E. L. BARR by E. L. Barr

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jan 17, 1856

E. L. BARR

By E. L. Barr

From Bro. Barr

BRO. SMITH:—It is with a glad heart that I take my pen in hand to write a few lines to the saints scattered abroad. I do rejoice for the light that now shines from God’s holy Word, to illuminate the pathway of the remnant through the perils of time’s last hour. Never, I think, in all my life, have I so ardently desired to love God with my entire being, as at the present time. In view of his gracious remembrance of his poor afflicted people of late, I can truly say with David, “O that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men.”

For one, dear brethren, I would that for ever our doubts and fears might be laid aside, and we hereafter show ourselves the children of faithful Abraham. I do rejoice in the exceeding great and precious promises that are given to the remnant in these last days, that by the same we might become partakers of the divine nature.

God is faithful, brethren, be careful and never grieve his blessed Spirit again with your cruel unbelief.

Had I ten thousand lives I would risk them all on his blessed truth. Though he hides his face from us for a small moment, yet in great mercy he does remember us.

My heart has been greatly encouraged in view of what God is doing for his people. Our meetings of late have been graced with the presence of the Lord. Many of the dear saints have looked at the wave until like Peter, they have prayed, Lord save or I perish. This petition has been acceptable to God while his people have confessed their faults, he has been just and faithful to forgive, which has encouraged their hearts to trust in him still and be more faithful for the future. Again how encouraging it is to the way-worn pilgrims to see honest souls joining the ranks of the commandment-keepers, notwithstanding the efforts of the enemy to exterminate the true disciples.

And now let me say in conclusion, “Put on the whole armor of God.” Now is the time to labor. Now is the time to be diligent and suffer patiently, and win a never-fading crown. But above all, dear brethren, I do pray that the Watchmen may take the prophets for an example of suffering affliction and of patience. Remember God has sent you out with the Third Angel’s Message. Make that then your whole business, and never, no never let the work cease and God’s scattered people starve for the bread of life, because you have left the walls, and gone down to the plains of Ono to attend a conference. If faithful, dear brethren, in a little way from this, as soon as we can possibly get ready, Jesus will come and take his people home.

E. L. BARR

Hampton, Ct, Jan 2d, 1856.