A Minister’s Earnest Desire
By A. S. Hutchins
Bro. WHITE: I still feel that my interest, sympathy, and love, are with the people of God. Through grace, I hope to be able to suffer with the saints, to overcome with them, and with them to reign in the kingdom of our soon coming King. The most earnest desire of my heart for months past has been, that I might know, and do the will of my heavenly Master at all times. With David, I can say, “Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good: lead me into the land of uprightness.” Such have more especially been my feelings since our last annual Conference. This was a Conference long to be remembered. The Spirit and power of the Lord were present to guide in our deliberations, and to aid in the presentation of the truth. The discourses of Bro. J. N. Andrews, on the call of ministers to their solemn, and all-important work, and their duty to the people, has led my mind, I hope, to profitable reflection, meditation, and prayer, on this subject. The more I dwell upon this absorbing theme, the more I desire to be nearer to the great Head of the church, and learn of him in all things. I desire to be wholly sanctified, spirit, soul, and body. “Without me,” says Christ, “ye can do nothing.” Oh, how true is this of the servant of God! Ye can do nothing. Oh, weighty words, and full of solemn truth which will be realized in the judgment, if not before! May we be enabled to realize these things now; to abide in Christ, and have his words abide in us, and bear much fruit. My heart pants after a closer walk with God. I shall not, I cannot be satisfied till I know more of a Saviour's love in my soul; till I feel more for the salvation of others, and until I can labor more effectually for their good. “My God, my God, to thee I cry;
Thee only would I know;
Thy purifying blood apply,
And wash me white as snow.”
A. S. HuTcHINS. Wolcott, Vt., July 28, 1865.