Counsel to the Scattered Saints
By Isabel G. Meacham
Bro. Smith: Having no privilege of meeting with brethren and sisters of like precious faith, and enjoying with them a social interview, and 'sitting in heavenly places in Christ Jesus,' I would speak through the organ of the church, and let them know that I am still trying to keep all the Commandments of God and the Testimony of the Saviour. Although we meet with many cares and trials on the way, if we are faithful, he who led Israel through the wilderness into the land which flowed with milk and honey, will also lead us into that heavenly Canaan, where sorrow and sighing will flee away, and where all tears will be wiped from every eye by the kind hand of our heavenly Father. I believe that the counsel addressed to the Laodiceans by the true Witness is the last that will ever be given to the church; and shall we not heed the warning? Or shall we let it pass unheeded by, and at last be found with foolish virgins with no oil in our vessels? Do we realize our condition? and are we willing to sacrifice all upon the altar of God, and become a poor, despised, outcast people, of whom the world will not be worthy? Shall we arise in the strength of Jehovah, and come up to the help of the Lord against the mighty, and go forth, 'fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners'? Or shall we settle down with the idea that we are 'rich and increased with goods and have need of nothing,' and finally be found with those who have written on their garments, 'Weighed in the balance and found wanting?' For one I feel like arising from this lukewarm state, and girding on the whole armor of God, that I may be able to stand in the evil day, and having done all to stand. Yours striving to enter into the kingdom.
ISABEL G. MEACHAM.
Savanna, Ills., Jan. 1st, 1857.