Fasting and Prayer Bring Blessing
By Ellen E. Walsworth
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: I feel that I would communicate to you something of the precious time we have had waiting upon the Lord. The four days set apart for fasting, prayer, and humiliation before God, that he would have mercy upon us and our distressed nation, have proved a great blessing to the church here. We had felt for a long time that we were upon the back-ground, and we needed something to arouse us; and when we read the request in the Review, we felt that it was what we had long needed. The church did not fully realize at first, the object of the meeting; and as Bro. Taylor was not at home, it was a question with some how we were to keep up so long a meeting; but we felt that there was a stronger arm upon which to lean, than any mortal man, and in our imagination did we hear the sweet voice of our Saviour, saying unto us, “Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” And as we leaned upon him we felt that his promise was sure. Business was suspended throughout the church generally, and all, as far as they were able, met with one accord at the house of worship. Deep solemnity rested upon us the first two days of our meeting; but it was hard to break the chains of darkness which Satan had bound round us. But praise be to him who is ever ready to hear the cries of his children, the clouds were dispersed, and the sunshine of his loving countenance shone in upon us. As it was in olden time, so it was with us, we had “the best of the wine at the last of the feast.” We felt that the heavenly manna was descending upon us in plentiful showers. While meditating upon the great rebellion in our land, which has taken so many of our near and dear ones away, we felt to mourn; but again, we felt to rejoice when we think it has been the means of bringing one to our midst, for whom the prayers of a dear mother and sister have long been offered up, that she might become an earnest seeker after truth. She had from childhood been a faithful follower of Jesus, and would obey him at the cost of all earthly things. She had never heard any preaching upon the doctrine we set forth, but from what she has seen of this people, she believes we have the truth, and are trying to live it out. Oh how we felt to rejoice when she became fully decided to come out and unite with the humble people of God who are looking for the coming of our Saviour. Others are investigating. One has embraced the Sabbath, and is earnestly seeking to know the will of the Lord, that she may follow him fully. Truly the Lord is answering our prayers. Oh let us rejoice and be not discouraged. May the Lord help his children to have more faith, and not give up if our prayers are not immediately answered, but to hold on to the promises of God; for they are sure and steadfast. There are, I trust, better days for the church here. The language of every heart seems to be, “Nearer my God to thee,
Nearer to thee.” As we met together Sabbath morning, we felt that the love of God was still burning in our hearts. After the usual exercises the rest of the forenoon was spent in prayer; and as we came unto him in faith, the blessing came down in great power; and we sat in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. After a short intermission we met again in the afternoon, which was spent in hearing testimonies. All the brethren and sisters spoke as the Lord gave them utterance. I cannot describe the precious season we enjoyed. As one brother remarked, “Oh that these meetings were but just commenced.” We had great freedom in speaking, and we felt to praise God for such tokens of his love as we had witnessed. As we parted to go to our different homes, we felt that the chain of love had been drawn around us more closely than ever before, and we were determined to hold out faithful, believing we should be gathered home to our Father's kingdom, to enjoy his smiles of our Saviour to all eternity. Your sister in hope of the coming kingdom.