A Profitable Occasion [from a private letter]

THE FOLLOWING PARAGRAPHS WERE NOT INTENDED FOR PUBLICATION, BUT ARE FROM A PRIVATE LETTER WRITTEN BY SISTER WHITE TO MEMBERS OF HER FAMILY. WE TAKE PLEASURE IN PRESENTING THEM TO THE READERS OF THE SIGNS, FEELING ASSURED THAT THEY WILL BE INTERESTED IN THE SUCCESS THAT IS ATTENDING HER LABORS:—

We reached Worcester, Mass., about half past eight, Friday evening, July 31, and went directly to the mission rooms. In the evening we had a New England thunder-storm; but it cleared away before meeting time, and at the appointed hour the tent was filled with interested listeners. I spoke from the words of the Saviour found in Matt. 7:24-27. The bitterest opposition and prejudice had been created against me here, and some who were the most prejudiced were out to hear me. The Lord enabled me to present the truth with such power that the people listened as if spell-bound, and many were deeply impressed. One, an infidel, took his stand for the Sabbath, and others expressed their intention never again to disregard God’s holy day.

On the Sabbath we had a congregation of about one hundred. I spoke from the fifty-eighth chapter of Isaiah, and had special freedom. In the afternoon several stated that they were keeping the Sabbath for the first time.

It was cloudy all day Sunday, and in the evening it began to mist. We feared it would rain to that we should not have a congregation, but the tent was packed full, and there was a large crowd outside. The best part of the community was represented. I spoke from the third chapter of First John: «Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God,» etc. I dwelt particularly on the binding claims of the law of God, and I never saw greater interest manifested. The police had been notified to see that there was no smoking or talking outside the tent. Three powerful men were placed on guard; but Elder Canright said they stood like marble pillars, never for a moment looking away from me.

When the meeting closed, the people did not leave the tent, but lingered as if loth to go. A merchant who had attended the meetings and the infidel of whom I have spoken, came together. Said the merchant, «Henceforth the doors of my place of business shall be closed every Sabbath evening at sundown.» The infidel responded, «I will never break another Sabbath.» «Good,» said the merchant, «give me your hand on that.» And they there clasped hands, pledging each other to keep the Sabbath of the Lord.

About twenty-five are keeping the Sabbath here. The work has but just begun, and we expect more fruit will be seen as the result of this effort. —