Sr. Bates of Fairhaven, Mass., writes to sister Belden:—"I will address a few lines to you to acknowledge the receipt of $8, from the sisters at Battle Creek, for which favor you all have my warmest thanks. May our beneficent Master who has promised a reward for a cup of cold water given in his name, reward you an hundred fold in this world, and in that which is to come life everlasting. It is very grateful to my feelings to know that I have the sympathy of the dear saints of God. I often feel that I am blessed in answer to their prayers.
"The brethren have my thanks for the interest they have taken for my dear husband, that they have helped him 'after a godly sort,' and above all I thank my kind heavenly Father that he has disposed your hearts to sacrifice for his cause. To such there is a precious promise in his Word."
[BRETHREN and Sisters, let us remember the servants of God that devote themselves to his cause, and faithfully labor for the salvation of souls. Let us not forget that they sacrifice their pleasant homes, the society of their families, and travel in the heat and cold for weeks and months together. They often feel weary and sad, and perhaps when you least realize it, are troubled about their families at home. Often they have not means to send to the relief or support of their families. The servants of God need your support and comfort. Be awake. Feel and see their wants. Look closely, and see if they are comfortably clothed. Don't wait for them to express their wants. This perhaps they will not do. It is your duty to inquire into their wants. Don't neglect your duty, and think others will attend to this. Lay aside your selfish and sensitive feelings, and enter right into their wants.
Sisters, we can do something in this matter. We can deny ourselves of articles we do not actually need—wrought collars, undersleeves, "stomachers," &c., which are expressly forbidden in God's Word. Isa. iv.
Lay by yourselves in store what is spent to gratify pride, and it will make quite a sum towards defraying the expenses of the families of the messengers. They are continually making a sacrifice. They are deprived of the society of their companions, and they should have our warm sympathy, and our fervent prayers.
Our dear Bro. and Sr. Bates deserve our prayers, sympathy and support. We will remember them in their self-denial and sacrifice, and see that their wants are well supplied.]