"Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another."
From Sister Philips.
BRO. SMITH: While my heart is cheered with the communications from the dear saints, weekly through the Review, I want to add my feeble testimony in favor of the precious truths it advocates. I never felt a greater love for, nor a deeper sympathy with, those that have left, or are willing to leave, all for the truth's sake. My prayer is that you may be sustained, and all those who labor in the Office may have so much of the blessed Spirit that light and truth may emanate therefrom, and the church in Battle Creek be truly like a city set on a hill. I am grateful to my heavenly Father for the kindness I received from them, and his dear people elsewhere in the West.
When I reflect on the goodness of God in sustaining me with my poor health, while going from place to place, I am led to exclaim, The Lord hath done all things well. Praise his holy name! I was strengthened and encouraged while meeting with the churches in different places on our way home, and especially at Norfolk. In the morning prayer-meeting the Lord condescended to let his Spirit rest upon us, and my bodily strength was so increased that I bore the remainder of my journey with ease; and my health has been somewhat better since I arrived.
I found the church here striving to overcome. I never felt more like consecrating my all into the hands of God than at the present time. My life, my health, and all that I have and am, to suffer or enjoy, as it shall seem good in his sight. I believe with all my heart that the last work of the Third Angel's Message will soon be finished, and then he that is holy will be so still, and he that is unholy will so remain.
And now, dear young friends, children of the remnant, suffer a word of exhortation from me. I have formed acquaintance with many which I sincerely love, and should be glad to meet on the Mount Zion; but in order for you to be prepared, you must cut loose from the world, and your young associates that do not love the truth. You must be separate, crucify self, and live wholly to God; then you will be ready. I entreat you to be in earnest, for God is in earnest with you. Soon the last prayer will be offered for your salvation, and then it will be too late. Mercy will be gone and gone forever.
Dear friends, one and all, if I never more meet you here, I hope so to live that I may meet you in that land where sorrow and sighing will be done away; and the weary forever be at rest.
Yours in hope of eternal life.
AMANDA PHILIPS.
Roxbury, Vt., May 16th, 1858.