Striving to Overcome and Stand
By H. Flower
Bro. Smith: I wish to say to the brethren and sisters that we are yet striving to keep the Commandments of God and the Faith of Jesus. We have been made sensible of the lukewarm state that we have so long been in. The message to the Laodiceans is received here, and we take courage while we hear the counsel of the true Witness to buy of him gold tried in the fire that we may be rich. My prayer is that we may be rich in faith, having all the fruits of the Spirit, love, joy, peace, long-suffering, meekness, &c.; for against such there is no law. Having on the whole armor of God that we may be able to stand in the great day, and having done all to stand. The brethren here are striving to gain the victory over sin and the world. I feel that there are higher attainments for me, and my aim is to struggle on till I obtain entire victory. I fully believe that we are having the last message of mercy that will ever be given to the church. The loud cry will soon be given, and our great High Priest will leave the Sanctuary, and the doom of the wicked will be fixed, while the saints shall inherit eternal life. We were comforted by the coming of Bro. Holt last March. His faithful labors here were blessed to the edification and comfort of the church in this place. The brethren are scattering some distance apart. Some of us have to travel five, and others nine miles to meet on the Sabbath. It is thought by some of the brethren that it is out of order to travel so far to meeting on the Sabbath. I would be glad if some of the brethren would give their views on the subject. Pray for us, brethren, that we do all things in a christian manner. Yours in hope.
Ronald, Mich., May 14th, 1857. H. Flower.