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TIMES OF REFRESHING

THE GATHERING at Saratoga Springs, N.Y., was not expected to be a large one; because the railroad excursion rates extended over only a very limited area. It was therefore a local rather than a general meeting; but as such it served its purpose grandly, and brought to many clearer views of the divine plan, and fresh energy in its service, because of renewed consecration to the great Giver of all good.

About one hundred were in attendance, and these were nearly all visitors from abroad, as only about three WATCH TOWER subscribers reside there, and few outsiders attended. The Lord was with the Convention and blessed the two days of its session greatly; and we believe that the grace there experienced will not only be a lasting blessing to those in attendance, but that its overflow upon others not privileged to attend, will be a lasting joy and benefit.

En route we spent Sunday at Toronto, Canada, where another local Convention of about one hundred had gathered. This also was a feast to our souls. We thanked God for the tie that binds our hearts in Christian love—and realized afresh that—

“The fellowship of kindred minds
Is like to that above.”

The home route permitted a meeting between trains with some of the dear friends at Washington, D.C., where about thirty were hastily convened, to whom we spoke on “Pressing toward the mark for the prize of our high calling.” Departing, we thanked God for the fulfilment of Mark 10:30; and felt that if faithfulness to the truth had gained us many bitter enemies, it had also brought us such devoted friends as very few in this world could boast of.

We arrived home, at Allegheny, in good season for Sunday services (Sept. 9), where our joy further abounded in addressing about two hundred of the home congregation, and in receiving their hearty welcome back after an absence of two Sundays. We can only wish and hope that each of the one thousand dear brethren and sisters “scattered abroad,” with whom we communed and shook hands during the past two weeks (beginning with the Chicago Convention and ending at Allegheny), experienced one-half the blessing that has come to your pastor. He most heartily thanks you all for your many kindnesses and expressions of Christian love extended to him and the associated “Pilgrims;” and he thanks God for the privileges enjoyed in serving his flock, in Jesus’ name.

“A table God has furnished me
In presence of my foes;
My head he doth with oil anoint,
And my cup overflows.”

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— September 15, 1900 —