Your ShelfYour Projects

Progress in Locke

17%

Publishing Committee · Rochester, N. Y. · Jan 10, 1854

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 4, No. 26.

Read the full edition

Progress in Locke

By Marcia S. Avery

From Sister Avery.

DEAR BRO. WHITE:—Having just returned from prayer-meeting, where the dear brethren and sisters were assembled in the name of Jesus, I feel like writing a word for the encouragement of the disciples scattered through the land. We have truly had a good time together to-day, and the Lord was with us. Many of our number were melted to tears; and even the voice of a child was there heard warning the unconverted to obtain a right to the tree of life, and an entrance into the city that hath foundations. It is indeed pleasant to see little children praising the Saviour, and blessed be his adorable name that he has said, "Suffer little children to come unto me." O, who would forbid them? May the Lord help us, dear brethren and sisters, that we may have wisdom and teach them while their minds are young and tender, to love God and keep his commandments.
I have for a long time delayed to inform you of our progress in the present truth, hoping that some one else would do this duty; but as I do not yet see anything from the band in Locke, I fear lest the precious, suffering cause of our Lord should suffer reproach; but praise his name we are not dead here, but are, I trust, in a prospering condition. We still love and obey the law of God, and try to do those things that please him. Although we have of late been somewhat weighed down with trials, we have by the prayers of each other, and the help of Him who heareth prayer, been enabled mostly to overcome them, and the band seem to be daily growing in grace.
The way sometimes looks dark before me; for I have a sinful nature to contend with, that I often fear that I shall never overcome; but yet I am encouraged, and determined to persevere; for this cause is a glorious one, and one, too, that is dear to my soul. The third angel's message is no fiction, got up by man's invention. No! we have it in the sure, unalterable word of God; and by this we must be purified, or we shall fail. O I do rejoice that ever I heard this heaven-born truth; and by it I hope to be prepared to meet, undismayed, my Lord at his coming.
We had a reviving and interesting meeting with the brethren at the October conference. Brn. Waggoner, Case, Cornell and Cranston were present, and the truth was spoken to a large congregation with energy and freedom. Brn. W. gave four discourses on the perpetuity of the Law of God, and gave proof from the Word that it has not been abolished. The labors of love and the untiring zeal of that dear Brother, while with us, will long and gratefully be remembered by our band. May our Lord abundantly reward him. I pray God that his cause may prosper in the west; that his people may be united, and deeply feel the burden and weight of the message, and be prepared to rise with it. May we all give heed to the angel's voice, and "step fast" that we shall be in readiness to receive the seal of the living God, and be numbered among the righteous when the decree goes forth. MARCIA S. AVERY. Locke, Mich., Dec. 17th, 1853.