LYDIA BARROWS by Lydia Barrows

Publishing Committee · BATTLE CREEK, MICH. · May 27, 1858

LYDIA BARROWS

By Lydia Barrows

From Sister Barrows.

BRO. SMITH: Feeling a love for the truth and its prosperity, I would say a few words to the saints scattered abroad. Although weakest of them all, I yet praise God that I have a humble place with his people. To suffer with them? Yes, that I may receive the inheritance. Moses had respect unto the recompense of reward, and shall not the saints when it is so soon to be given? But is this to be obtained without a struggle? It seems to me that the great and wondrous love of God is manifest, after we have given up all, that he should receive us. O 'tis for Jesus' sake. Were it not for this, we might lie down in sorrow. Precious Redeemer! He gave his life for us while we were sinners, and is now pleading his precious blood in the heavenly Sanctuary. Shall we be unmoved at all this, and act as idle spectators, as though we had not a case to be decided there? Yet a little while and the mandate will go forth, “He that is filthy let him be filthy still, and he that is holy let him be holy still.”

Jesus has said, I know thy works; and may we remember, dear brethren and sisters, for all the light that God has given us, we are responsible, whether by his messengers, or through the gifts of the Spirit. In this way God has taught his people in ages past, and I praise his holy name that this is a token in these last days that he is with them still. While Satan is at work with all power, and signs, and lying wonders, to deceive, God will work for those that love him.

But I hear some say, The Bible is a sufficient rule. So it is; if perfectly understood and followed. Did not Peter understand that God had spoken by the prophet Isaiah, that Christ should be a light to the Gentiles, that he might be his salvation, unto the end of the earth? Yet God saw fit in his unbounded goodness, to show Peter more clearly than this, that he should carry the gospel to the Gentiles. There were some that found fault with him, but when they heard from his own mouth what God had shown, “They glorified God, that he had to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.”

It seems to me that if we as a church had appreciated as we should the gifts that God has bestowed, we should now be nearer apostolic faith. But I praise God that his hand is in this work, and he will carry it on. Every member will be in its place. The gifts which are given for the perfecting of the saints will be more manifest.

While meditating upon these things my heart has felt unutterable love for Jesus. I praise him for his unspeakable goodness to me. The thought of overcoming with his people, of seeing Jesus as he is, and being made like him, inspires my heart with renewed courage to strive to gain eternal life.

Yours in hope of a bright immortality.