BENJ. HOSTLER by Benj. Hostler

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Mar 26, 1857

BENJ. HOSTLER

By Benj. Hostler

From Bro. Hostler.

BRO. SMITH: I have found that those who strive to keep the commandments of God must meet with persecution; that it is a very unpopular thing to live in obedience to God, and that to be his people is to be strangers and pilgrims on the earth. We feel indeed that it is our lot to have no continuing city here.

We look back for two or three years, since we have been connected with the Linklaen church, and would ask, Why has there been a dwindling away? I fear that some at least have felt that they were rich and had need of nothing; when it seems that all should receive the admonition of the faithful and true Witness, to repent, and buy gold tried in the fire, and white raiment, and eye-salve, that our eyes may be opened that we may see clearly what is our real condition; and I fear that it would be that we are wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked. At least I feel that it is and has been the case with me, that I am too cold, and fear that unless I arise from this condition and put on the whole armor of God, the enemy will overcome me, and I be spued out, or sifted out, and fall by the way.

My companion and myself want to endure to the end. When we embraced the truth we had the end in view. We cannot be satisfied with any thing short of immortality and eternal life. I believe we have not had one addition to our number, but I fear many have fallen away in the last three years, and I would ask, Can it be that our ways have pleased God. My request is that God's people, his church at large, would pray for us.

Yours striving to overcome.

BENJ. HOSTLER

Linklaen, N. Y.