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ENCOURAGING WORDS FROM EARNEST WORKERS

Massachusetts.

DEAR BROTHER:—We would have liked so much to be with you at the Memorial this year, as once or twice before. However, we were present with you in spirit. At about the same time you and others of the Church were commemorating the death of our precious Redeemer, we, in this place, were assembled for the same purpose, there being twenty-two present, seven of whom symbolized by immersion the entire consecration and baptism of their wills into Christ.

We enjoyed a very precious season: our dear Head seemed to be very near and dear to us at that particular time. We also remembered our loving Father, and how much it must have cost him to give such a valuable gift as a ransom for us. In closing, we sang Hymn 276, and went each to our homes, there to ponder over all that occurred on that memorable night and the day following, in which he was delivered for our offenses.

We trust, dearly beloved in the Lord, that you likewise enjoyed sweet communion with Him who loved us and gave himself for us. May we, even as he did, be true to our consecration, until the sacrifice is wholly consumed upon the altar. This is the earnest prayer of

Your humble brother and servant,

W. J. THORN.

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California.

DEAR BROTHER RUSSELL:—We observed the Lord’s Memorial Supper at our house on the night of the 30th. Though few in numbers (twelve), and poor in oratory, we had a blessed season of harmonious communion, while with much joy of heart we symbolized the appropriation to our unworthy selves of the life and

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righteousness of our Redeemer, and pledged ourselves afresh to follow voluntarily in his footsteps even unto death. Pray for us, dear brother, that by his grace we may faithfully fulfil our covenants.

Your fellow servant in love,

W. J. WEBB.

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Illinois.

DEAR BROTHER RUSSELL:—Our little meetings proved a season of sweet refreshing and communion to the few permitted to meet together. We spent parts of two days in study and thanksgiving, ending last evening by keeping our Lord’s supper in commemoration of his death. After a careful study of the symbols, bread and wine, discerning the Lord’s broken body and shed blood, realizing that the whole body or “loaf” is to be broken as the head has been, and thanking God for the gift of his Son and for the privilege of being broken in his service, we gladly partook of the emblems. Those of “like precious faith” know from experience the blessedness and peace which come to our Father’s children at such times.

We sang,

“Sweet the moments, rich in blessing,
Which before thy cross I spend,”

and then parted—I trust with a deeper sense of our own unworthiness and of Christ’s sufficiency. May those precious moments and blessings often be our experience.

Yours in love and hope, C. C. WRIGHT.

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Kansas.

DEAR BROTHER RUSSELL:—About eight interested ones met here to commemorate the death of our dear Redeemer. In the afternoon we had a grand experience meeting—grand because each one had something to say about the wonderful way he had found the precious truths now due to the truth hungry.

The meeting was opened by the reading of the first chapter of 2 Peter. Especially appreciated were the words: “Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.”

In the evening we came together to partake of the bread and wine in remembrance of the sacrifice our dear Master made on the cross for our redemption, and it was truly an impressive time. Brother Cole conducted the service by prayer and reading appropriate Scriptures, followed by some profitable remarks which were listened to with earnest interest. Others also spoke with much feeling and gratitude for such a display of God’s love for poor humanity.

We remembered the dear brethren and sisters elsewhere who were enjoying the same blessed privilege, knowing that the same love and affection for our dear Master filled your hearts as it did ours, and doubting not that you remembered us with the same kind feelings.

Your brother in Christ, A. B. PERINE.

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Maryland.

DEAR BROTHER RUSSELL:—On Thursday evening, March 30th, at 7:30 P.M., the Anniversary of our Lord’s death was celebrated at my house. There were eighteen in attendance, the number being larger than on any previous occasion. The meeting was opened by an appropriate hymn, followed by prayer; then another hymn, after which a portion of Scripture was read and a suitable article selected from the TOWER.

We considered the true import of the emblems, how they not only signified our Lord’s sacrifice by which we are justified to human life and all its rights, but also how they signified our own consecration to be joined in sacrifice with him and to be dead with him. With additional remarks I endeavored to make the subject clear, and as plain as possible. After the lesson we sang another hymn, then prayed, after which the sacrament was administered. Then a final prayer and closing hymn.

I was very glad to read Brother Adamson’s letter in March 15th TOWER. It did me much good. The next day after reading it, I started out to distribute some tracts. A few days later a gentleman called to thank me for the tract I had left at his office, and desired to know whether he could not get more for his Sunday School. Have supplied him with 150 copies of Thy Word is Truth, which he has promised to distribute next Sunday. I hope some good may result therefrom. On a separate sheet I enclose his subscription to the TOWER.

Your brother in the Redeemer,

H. N. RAHN.

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New York.

DEAR BROTHER RUSSELL:—For the Memorial Supper and all day Friday meetings, we obtained the use of a small Baptist meeting house. About sixty brethren and sisters of this city and vicinity met to commemorate the Lord’s death. We had a very blessed season, the Lord manifesting his grace among us. On Friday about forty gathered for a season of Bible study and communion. Friday evening we had baptism services, and fifteen symbolized their immersion into Christ. Since then four others have asked to be baptised.

With love and greetings in Christ,

S. D. ROGERS.

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— April 15, 1893 —