Encouragement to the Saints
By Cornelia Lawton
DEAR BRO. WHITE:—It is fifteen months since I embraced the Sabbath and commenced its observance with the Lord's dear people. The love I feel for the remnant, and for the cause, has prompted me to write; and if I can speak a word of sympathy or encouragement to cheer the hearts of the saints I shall feel that it has not been in vain. Never did I desire more than at present, to be a laborer in the vineyard of the Lord, and to do my utmost to help forward his cause. When I look abroad upon the world, I behold the fields already ripe for the harvest. The harvest is great and the laborers few. O how we should pray the Lord of the harvest to send forth laborers into his harvest! We may not all be messengers, yet we can and ought to labor to sustain those who are, not only by our fervent, effectual prayers, but with the means which God has placed in our hands. It should be given freely and cheerfully. We should rejoice that we have it to bestow. We who are looking for the speedy coming of the Saviour, cannot do otherwise. To be consistent with our faith, our property, our friends and all must be upon the altar. Our lives must be in conformity to the word of God. We should not conform to this wicked world by indulging in any thing needless. I like Bro. Cottrell's views on dress in No. 3. Let us lay aside all pride and pray fervently that we may be a holy people, zealous of good works. The way is strait and narrow; and none but the pure in heart can stand before the Son of man. I have felt of late that God was about to pour the latter rain upon his people that they may be better prepared to help forward the cause. Praise God, the work is his, and he will carry it on. The Lord was with his dear servants while holding a Tent-meeting in this place. Although the light shone in a dark place, where prejudice is strong, yet, thank the Lord, there are some who comprehend it; and through more labor bestowed, other jewels may be brought out, we have reason to hope. May the Lord hasten the time when the truth will be more fully set before this people. To the dear saints I would say, Lift up your heads; for your redemption is near. We are pilgrims and strangers in this world, but the Saviour has said, Fear not, little flock, it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Then let us breast the storm; it will not be long; we shall soon get home and be forever with the Lord. My longing heart says, "Come Lord Jesus, come quickly." Yours longing for immortality.
CORNELIA LAWTON. Herkimer Co., N. Y., Aug. 26th, 1855.