DEAR BRO. WHITE:—I thank God that I have this opportunity of enclosing in this, five dollars for you. I felt bad when I heard of your wants, and had nothing to help you. But I cannot always do as I would like to, from the fact that I am poor in this world's184goods. I have no home here, but I seek one to come. I live in a little shanty in the woods, where the snow and rain come in, whenever it comes. I have a family of five to maintain, and I have no cow to help supply our wants. Yet I speak not this as murmuring, but that others may have courage. For God has chosen the poor of this world, rich in faith, and heirs to the kingdom, which he has promised to those who love him. "And this is the love of God that we keep his commandments; and his commandments are not grievous." 1 John v, 3.
I am all alone here, in the cause of truth, and surrounded with the spirit rappings. They are doing great wonders. I have to contend with them on every side, and in so doing, am losing the friendship of all. But I will stand for the word of God, if I lose every friend.
When I hear through the Review, of the little flocks around, that can meet together, and sing, and pray, and converse with each other, it makes me feel very lonesome here all alone, as I have not seen any of the brethren since early last Fall. Brn. Case, Waggoner and Phelps were then to our house. How true were the following lines on parting with them.
Your presence, sweet, our union's dear,
What joys we feel together here!
But when I see that we must part,
You draw like cords around my heart."
Yours in love,
WM. H. RAPP.
Markesan, Wis., Feb. 25th, 1853.