A Lonely Traveller by U. Bucklin

Publishing Committee · Rochester, N. Y. · Feb 21, 1854

A Lonely Traveller

By U. Bucklin

From Sister Bucklin.

DEAR BRO. WHITE:—While many of my dear brethren and sisters who love our Lord Jesus Christ, are identified with his cause on earth, and rejoice in hope of the glory to be revealed at his appearing and kingdom—while many such are on his Holy Day gathered together in small companies, speaking freely to each other, exhorting and comforting each other, mingling their voices and faith at the mercy seat, and realizing the faithfulness of the "Coming One" who has said, "Where two or three are gathered together in my name there am I in the midst." There are others scattered up and down the earth, who are like myself sitting in solitary places, and whose language emphatically is "I'm a lonely traveller here, &c."

With such I can truly sympathize; for with the exception of a Sabbath-day spent at Bro. C. Andrew's, N. Y. city, I have not met in social worship with those of like precious faith, since last July, when I parted from the little band in Waukau, Wisconsin. They too have their trials; but I rejoice that the Lord knoweth them that are his. "He knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptation" and blessed be his name that while he sees it necessary to keep us in the furnace his wisdom and love stand pledged for our safety and purity if we confide in him.

I have just been reading a letter in which the writer says, "How necessary that our words be pure." Ah, indeed! how important it must be, when he who spake as never man spake has said, "Blessed are the pure in heart; for they shall see God. Who can estimate the value of a pure heart, cleansed by the precious blood of that Lamb who was without blemish; in whose lips there was found no guile. Oh for a fresh application of it to every believer's heart: then shall we offend not in word, and be able also to bridle the whole body; for a good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, any more than a corrupt tree can bring forth good fruit.

Situated as I am at present, among a people who enact and execute laws in violation of the plainest precepts of the gospel, who regard it a crime to do unto a brother in bonds as we would they should do unto us, it cannot be expected that many, if any, are inquiring for the narrow way, or a close walk with God. I have not met with the first one yet. O what a feast it would be, to meet once more with a whole-hearted Christian. I have endeavored to present soul and body a living sacrifice to God, and my prayer daily is, "Direct, control, suggest, this day, All I design to do or say."

The result I leave with him, realizing I am not mine own, but that I have been purchased with the precious blood of Christ. I look to him as the model. I long to be like him. His word is precious unto me. I am much interested in the letters published in the Review and in proportion as I discover the spirit of consecration, I am strengthened and encouraged. O that the great head of the church would baptize his people anew with the spirit of holiness, and multiply witnesses to the power of his grace; that power that enables its possessor to keep looking unto Jesus, overcoming the world, through faith in his precious blood.

I am sometimes led to cry out, "How long O Lord how long, shall the wicked triumph." How long ere the voice of the oppressor shall cease from the land. Let us still pray, "Thy Kingdom come; thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven." Yours in hope. U. BUCKLIN. Yorktown, Va., Feb. 4th, 1854.