The Importance of Peace
By Samuel Everett
DEAR BRETHREN:—We wish to say a few words to you at this time on the importance of peace—I mean the spirit of peace in opposition to the spirit of war. Some of you may be strongly solicited to aid the cause of freedom. But let us stand fast in the faith. We wait for the freedom of the sons of God, and the coming of the Prince of Peace. Let us not cast away our confidence which hath great recompense of reward. The spirit of politics and war are so exciting at this time that we need to be on our guard. We may indeed pity the suffering people in Kansas; but we cannot fight with them, nor for them. We must put away "all anger, wrath, malice and bitterness with all evil speaking." Let us then be known as peace-makers, and direct others to seek the peace of God. Said Bro. Miller, Be not deceived with the cry of "Free Soil." So now let us not be deceived with the cry of "Freedom." Things as well as men must grow worse and worse till Jesus comes. Let us heed his words: [Luke xxi, 35;] "And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man." May we all heed the timely warning, waiting for the glorious liberty of the sons of God. I remain your brother in tribulation.
SAMUEL EVERETT.
Iowa City, Iowa.