p. 167 | The Rest That Remains

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Feb 21, 1856

The Rest That Remains

Bro. Hutchins writes from Barton Landing:—"I think of you often. And the choice interviews which I have heretofore enjoyed with you, live in sweet remembrance in my heart to-day. From our first acquaintance, you have ever manifested a deep and continued interest in my present and future welfare which has greatly affected my heart; and melts me with refreshing tears as I write. I am unworthy of such warm and lively expressions of Christian love and fellowship as are bestowed upon me in your kind and encouraging letters to me. God bless you is my fervent and humble prayer; and bestow upon you every needed grace to stand firmly in the truth, and ultimately to reach mount Zion.

"I find myself at times reflecting upon some of the many trials and conflicts through which you have passed, and are now called to meet. But my firm expectations are that God's strong arm will graciously sustain and preserve you, if you trust in him.

"It is the humble prayer of your unworthy brother, that your faith in God may increase more and more; and that your love for his blessed cause may grow stronger and stronger, and that your peace may ever be as a river, 'until the day dawn, and the day-star arise in your hearts.'"

"The 'rest' that remaineth for the people of God, looks inexpressibly sweet to me. For this I sigh, I toil, and mean patiently to endure.

'I'll count no sacrifice too great, Nor murmur though the way be strait; If that quiet, unending rest, I can share with the pure—the blest.'

"The thought of there meeting with all the redeemed of every tongue and nation, and with our guardian angels, and the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, and the Father himself, thrills my very being, which makes my soul cry out, let me be there though I wade through scenes of tears and blood.

"Now is the time to suffer for Christ; for our sufferings are all here. Our joy lies beyond this vale of tears. And what a soul-cheering thought that we have a Father's protecting care as we pass along; 'Who layeth the beams of his chambers in the waters; who maketh the clouds his chariot; who walketh upon the wings of the wind; who laid the foundations of the earth, that it should not be moved forever.' And who has graciously promised, when the 'heavens and the earth shall shake,' to be the 'hope of his people, and the strength of the children of Israel.'

"I am striving earnestly for the Faith of Jesus. I do mean to know more of, and possess a greater degree of that spirit which Jesus had, that led him in scenes of mockery and trial to revile not, neither threaten. My health is usually good, and my spirits high and buoyant. Praise God for ever and ever. Amen."