p. 149 | TO THE SISTERS IN MAINE by Eliza H. Morton

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Tuesday, March 10, 1885.

FromThe Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, Vol. 62, No. 10. Whole No. 1605.

TO THE SISTERS IN MAINE.

By Eliza H. Morton

Dear Sisters: God by his Spirit is impressing his people to awake and to work as never before. The Portland mission recently established is having an influence all over the State, because God has been pleased to add his blessing and to gather in precious souls, showing his people that much may be accomplished even though the laborers are few. The sisters in Portland feel a burden for those who have not yet seen the light, and feeling thus, have concluded to organize a vigilant missionary society and to engage zealously, earnestly, and prayerfully, in devoted labors for others.

We believe that the sisters in other churches, not only in Maine, but all over the country, feel an interest in Portland; for God has shown his servant that a great work is yet to be done in this “city by the sea.” In this work the sisters can have a part, and we ask you to unite with us in our efforts. You can help in many ways. Write us a few words of cheer, and we will send you addresses of individuals to whom you can write and send reading matter. Donate something to our society to help pay its expenses; the smallest sum of money will be acceptable. We appeal to you in the name of the Master to “come over and help us.” Deny self of some pleasure and invest the money thus saved in the Bank of Heaven, and it will yield eternal interest. We ask you especially to remember the weekly meeting of our society held every Wednesday evening at 7 o’clock. Unite with us at that hour in prayer, and as you pray ask God to show you what you can do to assist in the work.

It will soon be too late to sound the solemn notes of warning to a perishing world. The great day of God draweth near. Who among us will perform noble deeds and perfect noble characters? Who will forget self and selfish interests, and throw their whole souls into the work? Who will rescue the perishing, and win stars in crowns of rejoicing? Dear sisters, think of these things now as you will think of them when earthly pleasures and treasures shall fade away. Let the recording angel this day write some self-sacrificing deed in the books above. Remember that lip-service alone will never open the pearly gates. Words will be lost and blotted from the book of remembrance unless the actions correspond. Let us be consistent, and work as well as pray; in doing this our hearts will grow tender, our sympathies will become awakened, and our lives will glow with sunshine and beauty.

The active, working Christian exerts a magnetic influence almost impelling in its power, and that gathering spirit may be ours if we earnestly seek it from Him who is the great source of holiness and love. May God send his messengers to you, dear sisters, and impress your minds with the thought of personal responsibility, and awaken a desire in your hearts to help forward the good work begun in the city of Portland.

ELIZA H. MORTON, Sec. Portland V. M. Society.