a Saviour's loving hand." Oh, rapturous thought! Dear brethren and sisters, let us keep our eyes upon the prize, and perseveringly tread the narrow path that leads to eternal life. Sorrows and trials we must have. We are appointed thereunto. But let us bear them with meekness and patience, remembering that the blessed Saviour sits as a refiner of silver over his children, and when he shall see his image reflected in us, then, and not till then, will he say, It is enough. We are indeed lonely pilgrims here, wandering far from our fatherland; but "the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads." And oh, may God grant that we may be among the number that shall obtain joy and gladness, and that shall rest forever where sorrow and sighing shall flee away. Your sister,
MARY F. MAXSON.