p. 267 | Untitled article by Anna H. Hale

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Third-day, October 8, 1867

From Sister Hale.

By Anna H. Hale

Dear Brethren and Sisters: Being one of the lonely ones, it has often been suggested that I should communicate with my brethren and sisters through the medium of our paper, as a portion of its pages is set apart for the purpose, that we may have the opportunity of speaking one to another. I have enjoyed reading the letters from the members of the scattered family of God's children, and if I could speak some cheering word that would encourage some lonely traveler on his journey Zion-ward, I should be happy indeed.

It seems to me that we have every thing to encourage us in this good way; there is light ahead, and it will shine brighter and brighter unto the perfect day.

Then we have a strong arm to lean upon. Are there any hard and seemingly dangerous passes to go through? His rod and His staff they comfort us; He is our strength; of whom shall we be afraid? Our enemies may harass us along the way, seeking some chance to give us a deadly blow, but our armor is strong, only we must be sure to have it all on securely; and the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty; and angels are ever around us to minister to us who are heirs of salvation. Then shall we not dare to do right though all the world oppose?

How sweet it is to be allowed to do little services for Jesus, who has done and suffered so much for us. Gladly we'll take the cup of suffering if he gives it, for he has drunk of it before. Are there any duties for us to perform? How cheerfully we can do them, rejoicing to be the honored instruments of doing His will.

How blessed it is to have such a mighty friend; who is interested in all that concerns us; to whom we can carry all our cares and perplexities; our joys and sorrows; and feel that he never wearies, but is always willing to listen to his children. Clouds and darkness gather over our way at times, and human wisdom would lead us to think that we were hedged in on every side; still we may trust, and walk right on in the path of obedience—the only safe path—and no good thing will be withheld from those who walk uprightly.

Then let us be cheerful and joyful. There is no reason why we should not, for “light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart.” “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God.”

ANNA H. HALE.

Millbury, Mass., Sept. 22, 1867.