[From Bro. Rhodes.] by Samuel W. Rhodes

Publishing Committee · Saratoga Springs, N. Y. · Aug 5, 1851

[From Bro. Rhodes.]

By Samuel W. Rhodes

[From Bro. Rhodes.]

DEAR BRO. WHITE: I write to let you know that I am still in the field, crying the third angel's message to all who have ears to hear what the Spirit saith to the Laodicean church. The evidences that are now brought to show that this republican and protestant government and nation constitutes the two-horned beast of Rev. xiii, 11, are strong and mighty in convincing all who listen to us, that we have the truth on this part of the message. And the light from the Bible, and facts from history show clearly that the institution and observance of the first day of the week, as a day of rest, is the notable mark of the beast of Revelation.

The commandments of God as brought to view by the two witnesses, (Old and New Testaments,) when presented in their clear light, possess a power that binds those who break them, and holds in silence those who hear them, as the first angel's message bound hypocrites, and held sinners from rage, from 1840 to 1843. Truth is mighty and will prevail. Truth is stronger than the strong man armed, and is destined to triumph gloriously, till all are sealed. Truth obeyed sanctifies every faculty, sense and power of our being, and will enable us to reflect the image of our holy Lord and Master, and save us soon in immortality. Amen.

Bro. Andrews and myself arrived in Camden on Tuesday after we left Ballston Spa, and found the saints there strong and joyful in God their Rock, having one heart and mind to live by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. Wednesday we started for Pitcher, stopped at Bro. Cook's in Manlius over night, found him and his companion growing in the truth. Bro. Case stopped at Manlius, and labored in the word of the Lord with a few brethren on first-day. He sends you the names of Daniel Bates and J. E. Waterman for the paper.

Sabbath and first-day, Bro. A. and self met with twenty or thirty dear souls at Pitcher, who have lately listened to the voice of the Good Shepherd, and opened the door, [Rev. iii, 20,] and received Christ by faith in embracing the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. They are fast obtaining the gold tried in the fire, white raiment, and the eye-salve needful to see the glorious light of the third angel's saying. We had a free time in talking the truth, and are satisfied that the sayings of Jesus sunk so deeply into the hearts of the dear children of God in McDonough, Pitcher and Lincklaen that the devil will not be able to catch away the good seed sown, though he may send along the wisest of his children to throw darkness over the "holy," "just" and "good" law of our blessed God. With tears we parted with the saints in that vicinity, praying that they might be kept by the mighty power of God through faith unto salvation, which is soon to be revealed. Amen.

Last Sabbath and first-day we met in conference at Bath, with Brn. Edson and Case, and with about twenty brethren and sisters in that vicinity. The light on the Sabbath, and the light on that law that Paul calls a shadow, and the Sanctuary connected with that shadow, shown so brilliantly that the saints cannot be easily drawn away from the truth by fables, or vain philosophy, or traditions of men. The Lord's supper was administered, and the ordinance of washing feet was also attended to. The Lord blessed us with his Spirit, and we greatly rejoiced together.

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, rejoice and praise his holy name, for he

hath done great things for the remnant of Jacob, and hath raised up a horn of salvation for those who love and keep his truth.

Yours to suffer with the saints a little while, and then to reign in glory with you to all eternity. O, put on strength, suffer trials, be bold in the truth. Turn the battle to the gate.

S. W. RHODES. Wheeling, July 15, 1851