Letter from Bro. Hart by Josiah Hart

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Sep 25, 1856

Letter from Bro. Hart.

By Josiah Hart

Dear Brethren and Sisters: Perhaps it might be interesting to you to hear a word from me at this time, and also to know what I have been doing since moving west. I can say that I have been trying to hold up the truth in my feeble way. I have held meetings on every First-day except one, for the last four months, in different places, at the district school-houses. I could see no way to advance the cause under present circumstances better.

There has been an ear to hear the present truth, and also a disposition on the part of some to oppose the truth; and in every case where open opposition has been made, the cause has been furthered.

The shepherds of the flock have discovered an anxious desire on the part of some to hear, and have tried to allay their feelings by preaching to them fables, or holding up as the Sabbath the first day of the week. This was acknowledged by some of their members as not satisfactory.

A minister came some six miles, and gave out a challenge in public, proffering to prove the first day of the week a rest day. The people wished me to accept it, which I did, (although I have ever been opposed to discussions.) I think the cause of truth was advanced. I tried to show that we had but one Lawgiver, and that one Lawgiver had never changed his law. But while my opponent was trying to make out that we had more than one, he forgot his question or proposition, to prove Sunday the rest day. This he acknowledged when the question was called for. With much agitation he pursued his subject, and he only used two texts, usually quoted on that subject. I called for testimony. He acknowledged himself about out; which brought some laughter in the congregation. We had every reason to believe that the congregation saw where the truth lies.

How good the Lord is to give us a truth that may be spoken by the unlearned so as to confound the wisdom of the world. May the Lord help us to so keep his commandments, that we may be more than a match for all our enemies. The truth is yet precious; the truth will have its sanctifying effects on those who live it.

I often think of our scattered situation, and were it not for the remembrance that our Saviour said he would come and gather his people, my heart would be sad; but this cheers the drooping spirits of his people; the words, I will come again and receive you to myself.

We must hold on by faith, and persevere to the end; for those are the ones that are to be saved. Our faces are to be set as a flint Zionward. No trials should hinder us on the way to mount Zion. It is eternal life to the overcomer; everything on the one hand, and death on the other. This should lead us to faithfulness, and to endure trials as good soldiers of the cross; for the race is not to the swift, or those that run for a moment, but those that endure to the end.

Yours seeking for eternal life. JOSIAH HART.

Round Grove, Ills., Sept. 1856.