DEAR BRO. WHITE:—After this length of time I wish that a few lines of mine might appear in your excellent paper. But where to begin or end, about talking of the blessed Jesus I know not; but still I will go on to praise his adorable name for the way that he has led me. But I am sorry and feel ashamed to acquaint the dear Sabbath-keeping children, that for more than seventy years of my life, I have, in ignorance, trampled upon God's Holy Sabbath. For so doing I trust my Heavenly Father has forgiven me, for the sake of his dear Son. Praised be his name.
I have now passed eighty years of my life, and regret very much that I have not lived more devoted to the Lord. But by his help I will endeavor to walk more circumspect in the future. I wish we could bear in mind the necessity of being often in secret prayer. The inward man gains strength by retiring from the noise and bustle of the world, and being shut in with God. My soul can witness to the truth of this, this morning.
I want to say a word of caution to my dear brethren and sisters, and take a large portion of it to myself. I am almost ready, yea, do now, wipe the tears from my eyes that I have been overtaken in the fault of light conversation. Depend upon it, in proportion as we let in the spirit of the world, the dove-like Spirit of Jesus will go out.
There are only three Sabbath-keepers in this large city, but to any of the saints who may feel discouraged at this, I would say, cheer up, dear brother or sister, a better day is coming, when the latter rain with "bright clouds" will appear, not with black clouds, as we have now when it rains. That will be full of refreshment.
I must say that the Advent preaching has spoilt, for me, the preaching in the nominal churches. I cannot profit hearing their see-saw preaching.
O what a blessed meeting, when all the saints get home—to see the untold millions break through the tombs of marble and come up from the old churchyards, clothed with immortality, and the martyrs of Jesus, and the ocean casting out every jewel that has been buried in a watery grave. Immortality! It is enough to enrapture our souls with holy fire until Jesus comes.
Shortly he will come. He said he would come again. The two shining ones that saw him when he went up told the men of Galilee that he would come again in the same manner that they saw him go up. No Spiritualism about this! He went up in a visible body, and he will come in the same; and holy angels will escort him down the skies! Is not this heart cheering? When we meet with trials, though they may thwart our natural feelings, yet all things work together for good to them that love God.