A Call for Laborers in Bristol
Sister Lucinda Sims writes from Bristol, Wis., June 26th, 1857. "Myself and daughter are the only Sabbath-keepers I know of in this region. It is a hard place, but the work is the Lord's and I hope he will search this place through and see if he has any jewels here. O that the Lord would send some of his children here to proclaim the truth. There are a number here that have once felt the Lord to be precious, and known the joys of pardoned sin, but have seemingly buried their religion under their forties and eightieths and qr. sections, and appear to be slumbering over the idea that there is time enough yet. The Methodists often preach here; they like to go to meeting, do well by the preachers, but no interest seems to be felt, and so they may preach on as Noah before the flood, and unless the Lord bless the word there will be no interest, "We want the truth here, and the whole truth made plain and set before the people. Will the Lord send laborers into the harvest. My heart beats in unison with all the dear saints of like precious faith who keep the Commandments of God and the Faith of Jesus. I have not the privilege of conversing with any of the dear brethren. My heart would rejoice if I could add anything to the encouragement of the dear scattered ones of the flock, who have waded as it were through seas of opposition, discouragement and affliction in the cause of their blessed Master. When disheartened and sad and alone, by having the privilege of reading the communications from the brethren and sisters in the Review, I have been cheered, encouraged, and strengthened. And I am not above being benefitted by even the lambs of the flock, although I have been on my pilgrimage over forty years and am nearly sixty years of age, still I am needy; I have to say 'Here are temptations and trials severe,' yet glory to God there is rest for the faithful believer in Jesus. By the word of truth we are assured that the coming of the Lord is near. Have not the signs predicted by the Saviour passed before this generation as never before? I believe the sealing time has come, and soon will angels shout the harvest home. Yes soon the dear lonely scattered pilgrims that stand the test of the Third Angel's Message, will sing the new song on the fair banks of deliverance. I am determined by God's grace assisting, to overcome all my foes and persevere, that I may help swell the strain of glory to God and the Lamb who giveth us the victory. Amen."