Trials of the Publishing Work
By Hiram Edson
BRO. SMITH:—Many are the cares, anxieties, and trials of the remnant in this time of their patient waiting for Christ. The record is emphatically true that "Here is the patience of the saints." It is through much tribulation that we are to enter the kingdom of heaven. It is tribulation that worketh patience, and patience experience, and experience hope, &c. It is the fiery trial that serves to purify unto the Lord a peculiar people zealous of good works. Especially do those who are connected with and have charge of the publishing department have their share of cares, anxieties and trials to encounter. This should be borne in mind by the scattered remnant, whose duty it is to stay up their hands and often pray the fervent effectual prayer that strength and grace may be given to sustain them, and wisdom from above and judgment to guide them in the faithful discharge of the important duties and responsibilities which devolve upon them. The work of the Enemy is to alienate the feelings and divide and scatter the flock and throw the Lord's host into confusion, that they may fall an easy prey to his cruel power and be consumed. May the Lord in his mercy thwart his plans, and strongly unite the hearts of his waiting remnant, and give them to see that the spirit that would alienate their feelings and lead them to complain one against another, is from the accuser of the brethren, the destroyer of souls. United we stand, divided we fall. May the Lord help his people to be strongly united, and help us to put away the pride of our hearts, and get where he would have us to be, in self abasement that his name alone may be exalted: then may the light of his reconciled countenance shine more clearly upon us. Martville, N. Y., June 15th, 1856.