Untitled article by WASHINGTON MORSE

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Third-day, January 14, 1868

From Bro. Morse.

By WASHINGTON MORSE

Bro. Smith: The Review comes to us, from week to week, filled with rich instruction and valuable thoughts from the pens of different ones. With many, I am acquainted, which makes it still more interesting to me. Of late I have read from the pens of some whom I had not heard from for years. Especially was I rejoiced to hear again from Bro. F. Wheeler, and S. W. Rhodes. Well, the thought came to my mind that, perhaps, they with others would be glad to hear from me.

It has been nearly three years since any communication has appeared in the Review from me. It has not been because I had no interest in the paper, or entertained an unwillingness to contribute to encourage its conductors or readers; but the sore trials and afflictions through which we have been passing, have nearly unmanned me at times, and I have been entirely unfit to write, and indeed feel very unworthy to do so now. But I wish to say that my sympathies are fully with this people. I wish to be willing to suffer with them, bear my part of the trials and responsibilities, and share in the inheritance which will be given to the good of all ages. It has been with deep interest that we have read Testimonies No. 11, 12, and, especially, 13, and also the reports, from week to week, from Bro. and Sr. White since they have been raised up from their affliction. We have also been glad to hear from many others who are laboring with success to spread this solemn message.

Dear brethren and sisters, the trials through which we have been passing have done us good. At least I can say that I have learned a lesson, which, perhaps, I could have learned in no other way. And the burdens which have seemed heavy to bear so long, are being taken off, or being lightened, for which I praise the Lord.

Our last Quarterly Meeting was one of much profit to us here. Bro. Ingraham was present to preach the word, also to counsel and instruct us. We could adopt the language of Bro. Amadon in Review, No. 25, Vol. XXX. “We trust that, as a general thing, the church is trying to dig deep, lay the foundation sure, and get ready for the appearing of the Son of God. But this is not true with all. Some do not seem to get much burden in the present work of confessing, agonizing, and drawing near to God. Still we pray that God in his sovereign mercy will pity such, and open blind eyes, and soften hard hearts.” Let the sad experience of the Deerfield church during the last two years be a lesson to others. I would add that we are very thankful for the light which is shining out upon the health reform. It has been of much profit to us, and we feel that we want others to be benefited also. I feel determined to come up fully to every test, and try to learn what is God's will concerning me, and do the same.

In hope of eternal life, WASHINGTON MORSE.