The Church Trying to Arise
By Elon Everts
DEAR BRO. SMITH: I would say a word to the scattered saints, if by any means to encourage them. While I am privileged with accounts from the various parts of the field, (and to me it appears a limited one as yet,) that the remnant are struggling for victory, and gain tokens of advancement by the presence of the Lord to raise up the bowed down, and restore the sick in answer to their cries in faith, I would say that I believe the church here is trying to arise. The power of the Adversary is manifestly great all around us in a multitudinous form. O how daring and blasphemous are the wicked! And where are the wicked? Are we not forced to cry out that the fallen churches are a cage full of them? As I go about I meet with many who are the most respectable of community, and in conversation ask them if they belong to a church? They say, We once did. Do you enjoy religion? The answer is, We once did. O how solemn are the reflections when I see how manifest that the love of many is waxed cold, and that the mighty are fallen. O what a thrilling experience some will relate to me of by-gone days. O how, say they, we pressed our way over these prairies to the log cabins with torch-light, through the dark and inclement weather, nothing hindering, to hear the word of the Lord and the coming of Jesus; and the power of the presence of the Lord would prostrate half a score in the meeting, and the shout of Glory! Glory! from the torch-lighted company could be heard in every direction as they trode their way to their homes. I am made astonished by having pointed out to me this and that large prairie farmer, or this persevering speculator as ones who composed that humble, rejoicing company, but now can scarcely be stopped from their eager pursuits to listen to the truth that is to judge them. How much I feel admonished to cherish the blessed, present truth in my heart, and strive to square my life by the same, and give all diligence to make my calling sure, by overcoming, that I may enjoy the peaceful reign of Jesus.
ELON EVERTS.
Round Grove, Ills., Jan 12th, 1858.