p. 167 | JOEL L. LOCKE by Joel L. Locke

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Sep 24, 1857

JOEL L. LOCKE

By Joel L. Locke

From Bro. Locke.

Bro. Smith: I can say for one, that I feel thankful to the Lord for the many blessings he is daily conferring upon us. It has been four years since myself and companion embraced the present truth under the preaching of Brn. Loughborough and Cornell; and my heart rejoices when I look back to that happy time. But since that time, the little remnant here, that are striving to keep the Commandments of God and the Faith of Jesus, have had many light afflictions and trials to encounter, but the grace of God is always sufficient for those that have their trust and confidence in him. We have not heard any of the preaching brethren since Bro. Frisbie came here three years ago last Summer; but we feel thankful that we have privilege of reading the Review and Youth's Instructor. We rejoice as we read the cheering letters from the dear saints scattered abroad. The message to the Laodiceans was indeed meat in due season, for we felt that we were poor, and blind, and naked; but we feel determined through the grace of God to overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony. I desire to have my affections weaned from the earth, and consecrate my all to the service of the Lord.

I would say to the dear brethren and sisters, be faithful and speak often to each other through the Review, and exhort one another, for the day of the Lord hasteth greatly. And may we all watch and pray always, that we may be accounted worthy to escape all those things that are coming on the earth, and stand before the Son of man.

Yours striving for eternal life,

JOEL L. LOCKE

Salem, Ind., Sept. 11th, 1857.