Communication from Bro. Hutchins.
By A. S. Hutchins
Bro. White: Permit me to say to all who sincerely love God and who are striving to do his commandments, that my heart still beats in deep sympathy with them. I love them. I love the glorious truths upon which the remnant are being united, and by which they will be prepared to stand in the battle of the great day. Never did my heart rejoice more than when first I saw the Bible harmony of the three messages. Language could not express the exceeding joy of my heart when I found moral courage and decision of mind to say, by assisting grace, I'll go with the commandment-keepers. For this decision, made some fifteen years since, I can testify that I am not sorry to-day. My mind often reverts with the liveliest satisfaction to some of the soul-cheering meetings with the dear brethren and sisters then. These are bright spots in my pilgrimage. I never shall forget the kind words of sympathy, and love of the dear friends at this time. Some of these dear ones are now asleep, others are toiling on in bright hope of the heavenly prize. Among these kind friends I remember with much gratitude my beloved Bro. E. P. Butler and his family now in the West. May the blessing of the Lord rest upon them and bring them to the home of the blest. But pleasant and delightful as were these seasons, sweet and long to be remembered as they may have been, the mind need not linger here alone for joy and rejoicing. No, we want a living, daily experience, which will enable us to say, my heart is fixed; trusting in God. "The path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day." Prov. iv, 18. Says John, in speaking of God, "If we walk in the light as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin." 1 John i, 7. "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." O, who would not confess his sins? Who would not forsake them? Who would not be cleansed from all unrighteousness, and have his sins forever borne away. Who would not be God's free man, free forever and ever? Who would not choose to obey God, to enjoy his love in his heart now, and finally live and reign in a world of uninterrupted joy and endless felicity? As we desire these inexpressible blessings, let us "walk in the light," and let us confess our sins, as God gives us light upon the great principles of truth and duty, and go on to perfection. "Christian, the shadows will soon flee away,
O, do not fear, do not fear;
Then thou wilt enter an eternal day,
Be of good cheer, of good cheer." Barton Landing, Vt., March 11, 1866.