The Importance of Watchfulness and Prayer
Dear Brethren and Sisters,
Our meetings are about to close, and we are soon to separate, some
to return to their homes, and others to their various fields of labor.
What will be the effect of these good meetings? Will you cherish the
precious light that God has here given, and let it have a sanctifying
influence upon your lives? Will you, as you assemble from week to
week in your little meetings at home, reflect upon others the rays of
light that have shone upon you? Will your mind and conversation be
upon the blessings of heaven, whence you look for your Saviour; or
will you again be absorbed with things of a temporal nature? You
have received additional light, and you will doubtless be beset by more
severe temptations than ever before. The enemy will manufacture
difficulties and create influences by which to discourage and overcome
you if possible. But by watchfulness and prayer and faith in Christ
you may be victors.
As the laborers go forth into the vineyard of the Lord, it should
be remembered that they are human, and that they will have many
temptations and trials to meet. The more important the work of the
minister, the fiercer will be the assaults of the enemy upon him. Satan’s
temptations are the strongest against those who have the greatest
responsibilities to bear. In view of this, the hearts of those who remain
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at home should be drawn out in sympathy for them, and the prayers
of their brethren should ascend as often as once a day that the special
blessing of God may go with them, and open the way before them,
that they may reach the hearts of the people. If all were to do this, they
would feel a deeper interest in the progress of the truth, and in those
engaged in proclaiming it.
Jesus is soon coming, and our position should be that of waiting
and watching for his appearing. We should not allow anything to
come in between us and Jesus. We must learn here to sing the song of
heaven, so that when our warfare is over we can join in the song of the
heavenly angels in the city of God. What is that song? It is praise, and
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