COMMUNICATIONS by Alvah Wilber

Publishing Committee · Rochester, N. Y. · May 23, 1854

COMMUNICATIONS.

By Alvah Wilber

From Bro. Wilber.

DEAR BRO. WHITE:—Feeling to praise the Most High, and to take his word for the man of my counsel, and loving the dear brethren scattered abroad, I thought to say a few words for their encouragement. I could not live here alone in Chicopee, were it not for the grace of God. This has been a noted place for Advent believers; but alas! they are scattered and "I am left alone and they seek my life." "The wicked have drawn out the sword, and have bent their bow to cast down the poor and needy, to slay such as be of upright conversation." Ps. xxxvii, 14. "The Lord knoweth the days of the upright and their inheritance shall be forever." Verse 18. "Thy people also shall be all righteous; they shall inherit the land forever, the branch of my planting, the work of my hands, that I may be glorified. A little one shall become a thousand, and a small one a strong nation: I the Lord will hasten it in his time." Isa. lx, 21, 22.

We will take God's word for the man of our counsel. Christ says, If thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. Again: Take up your cross daily and follow me, or ye cannot be my disciples. When a person commits himself before the world to keep all the commandments, he takes up his cross: this is the whole duty of man.

Blessed be God, brethren, we will take his Word. Rejoice then and be exceeding glad; for great is your reward in heaven. Behold, the Lord's hand is not shortened that it cannot save, neither is his ear heavy that it cannot hear. I sometimes go to Springfield to meet with the little band who are trying to live, there, to offer up ourselves a living sacrifice to God.

It is between twelve and thirteen years since I first believed in Christ's soon coming. I believe the world generally has been warned of the judgment-day; but being in gross darkness they heed it not; so that day must come on them as a thief. But, brethren, ye are not in darkness that that day should overtake you as a thief. Blessed be God, we know his going-forth is prepared as the morning; and he that shall come will come and will not tarry.

I hope to be ready with his scattered flock to see him as he is and to be made like him. If any have wandered from the fold, his Word says, Come back again. There is no other way under heaven given among men whereby we can be saved.

ALVAH WILBER.

Chicopee Falls, Mass., May 14th, 1854.