A Word of Advice by J. H. Rogers

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Feb 8, 1870

“A Word of Advice.”

By J. H. Rogers

BRO. ANDREWS: I see by the last REVIEW “a word of advice” from Bro. Ramsey. Now as the minds of some of the readers of the REVIEW will naturally be carried back to the time I first wrote an invitation to brethren who were seeking a place where they could obtain homes, that “this was as good a country as the West afforded,” I still say so; only the opportunity for getting very cheap homes is past. I, also, think that those “well situated in the East had better stay there.” This is not an Eden, but only a tolerably favored “spot on this old sin-cursed earth.” The reader is left to guess as to the nature of trial that “all who come have got into.”

Permit me to say, if “all” were careful not to involve their financial matters, and keep their social relations in proper condition, a brighter sun and less cloud would be given them.

Bro. R. has not been here long enough to be warranted in saying quite so much against the country; the thriving condition of its inhabitants forbids it. I have been here fifteen years; passed through some difficulties and inconveniences during the war, but have been prospered to a very good living, with something to spare.

I think Bro. R. must have been under a very dark cloud when he penned his “word of advice.” True, there is strong prejudice here against the truth, caused mainly by unconsecrated Sabbath-keepers, and those in rebellion against the work of the third angel’s message. We need true-hearted burden-bearers every where, who not only believe the present truth, but are desirous of taking hold and doing something in it. I still say, as I often have in writing to brethren, we need real burden-bearers here who don’t need to be nursed, but are “strong in the Lord,” exemplary in their lives, home missionaries. I apprehend the way to make the truth take well any where, is for those who profess it, to live it out in every particular; then we would expect to see reports of success from our preachers when laboring in such places.

I still “have hope” the Lord has a people in Missouri, and a work for them to do.

J. H. ROGERS.

Altoviata, Mo., Jan. 25, 1870.