Strengthened Faith in Perilous Times
By Fanny Rogers
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: I have had my faith strengthened in reading your communications. I do feel for those lonely ones who have not the privilege which I usually enjoy, of meeting with those of like precious faith, to worship God on his holy Sabbath. Though for a few weeks past I have not been permitted on account of sickness, to meet with them, yet Jesus has been very precious to me, and I have felt that I could "lean my head on Jesus' breast, and breathe my life out sweetly there." I believe that we are living in the last days, and in perilous times. Wicked men and seducers are waxing worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. Satan is at work with all power and lying wonders. Dear brethren and sisters, let us lift up our heads and rejoice for our redemption draweth nigh. From the signs of the times, I believe that the Judge is even now at the door. Shall I, unworthy worm of the dust, stand acquitted in that day? I see that I have made many crooked paths, and since I embraced the present truth, which is a little over one year since, I have many times come far short of doing my heavenly Father's will. I feel at times as though I especially lacked faith and patience, but I want to be an overcomer through the blood of the Lamb. We must have clean hands and pure hearts to stand before the Son of Man. I can hardly find words to express my gratitude and thankfulness to the Giver of all mercies, that when I was giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils, God sent his servant this way, who was the means of taking my feet from the mire and clay of Spiritualism, and placing them on the rock of present truth, and putting a new song into my mouth. Brother Stewart has been laboring with us the past year. His home is with us, but he lectures around in different places. His labors have been abundantly blessed here. He has baptized thirty-seven, and still there are frequent additions of those who are determined to keep the Commandments of God and the Faith of Jesus. The church has of late been striving to arise and come up on higher ground, to put away all selfishness and pride, and to leave the things that are behind, and press forward to the mark of the prize of the high calling of God which is in Christ Jesus. The Lemonweir valley is a great field. Brother Stewart cannot attend to half the calls. The fields are white to the harvest, and the laborers are few. O that the Lord of the harvest would send forth more laborers into his harvest. Lendina, Wis., Feb. 7th, 1858.