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Gold, Silver, Precious Stones
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"Eld. J. R. Respess," The Gospel Messenger (Apr. 1895)

AUTHOR:

Hassell, Sylvester

In the winter and spring of 1891, while I was in a very low state of health, I spent three months with him, by his kind invitation, in his hospitable home… He and I alternated in our services every night at the family altar. Upon the chapter that he read, he commented in the most reverential and experimental manner; and in his addresses at a throne of grace, the room became the presence-chamber of the Most High, the petitioner abased himself in utter humility, and sent up the incense of heartiest thanks to the Lord for His mercies, and, in the most earnest and touching manner, supplicated the Divine blessings, not only upon ourselves in our ministry and upon our families, but also upon every member of his churches and every subject of grace.

He sang aloud early every morning in his room, for all his family to hear, as a kind of morning prayer, the hymn beginning “Jesus, Thou art the sinner’s Friend.” The occasions of family worship in my dear father’s and in dear Brother Respess’ families have been to me the very sweetest seasons of spiritual joy—the most heavenly places I have found on earth. Of what exalted joys do our brethren rob themselves and their dear ones in the habitual neglect of such occasion, and how little regard such neglect shows for the honor of our Divine Benefactor!