Visits Among Sabbath Keepers
By William Phelps
Bro. Smith: Since I last wrote I have visited the south-west part of Sauk county. I found one Sabbath-keeper, and the only one that I know of that has ever lived in that part of the county, holding fast the truth. Preached twice on First-day to a good congregation of attentive hearers. Some interest manifested; some quite anxious for me to return and give a course of lectures, which I intend to do as soon as circumstances will admit. Then I visited the friends at Westport; found most of them firm in the Sabbath truth; preached once, then returned home, and then visited the friends at Alden, Ills. I found a few precious souls firm in the truth. They had been three years without receiving a visit from any preacher, and some had got almost discouraged. I preached five times, which seemed to encourage them. They resolved to press their way into the kingdom. That was the first band of Advent Sabbath-keepers that was raised up in the State of Illinois. When the meeting closed, one or two that never had obeyed the commandments of God, decided to keep them in future, and go with the remnant to mount Zion. The morning I left, one was baptized. May the Lord bless those lonely ones that are striving to keep all his Commandments, and give them the Faith of Jesus. I feel thankful for the Review. While I read the communications from the dear brethren and sisters, it is like a meeting with those loved ones; and I anticipate the time when the redeemed of the Lord shall be gathered home. Isa. xi, 11, xxxv, 9, 10. I want to see the cause prosper, for I believe it is a short work the Lord will make upon the earth. Soon the Third Angel's Message will go with a loud cry; then the day of salvation will be over; then he that is filthy will be filthy still. Then behold I come quickly, says Jesus, and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. How necessary that we have all on the altar, so that we can work for God. O may God help us, my dear brethren and sisters, to get on the armor, that we may be able to stand in the evil day, and having done all to stand. Your brother striving to overcome.
W. Phelps.
Hebron, Wis., Aug. 1st, 1858.