The Coming Meeting by J. A. Dayton

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · May 30, 1865

The Coming Meeting.

By J. A. Dayton

WHILE God's loyal people are watching the unmistakable signs of the near coming of their Lord, and we begin to realize fully that now "it is high time that we awake out of sleep," all have been looking forward to the late Conference at Battle Creek, with eager hope, and joyful anticipation, in view of the expected blessing of God to be outpoured upon his people, in answer to the earnest prayers of humble faith, which have been ascending from all over the land, borne upward with fragrant incense of obedience and love. But, though many have been able to enjoy this "feast of tabernacles," hundreds of the scattered flock, deprived of the blessed privilege, have felt an ardent longing to be present also in the body. Now a few of these find a large recompense in the opportunities they enjoy of meeting with those of "like precious faith," and mingling their voices together in prayer and sacred praise. But though you, who are numbered as the "lonely ones," have neither of these, yet, dear brethren and sisters, soon, full soon, your reward will come. Even now it is yours to feel "a sweet prelibation of the joys that await you," when with exulting shouts of victory you join the holy throng, borne swiftly onward in the cloudy chariot, and oh, can language paint your joy, as you behold the open gates, and wafted to your raptured ear, you hear the strain,

"O, righteous nation! enter in, That kept the law of truth below, Enter the place, all free from sin, Where life's pure waters gently flow."

Oh, glorious hope! Oh, happy meeting! Is not the thought transporting? Does it not kindle within you a holy zeal to be in waiting for your coming Lord? How precious now his words of tender parting, "I go to prepare a place for you." True, while sojourners and strangers here, you meet with disappointments; but soon it "will be overpast." Here have you been longing to greet the dear saints who preach the word, and to see those whose cheering exhortations through the "Review" have so often encouraged you to battle bravely on, just as you had become "so tired," almost ready to yield the struggle; but at the meeting,

"There'll be the good and blest, Those we love most and best."

And more than this,

"Jesus himself will be there."

Here, his presence is felt, there we shall behold him face to face. And though for a season if need be, we are in heaviness through manifold temptation, yet leaning on his promise we may feel the "everlasting arms" around us, bearing us safely through the angry surges. Here, had some kind friend, passing by your home, offered to convey you to the place of the Conference, freely providing for your every need, bidding you only to make the needful preparation, would you not, with a heart bounding with grateful joy, have hastened to be in readiness? Jesus has promised to come again and receive you unto himself. Will you not then do as much to become prepared to meet him when his angels shall gather the company who come up through great tribulation, with all the martyrs whose labors and sufferings are recorded in Heb. xi, for our admonition, of whom the world was not worthy, and who without us will not be made perfect. "Let us then be diligent to be found of him in peace without spot and blameless, for the Lord is not slack concerning his promise," and we know that if faithful on our part, we soon shall be.

"Where the saints of all ages in harmony meet, Their Saviour, and brethren transported to greet, Where anthems of rapture unceasingly roll, And the smile of the Lord is the feast of the soul."

J. A. DAYTON.

Chesaning, Mich.