Many Hearts Cheered by H. A. St. John

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jun 25, 1872

Many Hearts Cheered.

By H. A. St. John

It has been said that good news never kills anybody. As a general rule, this is, no doubt, the truth. I have heard of two or three exceptions, but could not vouch for their reliability. Perhaps the nearest approach to it in the inspired record, is the case of Jacob. He had long mourned for his son Joseph, whom he supposed to be numbered among the dead. When his sons returned from Egypt the second time, and reported to their father that Joseph was alive, the good old patriarch fainted. But upon a further recital of facts and particulars, Jacob's heart revived.

Who has not, in their lifetime, had some such feelings as these. To Jacob, the intelligence that his dear son Joseph was alive, at first seemed too good to be true. But when fully satisfied that it was true, how his countenance was lighted up with joy inexpressible, and his whole being animated. And the beautiful story of their meeting, so simple, yet so affecting; it would seem that none could read it without being moved to tears.

But why these thoughts? My heart has been greatly cheered of late by certain information received through the REVIEW, with regard to Bro. T. J. Butler, of Missouri. A wanderer from the fold of Christ, for ten long years, amid the perils of these last days, returns with heartfelt repentance and finds the blessing of God once more. Truly here is an example of the amazing mercy and long-suffering of our Heavenly Father, which will demand, upon the part of the subject, everlasting thanksgiving.

Well do I remember the counsels and admonitions of this dear brother and his faithful wife in the first period of my religious experience. Oh! that I had heeded them better? I have ever termed myself his own son in the faith, and to say that I was happy to hear of his return to the cause and the people of God, seems to but faintly express the real feelings of my heart. And in this I am not alone, but express the true feelings of many of my acquaintances.

Dear Bro. and sister Butler, we rejoice with you; and if we could meet you, I think our hearts would dissolve with thankfulness. But if this happy privilege is denied us while here on the ground of conflict, we sincerely hope to greet you with the victorious blood-washed throng in mid-heaven, and stand with you on the waveless bosom of the sea of glass. H. A. ST. JOHN.