L. BARTHOLOMEW by L. Bartholomew

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jul 13, 1869

L. BARTHOLOMEW

By L. Bartholomew

From Bro. Bartholomew.

DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: Many times has my poor, unworthy heart been cheered while reading in the REVIEW of your joys and hopes, and victories gained, and many times when I have read of the severe afflictions and sorrows that many of you have been called to pass through, has the tear of sympathy coursed down my cheek, and I have felt how good it was that we could feel to weep with those that weep, and rejoice with those that rejoice.

On the 11th of last April, my dear wife was laid low in the grave, but that sweet and quiet rest I feel is here to enjoy till the Lord shall say, Sleeper, awake! And now, my dear brethren and sisters, I want to tell you how good the Lord is. He has not left me in my lonely condition. When I viewed the vacant spot at the house of worship on the Sabbath, and the vacant seat beside me as I rode on the way, and more than this, to find myself all alone at the family altar, it seemed that my cup of sorrow was more than full. But in this lonely condition it has seemed to me that the Father of mercies has been so very kind as to say, Cast all your burden and sorrow upon me, and be willing to accept me as your companion, counselor, director, and preserver. Oh! how my sorrow has been turned into joy to think that there was such an all-wise and supreme Being, that would be present by his Spirit in my lonely cottage.

And now, dear brethren and sisters, I want to close this with an earnest appeal to you, to cast all upon the Good Shepherd, and realize that you are his stewards; all you have is just what he lends you to improve upon. If we will put self under foot, and do all things heartily as unto the Lord, he will give us all things that will be for our good and his glory. Blessed be his holy name!

Your unworthy brother striving for victory.

L. BARTHOLOMEW

Pleasant Grove, Minn.