JESSE DORCAS by Jesse Dorcas

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jan 24, 1856

JESSE DORCAS

By Jesse Dorcas

From Bro Dorcas.

BRO SMITH:—It is now Winter, cold, frosty, bleak Winter. The thermometer ranges, from 25, above, to the same degree below zero! and my sympathies are moved within me for the inmates of many a miserable hut. But this is not the worst feature of the case: the thick, dark, winter of prejudice, and superstition has commenced in all its fearfulness to sweep over the land! and its chilling influence is every where felt. But in the midst of these unpleasant circumstances, we may freely indulge the hope, that Summer, beautiful, delightful, blooming Summer, will soon be here.

In a late tour, of about three weeks, I have had an opportunity to learn many things; for I went out with the chart, and a pretty good supply of books upon the subjects of the Sabbath and Sanctuary, with the express design to learn the minds of the people, to impart instruction, and to scatter the means of information among the people.

Among the encouraging things that I learned, were these; that, amidst all the opposition of friends, and ministers, there are some honest souls who are determined to investigate these subjects, of which we speak, for themselves; and take the Bible for their rule. My visits, exhortations, and labors in general, were kindly received, and many scenes occurred that I shall never forget. May the day be hastened when all the destitute shall be supplied, not only with the Word of life, but with the true knowledge of it.

A word in relation to the cause or church, in this State. It is generally known, I presume that Bro. G. W. Holt has come into this field of labor. But such has been the feeble state of his health, most of the time he has been here, with the addition of an afflicted family, to some extent, he has not been able to do much in the way of preaching. Though so far as he has been able to get out, his labors have been very acceptable to the lovers of truth. And had it not been for a distracted state of things, in the main body of the church in this state, much good, no doubt, might still have been accomplished. But as it was, but little comparatively has been done. But upon the whole we have reason to thank God, and take courage; seeing that through the mercy of God, and the careful, and well timed work of Bro. Holt, we have now a release from those grievous trials, and are restored again to union and love, and I humbly trust to a corresponding zeal for the promotion of the present truth. As to myself, dear Bro. I can say, that I am measurably recovered from the effects of the severe trials through which I have recently passed in relation to the visions, and Age to come.

I would say to our much esteemed Bro. Bates

through the Review,) that I recieved his kind letter, and know not how to be grateful enough for his kind care for me; that I follow his advice, with grateful recollections of past instructions.

Yours in hope of the perfecting of the saints.

JESSE DORCAS

Freemont, Ohio. Jan., 9th., 1856.