SAMUEL TREAT by Samuel Treat

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Oct 15, 1857

SAMUEL TREAT

By Samuel Treat

From Bro. Treat.

BRO. SMITH: Under a sense of long neglected duty I seat myself to write a few lines to the scattered flock of like precious faith, through the Review, and let you know that although I have so long kept back, it has not been altogether for want of interest, but circumstances hitherto have been unfavorable. Placed as I am here in this dark region, I long to see some of the saints of God, hear of God's dealings with them, and participate with them in their joys and sorrows; but not having the pleasure of seeing, it is a great satisfaction to read communications from the brethren and sisters in the Review.

When Bro. White's article came out on the seven churches it found me not only in the Laodicean state, but also bearing all of its characteristics; feeling rich and increased with goods and in need of nothing; or in other words, feeling that we had the truth, in regard to keeping the Commandments of God and the Faith of Jesus, while at the same time I was destitute in a great measure of it in my poor heart. But thanks be to God, I think those stirring appeals were sent home to my heart for a while, and I did endeavor to heed the counsel of the True Witness, to buy of him gold, white raiment, and eye-salve. I still bless God that his Commandments are not grievous, although they are exceeding broad. And though I have not so much deep feeling as I have had, yet I am still striving to hold on to God's word, and mean to be an overcomer by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of my testimony. God's word says, Blessed are the pure in heart; for they shall see God. I desire to lead a pure and upright life that I may have right to the tree of life, and enter in through the gates into the city.

My prayer is that the Review may constantly go forth to the scattered saints, bearing precious fruit, and the blessing of God may rest down upon those engaged in its publication. May God also bless all the dear heralds of the cross, already gone forth to proclaim the last and solemn message of mercy to a dark and unbelieving world; and may he also send forth more laborers into his vineyard; for of a truth the harvest is great but the laborers are few. O how I long to hear God's word from some of the living preachers, that I may get my soul refreshed.

Dear brethren and sisters in the Lord, let us be faithful even to the end, for the righteous Lord has promised to give us a crown of life at his appearing and kingdom. He says: "As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: If any man hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to him, and sup with him, and he with me. 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."

SAMUEL TREAT

Searsport, Me., Sept. 27th, 1857.