H. F. PHELPS by H. F. Phelps

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Mar 21, 1871

H. F. PHELPS

By H. F. Phelps

Minnesota.

We were very agreeably surprised about the first inst., to receive a letter from Bro. Van Horn, giving us notice of his appointed meetings in this State. Two of these are in the past. At an early hour this morning, we bade farewell to this dear servant of God as he started to another appointment. High water, mud, and at the present hour, snow and sleet, with high wind, make the outward prospects look dark; but 'tis faith that looks beyond the clouds and the storm. And so we pray that God will bless and aid in these meetings, and that nothing may hinder in the fulfillment of all these appointments.

In the two meetings past, at Greenwood and Pine Island, the Spirit of God was present to enable us to look beyond the watchman to the great Head of the church. The Spirit of God certainly aided in the presentation of the divine truths of the word, and we are sure it reached the hearts of some; yes, of many. We should have been glad to have seen more of this church present. High water, no doubt, prevented some. To all who did not attend, I would say, You lost much. But do not become discouraged. The cause of God is onward; and let us try to keep pace with it. We hope to see the cause rise in this State. We believe it will. God has sent us help, and we will have faith that it is the kind of help that we need most.

And now, dear brethren and sisters, courage in the Lord. Let us rise, in the strength of Israel's God, above all our trials, and all hindering influences, and every man begin to work over against his own house, to remove the rubbish, and build the wall; and the work of God will certainly move on, and good will be done. Shall we do this? is the question for us all to answer. For one, I say, I will. May the Lord help me to keep this resolution without wavering.