J. N. CUNNINGHAM by J. N. Cunningham

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jan 28, 1858

J. N. CUNNINGHAM

By J. N. Cunningham

From Bro. Cunningham.

Bro. Smith: The lovers of the present truth in this city rejoice greatly at this present time. Bro. Joseph Bates has been here and labored in the cause of truth, making use of scripture and the meek and lowly spirit of Christ for weapons of his warfare, and is crowned with victory and success. His work is not yet done here, though he is now on Stillwill Prairie, ten miles from this city, by request of citizens of that place. There are some strong Spiritualists there to encounter.

Yesterday was the Sabbath of our God. It was kept in this place by a goodly number. The church which has recently been founded here, assembled and kept the day to the Lord. Prayer and intercession was made by the whole church for the success of those that preach plainly the whole truth as it is in Jesus. A lively interest was indeed manifested by our little assembly, and quite a number attended to hear us, on whose faces conviction was depicted. Some have already declared their belief, and wish Bro. Bates to return and administer to them the ordinance of baptism that they may be united with us. Thus the great work is going on. We all feel that we are now doing the will of God, and with some of us it is the beginning, and the first time. O glory to God in the highest, and to his Son Jesus.

At the commencement of last Sabbath I returned from Stillwill, leaving Bro. Bates there. On coming to this city I found three young men inquiring after the truth. I prayed with them, and soon all retired to rest, but they could not sleep. We arose, and all knelt to pray. Fervent prayers were offered up, and thanks be to God, after continuing in this way until twelve o'clock, they obtained relief, and blessed God, while tears rolled down their cheeks, and they wept like children. At the same time they made a solemn resolve to obey the Lord and keep the Sabbath, which they had thus far in their life broken and disregarded. O what a joyful night! Sleep departed from our eyes, and praising God took its place. Hymns and prayers of thanksgiving were offered up to God and the Lamb.

I have lately come to the knowledge of the truth and O, my joy is full. Will all the brethren pray for our little flock? I believe we have entered the vineyard at the eleventh hour; and may we not be glad and greatly rejoice that Jesus is still waiting to be gracious, waiting to admit others? We know not how long the door of mercy will remain open. We verily believe that it will soon, very soon, be forever shut. Then will be heard the decree, "he that is filthy, let him be filthy still; and he that is holy let him be holy still." In that day none will be able to stand but those that have washed their robes white in the blood of the Lamb; those that have patiently watched for his coming, and kept the Faith of Jesus. O let us bear all things for his name's sake. Persecution and tribulation we must expect. Of all these things the Lord has given us due warning, and if we receive not these things we are none of his. Marvel not, brethren if our own nation calls upon us before that great day to lay down our lives, or forsake the faith. Let us be ready. Watch and pray diligently lest ye enter into temptation; for it will require much watching and incessant prayer to stand firm in the perilous days to come. To receive the mark of the beast will be to be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of him that sitteth on the throne.

May we not infer from the words of our Saviour that the time is now at hand, that the seven vials of the wrath of God are to be poured out upon the ungodly? O let us be diligent, charitable, faithful and long-suffering that we may not fail to perform our Master's will in all things, and be accounted worthy to stand on Mount Zion with our beloved Redeemer. Let us earnestly pray that none of us that have set out in this good work fall back, or come short of doing our whole duty; for now that we have received the light of the last message to be given to the world, should we fall back, our condition must inevitably be ten fold worse than it was before we received the light. We now know that we have heretofore disregarded God's holy Sabbath, but now we have the light on it, and consequently we are bound to keep it holy, as much as we are bound to do no murder, or not to violate the rest of the nine. O pray that we may be kept unto the appearing of our Lord.

J. N. CUNNINGHAM

La Porte, Ind., Jan. 17th, 1858.