Jottings by J. M. Griggs

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Nov 1, 1864

Jottings.

By J. M. Griggs

ThE pleasant days spent in conference, with the friends at Adams' Centre, N. Y., soon passed away, and Tuesday morning, Oct. 4th, found us waiting at the depot for the “chariots” which were to bear us from their sight. Our hearts were heavy, but as we parted from relatives and friends, we felt a hope that we should meet again. Arrived in Rochester, about 4 o'clock P. M., where we were kindly welcomed at the house of Bro. and Sr. Lamson. Visited some of the places of interest, while in the city. Wednesday spent several hours rambling through the beautiful grounds of Mount Hope Cemetery. Oh city of the dead! how soon will thy quiet graves be disturbed by the trump of God, calling forth the righteous sleepers to immortality and eternal life. Lying near my writing is a little flower, plucked from the grave of Anna White, which has been nicely pressed, a little memento to highly prized. As I gazed upon the mound beneath which “Nathaniel” and “Anna” so sweetly sleep, and thought how safe they were, I could but exclaim, “Blessed are the dead that die in the Lord!” They rest in hope, and when the angels are sent forth to gather the saints, Mount Hope will not be forgotten. I did not envy the sleepers, although I could but contrast their condition with mine. Still I am upon the ocean of life, and know not but my bark will be dashed upon the shoals or rocks that lie hidden beneath the waves.

Friday, in company with the brethren and sisters from the city, we went to the Quarterly Meeting in Western N. Y. The same evening we listened to a discourse from Bro. N. Fuller, founded upon John xiv, commencing with the words, “Let not your hearts be troubled, ye believe in God believe also in me.” We felt comforted and encouraged, as we were pointed to the true source of the Christian's peace in these troublous times. Appointments were made for social meeting Sabbath morning, and preaching at half-past 10 o'clock. A goodly number of Sabbath-keepers assembled at the appointed hour, and as their united petition ascended to Heaven, the Lord was pleased to hear and answer. He graciously manifested himself in our midst. Our hearts were lifted above this dark world. We seemed to get a glimpse of the joys awaiting the overcomer in the city of God, the New Jerusalem.

“I love to think of the heavenly land, That promised land so fair, Oh how my weary spirit longs To be forever there!”

The hour for preaching arrived, but still we lingered, and Bro. Fuller thought best that the brethren and sisters should occupy the time. I think this precious season will long be remembered by all who were present. The subject chosen for remarks Sabbath afternoon, is found in 2 Tim. i, 7; and in the evening 2 Kings x, 15, “Is thine heart right?” This was a searching discourse; we felt the necessity of examining our hearts. We must indeed be pure and holy, if we would see Jesus and the good of all ages when they are called forth from their graves to meet the Lord revealed in his glory.

Sunday morning we again listened to the word of life. From this meeting we repaired to the water, where four sisters followed their Lord in baptism. In the evening Bro. Fuller addressed us from the following words: “Except your righteousness exceed the righteousness of the Scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of Heaven.” We noticed unbelievers present who were deeply interested, some wept much, and at the close of the discourse when an opportunity was given for all who wished to go with the people of God, or desired an interest in their prayers, if any such were present, to manifest it by rising, we fear the Spirit was grieved by some of those weeping ones. It was then requested that all the commandment keepers, who would endeavor to draw nearer to God, set a good example before the world, and try to live a life of purity and holiness, should rise. With what fear and trembling did we comply, and take upon us the solemn vow.

Dear brethren and sisters, do we who thus pledged ourselves realize from whence must come our strength to perform what we have vowed unto the Lord? Let us not forget our good resolutions, but look to God for grace to overcome.

And thus our meeting closed. The Lord was with us. We believe the angel of the Lord stood by his servant who proclaimed to us the word of truth, and we doubt not while we received instruction from him, his own soul was refreshed with the dew from Heaven. We shall ever feel a deep interest in the prosperity of the little church at Lancaster. May they all remain steadfast until Jesus comes to take them home.

From Lancaster I came to this place, expecting to meet a friend from the southern part of the State, but was disappointed. Wednesday evening met with a few members of the Allegany church in prayer meeting. The Lord bestowed a blessing while we endeavored to draw near the throne. We find a pleasant home during our stay here with Bro. and sister Bellamy.

And now after five weeks' stay in N. Y., we turn our thoughts once more toward our Michigan home. We shall not forget friendships formed in this State, when we return to the happy home circle. Long will the sweet remembrance of these days linger around my heart. J. M. GRIGGS. Wellsville, N. Y., Oct. 14, 1864.