Letters from the Brethren
BRO. N. GRANT of Ohio, writes: I am glad to say there are a few here trying to keep the commandments of God and practice truth as fast as they learn it. I some times feel almost discouraged by seeing so few interested in the cause of God; but when I hear from brethren and sisters in different places who are trying to make their way to Mount Zion alone, it makes me thankful that there are enough believers here to meet together and claim the promise. I kept the Sabbath alone here about two years. My prayer to God was, that he would send his servants here and raise up a people that would keep the truth of the Lord. There are some forty or fifty I should think in the vicinity of Bellville and Fredericktown, keeping the commandments; and I thank God that two of my own children are in the little flock that have started to brave the perils and persecutions of the last days, for Mount Zion. I believe that God through his servants has sown the good seed here. I trust that some has fallen on good ground, and will bring forth fruit to the glory of God. I still feel by the assisting grace of God like trying to fight the good fight, and when the warfare is ended, wear the crown. SISTER P. A. HOLLY writes from Whiteside Co., Ill.: I think it is a duty we owe to our scattered and lonely brethren and sisters to speak to each other through the columns of the Review. Many we may never see in this dark vale of sorrow, but perhaps we may encourage them by writing a few lines for our paper. I feel that in this respect I have been very deficient. Many times the cares of this life have hurried me day by day so I could not see a spare hour for meditation and writing; but now I think we have found a remedy for all of this in the Health Reform. I trust and hope this Reform will in many families lighten many cares, remove many troubles, and make the home circle more attractive with cheerful faces and more amiable dispositions. We cannot expect mild and pleasant dispositions of those whose habits are mostly marked with intemperance. Years ago the King of Heaven was expected to come and redeem his jewels from this sin-cursed earth and take them to that bright and holy land of love. No one was prepared then to go to that beautiful clime. The light that now shines upon our pathway reveals to us that the gold was not then refined. When we remember that we must be without fault, pure and holy, we see we have much yet to overcome before we are ready for the glorious advent of the King of kings and Lord of lords. We can look back on our past life and see where we have gained some victories over our evil besetments. This should cheer us and give us courage to still strive on. Many of us have sorrows and afflictions here. Our family circle has a link severed now and then from the chain. Some loved one is taken under the dominion of the enemy. But let the precious thought cheer our aching heart that they shall come again from the land of the enemy to their own border. If it is through the furnace of affliction we are to be purified and made white, we should be willing to endure.