p. 118 | LETTERS by E. L. Barr

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Aug 13, 1857

LETTERS.

By E. L. Barr

"Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another."

From Bro. Barr.

BRO. SMITH : I wish to say to the saints scattered abroad that while the reports from the West of the advancement of the cause of truth have served to comfort and cheer us in our past trials, we now have reason to thank God and take courage for what he has done for us of late in Mass. When the Lord called those dear brethren from Vt. to the West, many were sorely afflicted like myself, and felt as though we were left desolate and forsaken. At first I seemed to lose sight of what the Lord had done and what he will do, because I had been leaning on my brethren more than I did on the Lord. New England lay before me a dark picture. The large number of Sabbath haters and truth fighters now began to look like a formidable foe. I thought of the faithful, whole-hearted few, scattered among its mountains and valleys who have toiled on long and hard, and by the help of the Lord and his faithful servants have led many in the narrow way up to the present time; but what could they do now? For a few days, at times, I felt almost like making Elijah's request. 1 Kings xix, 4. Then the second thought would come, Leave the blessed truth that is sweeter than life itself, to the mercy of bitter enemies as long as the God of heaven has charge of it? Die and leave the glorious cause, the only cause worth living for, without giving your all and your life for it first? Leave the dear saints, over which the angels of God that excel in strength watch with anxious care, to suffer without having a share in their sufferings? No never! As the Lord liveth and as thy soul liveth I will not leave thee. Now light comes from the heavenly Sanctuary, and the saints begin to know what to do. Stop here because the Lord hath need of more faithful servants West, and because but little can be done in the East at present? No! Now trust in God, and no longer lean on the brethren. Let us double our diligence, get near to Jesus, and then when the tide turns we shall be strong to work for God, and help swell the loud voice of the Third Angel's Message, and stand with the victors on Mount Zion. Remember that death stares us in the face every moment we remain lukewarm; and the only way to escape it is to be zealous and repent. Be careful then dear brethren, how you live, how you talk and how you act. Read carefully 1st Cor. x, especially the first thirteen verses, and remember that those who fall here, fall never to rise. O do not commence a single day without asking God for heavenly wisdom. How much the blessed cause and precious souls have suffered for lack of heavenly wisdom, which God so liberally offers.

But I must hasten and write in relation to the cause in this vicinity. At our tent meeting at Lancaster last May, when brother and sister White were with us, the truth took effect in Clinton. Since that time several have embraced it heartily, and rejoice in it. Others are still investigating, and find so much light that their chance is small for getting away from it honestly. Our Sabbath meetings at Lancaster for several weeks past have increased in interest and numbers; and our hearts have been made to rejoice by hearing the warm-hearted testimonies of those that the Lord from week to week has been adding to his people. Last First-day the saints in this vicinity went to Stowe, where a good congregation gathered to listen to the truth. The Spirit of the Lord attended the word spoken, and it took effect, while the melting mercy of God caused the penitential tear to flow. Three young persons asked in tears for our prayers, and while they wept, their parents wept, the saints wept, and our fervent prayer still ascends to heaven for them to be sealed the servants of God. Eight came forward and confessed the truth, and some of them were greatly blessed of God when they took the pledge to keep all of the commandments. Others were satisfied that we have the truth, and asked for our prayers for themselves and their families. One Bro. who had taken a deep interest in the former messages, after our meeting closed, said "I am

with you, but if I had attempted to testify in your meeting I could have said nothing but should have broken all to pieces." The door is now open for the truth to be preached at Bolton, as some there have embraced the truth; and by their request we shall hold a meeting there next First-day.

And now let me say in conclusion, dear brethren, and especially those East, If you want to see the tide turn and the cause prosper in the East, just give the more earnest heed to the counsel of the faithful and true Witness; get down at the feet of Jesus where you can love God with all your heart, and one another with pure hearts fervently, and then move out, all having a mind to work, and God's blessing will attend your efforts. The cause now demands a united effort on the part of the church to get deep into the work of God, where we shall be led understandingly into all of his blessed will, O do improve faithfully this last chance to secure the eternal prize. Yours in hope of eternal life. E. L. BARR. Lancaster, Mass., Aug. 5th 1857.

P. S. Will those good brethren in Vt. and N. H., while they remember that it is perilous business to run when God has not sent, remember that it is equally as perilous to keep back when God and the church say, Go. If in consequence of your praying to be excused, or any other reason you find yourselves unprepared to go, make all possible haste to move out in the fear of God, led by his Spirit; for if ever your help was needed it is now. E. L. B.