J. C. & S. M. TOMLINSON by J. C. Tomlinson; S. M. Tomlinson

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Oct 11, 1870

J. C. & S. M. TOMLINSON

By J. C. Tomlinson; S. M. Tomlinson

From Bro. and Sr. Tomlinson.

BRO SMITH: As we have removed from Iowa, where we embraced the truth and kept the commandments with many friends and acquaintances for about ten years, and have located in Southern Kansas, we thought it might be of interest to some to hear from us. We have not many brethren to meet with on the Sabbath, but we think we have the evidence that the Lord has a care for us, for which we ever try to feel thankful. When we consider that the God that made the heavens and the earth is willing to meet with us, and bless such poor mortals as we are, it gives us courage in the Lord; and to-day our love to him is as strong as it ever has been. Ten years have elapsed since we were impressed with the duty to turn to the Lord with our whole hearts. We resolved in the strength of Jesus to do so; but how far from the Lord have we lived; I look back on my life with regret that I have not consecrated myself more fully to him, I can see places in my experience where self would arise, and I was afterward wrought upon by the Spirit of God, and have yielded to his counsels.

There are five here that remember the Sabbath-day to keep it holy; and we meet to worship God and study his word. At times it seems a cross to us to go through with the regular form of meeting where there are so few; but we are thankful for the promise to the few who meet in the name of the Lord, and while the Sabbath hours pass away, we feel in our hearts that it is good to wait upon the Lord.

As a general thing, people in this locality have never heard of the seventh day being kept, except by the Jews; but now it is known that there is a body of Christians who keep it, they seem to be surprised at this. We are careful not to agitate the subject unduly, for fear of causing some to be prejudiced toward us as a people. We want to have wisdom to move just

right in this community. We hope the time will soon come when there can be a preacher spared to come here and give a course of lectures. This is the county-seat, and there are three churches, and about 500 inhabitants, mostly Eastern and Northern people, intelligent and enterprising. We think this a good place to present the truth. Our house is open to any one who can come to preach the truths of the third angel's message, and we will do all in our power to sustain such as may come here in the name of the Lord to work for perishing souls. We hope to be remembered by the brethren and sisters that we may ever prove faithful over the little that is intrusted to our care, and at last have a home with the righteous of all ages.

Yours striving for the victory.

J. C. & S. M. TOMLINSON

Greenwood Co., Kan.