BRO. SMITH: I have long felt it my duty to write a few lines through the Review to the brethren and sisters scattered abroad that they may know something of the dealings of God with us, in the year that is past. It is now almost one year since we left our home in Vermont, our friends and relations, and those of like precious faith, and sought a home in the town of Parma Michigan, among strangers, in a strange land.
We have within the past year been called to pass through deep waters of affliction. Sickness and death have entered our family, and taken from our embrace two dear children, an only son aged 18, and our oldest daughter aged 20. Thus has this world become a dark and dreary wilderness to me. Everything of a worldly nature, even our very dwelling, is sad and gloomy. My mind was not in a state to endure such afflictions, and it seemed for a while that I must sink under them, and as though the grave would be a relief. But the Lord has thus far sustained me, and praise his holy name he has promised to be with us in six troubles and in the seventh will not forsake us, if we trust in him. And although these afflictions may seem severe yet we know that he hath done and will do, all things right. I feel now to say with Job though he slay me yet will I trust in him; and I do desire to live so near the Lord that I may learn what he designed I should by these afflictions and to know and do the will of God in all things.
I see truly it is a strait and narrow way to the kingdom; and it is through much tribulation that we enter there. I hope we may all heed the last call, to be zealous and repent, and not think because we have a theory of the truth, and have professed to believe the Third Angel's Message, that we need nothing more; that we are rich and increased in goods, but remember that it is the faithful alone that will reign with Jesus.
Jesus has said, to him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame and am set down with my Father in his throne. Will we let pride, selfishness love of the world or any thing else shut the dear Saviour from our hearts, or will we open the door and welcome him in, that he may sup with us. I mean to seek earnestly for a deeper work of grace in my heart, that I may be prepared for the solemn scenes that are just before us. O let us all awake from stupidity and heed the exhortation of the dear Saviour, to watch lest coming suddenly he find us sleeping.
The Review has always been a welcome messenger to me; but I never knew how to prize it as I do now. It is a source of satisfaction to receive a letter from a friend; but when I get the Review I expect to hear from quite a number of my brethren and sisters, which truly affords comfort and consolation in this time of trial.
The Sabbath-keepers here number twelve, who are striving to keep all of the Commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life. The visits from Bro. and Sr. White, and Brn. Bates and Frisbie, have not been altogether in vain. There appears to be quite an interest to hear on the part of some; and I hope the time is not far distant when our number may be increased by such as will be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. And, dear brother, that you, and others engaged with you in sending out the truth to the world, may be sustained in your arduous labors, is the prayer of your unworthy sister in affliction.
A. BURWELL
Parma, Mich., Dec. 24th, 1856.
P. S. If any of the brethren coming to Battle Creek or traveling on the cars past here would make us a visit we would be very thankful. We live one mile and a half west of the Depot at Parma Station.