p. 112 | Words and Works by James White

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Aug 21, 1860

Words and Works.

By James White

We give the following, characterized by candid, sound words and good works, from Bro. Van Horn, as worthy of imitation by young men in our ranks. The letter would have been given when the receipts appeared in the Review, had it not been mislaid.

J. W.

DEAR BRO. WHITE: I take my pen to write a few lines to you, feeling it my duty to cast my “mite” into the treasury of the Lord.

I have received The Good Samaritan No. 4, and have read its contents (some of it twice over). While meditating upon the condition of the worthy poor brought to view therein, the thought came to my mind, Have I done my duty? I have a good home, and plenty to eat and to wear, and above all, am blessed with good health, able to labor, and in the language of Paul, “These hands have ministered unto my necessities.” Acts xx, 34. In the verse following he tells us our duty: “I have shewed you all things, how that so laboring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.”

I say, while contrasting my condition with that of some of my brethren and sisters who are scarcely able to get out to enjoy the fresh air of heaven, I feel it my duty to do my part in supporting the weak and helping the needy. Although by so doing I may receive the scoffs and frowns of friends and relatives, yet I am determined, by the assisting grace of God, to walk in the counsel of his word as fast as made known to me, that I may look forward to the consummation of the Christian’s hope with joy and not with sorrow.

I send in this letter twenty dollars which you will please dispose of as follows: To M. B. Czechowski, $5,00 “ Bro. Mead, $5,00 “ Sister Cranson, $5,00

And out of the remaining five, please send me four copies of the double number of Review and apply ten cts. on Good Samaritan. The remainder of the five will be yours to use as seemeth good to you.

I would add, that I send this not grudgingly, but of a free will, as to the Lord. For I believe we are living in a time when the final choice is to be made, either to walk in the counsel of the word, having faith and works united, or remain indifferent and lukewarm, and be spued out of the Lord’s mouth.

My prayer is, that I may receive wisdom and strength to overcome, and abide in the counsel of God.

Your unworthy brother. I. D. VAN HORN.

Blackman, July 22, 1860.