LETTERS by Stephen Nelson Rhodes

Publishing Committee · Saratoga Springs, N. Y. · Oct 7, 1851

LETTERS.

By Stephen Nelson Rhodes

[From Bro. Rhodes.]

DEAR BRO. WHITE: I write a few words to let you know that I am well, (quite well for me,) and am growing stronger and stronger, and hope through the abounding grace of our blessed God, to hold on my way, though I wade through deep waters, and am torn with briars and thorns by the way. I am at times buffeted by Satan and his agents, who go everywhere to catch away the good seed from the hearts of such as are honestly seeking after a knowledge of the truth, and the true God. I thank God that the Sabbath truth is so plain and clear, that the most ordinary mind established in the Sabbath, can easily with the word of God meet and vanquish all the foes of God's Holy Law. Those carnally minded men and women, who are not subject to the Law of God, neither indeed can be, (as Paul has said of them, Rom. viii, 7,) after speaking much evil of the things they understand not, when they can resist the light and truth no other way, they will resort to the sensual practice of slandering the character of those servants of God, who are proclaiming the message in Rev. xiv, 9—12, speaking all manner of evil against them falsely, because they keep God's holy truth. I choose to suffer affliction with the people of God rather than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a little season. My heart and whole soul is with you in proclaiming aloud the last thrilling truths of God's word, to prepare the host of God on earth to stand in the battle of the great day of God Almighty.

Since I parted with you in Oswego, I have visited Albion, Camden, Lorain, Oswego, Volney, Schroepel, Lincklaen, Pitcher and Elmira. I find the saints in all these places well united, speaking the same things and growing in grace and in the knowledge of the truth. The Lord is doing a good work for the people in Lorain and Boylston. Some precious souls whom I have loved since '43, have lately confessed the light of the Sabbath, and are now united with the few who have been in the way for some years past. The conference at Pitcher was well attended on Sabbath and first-day. We were some disappointed by not seeing our beloved Bro. Bates at this meeting, but the Lord met with us and disappointed us not of his presence and blessings. Brn. Edson and Holt attended with myself; and about thirty brethren and sisters who were not ashamed of "the law and the testimony." The testimonies of the saints to the truth were sweet and refreshing. A deeper interest in the present work of the church is being felt by all. That the blessings of the latter rain may soon refresh God's waiting saints is my earnest prayer.

S. W. RHODES.

Elmira, (N. Y.), Sept. 23, 1851.