[From Bro. Edson.] by Hiram Edson

Publishing Committee · Saratoga Springs, N. Y. · Sep 2, 1851

[From Bro. Edson.]

By Hiram Edson

[From Bro. Edson.]

DEAR BRO. WHITE: I am again at home, after an absence of near six weeks, and a journey of about six hundred miles, through valleys, and over mountains, and high hills, in search of the scattered and wandering sheep that the prophets [Eze. xxxiv, 6, and Jer. xvi, 16.] saw when they had a view of the scattering, that has been in the cloudy and dark day since '44.

I left home in company with Bro. Case, to attend the conference at Bath, of which Bro. Rhodes has given you a history. Here we met with Brn. Rhodes and Andrews. After the conference closed, we parted with Brn. Rhodes and Case, who went in company in search of the scattered sheep of the house of Israel, and I accompanied Bro. Andrews on the same errand. Our course from Bath, Steuben Co., was through a portion of Allegany Co., and across the State line into Potter and Tioga counties, Pa., then back through another portion of Allegany Co., thence through Cattaraugus, Chautauque, Erie, Niagara, Genesee, Monroe, Wayne, Ontario, &c.

A portion of our journey was through a country that was new. The roads were new and rough, over cradle-knolls, stumps, and rough log-ways, slough-holes, and trees fallen across our pathway. Much of our route was through deep valleys, and deep and narrow ravines, with almost perpendicular banks, so that fallen trees reaching across the ravine from bank to bank, were many feet above our heads, as we drove through beneath them. Then again we were climbing the mountains and high hills of the Alleganies.

But being guided by the good hand of our God, we found a goodly number of the Lord's scattered but chosen ones, here and there, upon the mountains and high hills, famishing for the bread of life, to whom was given a "portion of meat in due season." They received the present truth gladly, and by the Spirit of the most high God, this truth was so deeply planted in their hearts and minds, that I think they will not be easily turned aside from it, unto fables.

We found a goodly number who received the truth gladly, living on the heights of the Alleganies, near the head waters of the Genesee, Alleghany and Susquehannah rivers. May God make them indeed, and in truth, like to a city that is set on a hill, which cannot be hid. At this place also we held meetings with the Seventh-day Baptists. They had never heard the evidences of the speedy coming of Christ. They listened with marked attention, and were urgent that we should stay with them longer, and that we should call again. They wanted to hear more on this important subject. They had an ear to hear what the Spirit is saying unto the Laodicean church. We believe the Lord has some hidden ones there, and that a strong band will be raised up on those heights of the Alleganies, that will be strong in the third angel's message.

But I have not time to enter into all the particulars of our late tour. Suffice it to say, we found brethren scattered here and there, who saw the clearness of the present truth, and our present position, and the importance of the third angel's message, when it was presented before their minds. Some of course, are "rich, and increased in goods, and have need of nothing." While others, who are men of principle, and understanding minds, whose moral worth is felt by those with whom they are associated; men who believe that God means just what he has said, and has said just what he means, feel under obligation to hear when God speaks, for they judge it right to obey God rather than man. Such, embraced the present truth understandingly, who we trust will be instrumental in helping others of their brethren to see and embrace the truth.

This truth is mighty and will prevail. It is quick and powerful, and sharper than a two-edged sword. It discerns the thoughts and intents of the heart. By the holy law of God is the knowledge of sin. It discerns who have the carnal mind, which is enmity against God, and is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. It also discerns the spiritually minded, who delight in and serve the law of God. Thus the holy law of God discerns between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not. And thus the line will be drawn between those who keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus, and those who worship the beast and his image, and receive their mark.

HIRAM EDSON.

Port Byron, (N. Y.,) Aug. 20th, 1851.