WESTERN TOUR by James White

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jan 1, 1857

WESTERN TOUR.

By James White

BRO. SMITH:—We are now with the brethren at Green Vale, blocked up by snow-drifts. We hope to be able to break through, and pursue our journey toward Wawkau, Iowa, in a few days. Brn. Hart and Everts are with us, taking us through with their team.

Our Conference near Round Grove was not attended by any from a distance, in consequence of storm, yet the house was filled on First-day with very attentive hearers. Our meetings with the Brn. there, we hope, will result in much good. We trust they will speedily deliver themselves out of the snare of this world in which they have become entangled. Our last meeting with them was a searching time. God manifested his power, and searched out and exposed the condition of those whose works deny their profession of faith.

On our way to this place we put up for the night at Bro. Mitchell's, at Genesee Grove. They are believers of the Lord's make. One copy of the "Midnight Cry" was sent to sister Mitchell's father, who was then Post Master. He read and believed. Took it to Bro. and Sr. M., who also read and believed, and have since advocated the faith and hope of the gospel. About two years since, they embraced and confessed the Lord's Sabbath: before their neighbors, at the close of the first discourse they heard on the subject. Bro. Mitchell has been prospered for a few years in cultivating the soil. May God give him success in preparing for the work, and entering the gospel field. Man-made teachers almost destitute of experience, can do but little in these perilous times. The battle is coming, and the contest demands God-made soldiers, humble, sacrificing, yet bold and unyielding on the field of battle.

The Lord is giving us a testimony for this people, which seems to be taking a deep hold of them. But the inquiry comes up, Will they continue? If they fully obey the testimony to the Laodiceans, they will hold on their way, and grow stronger and stronger. There are young men and women in this church who may be pillars in the church if they will die to this world and follow Jesus Christ. Our greatest fears for them are that they will not fully see their condition, and repent zealously, and hold their consecration. An entire change must be made, or the Lord will spue them out of his mouth. But those whom God loves will be zealous and repent, and receive the Saviour into their hearts, Jesus will sup with them and they with him.

For the past year we have greatly desired health sufficient to enter this Western field which indeed seems white for the harvest. God has been answering prayer. We endure the exposures of the season on this journey much better than we had dared to hope. Glory to God, for what he has done. We are able to preach much without injury. It is good to trust in the Lord. If the brethren in Illinois wake fully up to the work, we shall endeavor to join them with a tent next Summer.

It is fully time for the remnant to awake to the great work before them. We fully believe that all that is necessary to introduce the loud cry of the Third Angel, is for the remnant to arouse and perfect their faith by corresponding works. Then Jesus (who is now without, knocking) will come in. The gifts will revive in the church, and the mighty truths of the Third Message will be set home to the honest in heart by the power of the Holy Ghost.

With this hope growing and burning within, we remain yours for the whole truth, and its sanctifying power. Green Vale, Ills. Dec. 15th, 1856.