p. 95 | From Sr. Penniman by A. R. Penniman

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Mar 16, 1869

From Sr. Penniman.

By A. R. Penniman

DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: As we have heretofore addressed you in our loneliness, and asked your sympathy and prayers, so now we call upon you to rejoice with us, and still pray for us. The Lord has been pleased in great kindness to send one of his ministers to proclaim present truth to our neighbors, and a little company of believers has been raised up to go with us to the heavenly country. Nearly two years we have lived as strangers and pilgrims, with none to sympathize with us in the hope of a soon-coming Redeemer. But the Lord has heard our cries, and answered us, and we feel abundantly paid for all our privations in the past.

Bro. Blanchard came here last November, and has faithfully and patiently declared to the people the whole counsel of God, and has, consequently, passed through the usual experience which our ministers have to endure. The truth cuts too close to suit the pharisaical multitude of the present age. The sword of the Spirit is too sharp; it severs too many idols; they cannot endure sound doctrine; and while a few humble souls, who weep for the departed glory of Zion, and dare to say, “Speak, Lord, for thy servant heareth,” are called out to stand up as bold witnesses for the truth, the mass are indignant, and cry out, “Heresy, fanaticism, away with it,” and so shut their eyes, lest they should see. Lord, have mercy upon those who profess thy name. Satan has marshaled his host against those who keep the commandments; but, blessed be God, they that be for us are more than they that be against us.

Once more we have meetings, and the Lord blesses us with his Spirit, so that we rejoice with exceeding great joy. To his holy name we give the praise, and wait for the coming of Jesus.

A. R. Penniman.

Macoupin Co., Ill.