DEAR BRO. WHITE: I think much of the idea of a paper for the children. I hope there will be matter calculated to instruct them in their duty to their parents enjoined in the fifth commandment [Ex. xx, 12; Eph. vi, 2, 3.] with the fourth, Ex. xx, 8–11. I know that much must be done for many of the children of those parents who have embraced the present truth. Do parents realize the responsibility which God holds them under while they are trying to keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus, and preparing to stand in the battle in the day of the Lord. I understand that we are held accountable to God for our children while they are under our care. Now if we would have them saved, and escape the judgments of God in the seven last plagues, we must see to it that they keep God's commandments and live in obedience to their parents.
I feel that we have reason to be very thankful to God, in this place, that he was mindful of us in sending the message of the third angel, which a goodly number have received, and the interest seems to be increasing.
The labors of Brn. Bates and Case, I think will result in much good through this region. There is a large field of labor through this part of the country, almost ripe for the harvest. Who will God send into his vineyard? My prayer is, send by whom thou wilt, that the truth may go to the scattered flock. I feel willing in God to do all I can.
I have just returned from a tour towards Lake Michigan. Found some souls there starving for the truth. The commandments of God were presented, and the testimony of Jesus, and some seemed quite interested in the subject, who I think will embrace the truth.
I am determined, by the help of God, to go through, at the expense of everything.
I want to become entirely reconciled to the will of heaven. I feel like dedicating all to God. I want to be sanctified and made meet for the Master's use, and become more like my Saviour, and more like a child. How necessary it is that we become holy in heart and in life in order to do good while we go forth, bearing precious seed, crying, the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus, and let our light shine, that others seeing our good works may glorify our Father which is in heaven.
Your brother, in patient waiting for deliverance,
WATERMAN PHELPS.