The Work Is Moving Forward
By S. G. Butler
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: I praise God for his great goodness to me of late. While reading the warm, spirited letters in the Review from the brethren and sisters in Vermont and other places, my poor heart has been much comforted. I rejoice in the Lord that his truth is being spread far and wide, and that while the dear messengers are going from place to place, Jesus, who when he was in the world, said to his sorrowing disciples, "Lo I am with you always even to the end," is faithful to fulfill his word to them. They will ere long receive their wages and gather fruit unto eternal life. The work is moving forward, and all the powers of darkness cannot overthrow it. It is my daily prayer that the Lord would raise up more faithful laborers199to labor in his vineyard; for truly "the harvest is great but the laborers are few." I felt to praise the Lord, when I read in the Review that our Vermont brethren were coming into this great Western field with the Tent, to labor for precious souls who have not rejected such an amount of light as they have in that region; and I believe that the good Shepherd is with them and will direct them. I pray if it is the will of God that they may come to this place, for there is a hearing ear here, and I do long to see souls embracing this last, solemn truth which is destined to triumph. For some time past I have endeavored to heed the counsel to the Laodiceans, to be zealous and repent. I have had a great desire of late to be just right in the sight of God, to live every day as though it were my last. My brethren and sisters, do we realize the solemn time in which we are living? I feel there is great danger of having our hearts overcharged with the cares and anxieties of this life, and that day come upon us unawares. O let us heed the exhortation of the dear Saviour, and daily seek strength and wisdom from him, that we may be kept in this perilous hour. This poor, perishing world is soon to be destroyed, but there remaineth a rest for the suffering saints, who are now struggling for life; and that glorious rest is very near. I expect if faithful to the end to enjoy it with the dear saints of all ages. Those who are sleeping in the dust of earth will soon awake. I want to see the prophets and apostles and martyrs that have laid down their lives for Jesus. "What manner of persons ought we to be in all holy conversation and godliness, looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat. Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth wherein dwelleth righteousness." Let us be diligent that we may be found of him in peace, without spot and blameless. Brother White's address to Sabbath-keeper's children is to the point; and also Bro. Cottrell's on pride. May we profit by them. Yours striving to overcome. S. G. BUTLER.