Note from Bro. Dorcas by Jesse Dorcas

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Feb 18, 1858

Note from Bro. Dorcas.

By Jesse Dorcas

DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: Bro. Rhodes is with us turning the hearts or affections of the fathers to the children, and the children to the fathers, in a much more effectual manner than has hitherto been done. This is the labor that we have needed here, and it is wonderful to see what a power there is in this work of God in pressing forward the present work of truth; for it is certainly true, that if parents have not "vital religion" enough to do their duty to their own families, they have no real power to do their duty to others abroad.

Let us do our duty faithfully at home, as parents, and we should soon see how it would lighten the steps of the weary messenger of present truth, and enable him to go out into the darkness that surrounds us, lifting up his voice like a trumpet against the growing sins of the present age.

Bro. Holt is doing a good work in this region. Some thirty have embraced the present truth under his labors, about nine miles South of Perrysburgh; and the work is still onward.

Also at Findlay, notwithstanding the rejoicing of the Devil and wicked men of all denomination at the apparent failure of Sabbath-keepers in securing a goodly number from that place, yet there is a "little flock" even here, which is, in the eyes of the Lord, of great price.

At Gilboa, the work is onward and mighty. Wicked men and seducers are waxing worse and worse. They have labored this winter, combined, or nearly so, for some weeks, trying to get up an excitement, as they are commonly called in these last days; but to no effect, only that of making their condition the more intolerable and hopeless. O that the God of our fathers would strengthen his scattered people, and give them an ardent love for each other that will prompt them to meet often, and cheer each other on in the race that is set before us.

JESSE DORCAS.

Portage, Ohio, Feb 8th, 1858.