Preparing Through Trials
By Lovisa Horr
BRO. SMITH: Separated as I am from the dear people of God, I am thankful for the privilege of bearing testimony to the precious truths that have so often feasted my soul. I still feel a sweet and heavenly union with the saints, although I have not the privilege of meeting with them on God's holy Sabbath as I once had. In weakness and trembling I am striving to overcome the world and all my besetting sins, and also to obtain the gold tried in the fire, the white raiment and the eye-salve, that I may be thoroughly prepared to endure the perils of the last days upon which we have already entered. I want the true charity that never faileth. Without it I am nothing. It would rejoice my heart if I could see some of the dear brethren and sisters here. Sickness and sorrow, trials and afflictions, have been my lot since I came to this western country; but the Lord is very good to me, he hath done all things well. He is my rock and my fortress, my high tower and my deliverer. I want to trust in him. We shall have to learn, if we have not already, that the way to the kingdom of heaven lies through tribulation; but Jesus has trod the rough pathway before us. I want to suffer with him that I may at last reign with him. I would not climb up any other way. Said Jesus, I am the door: by me if any man enter in he shall be saved, and shall go in and out and find pasture. The way that leads to life is very strait and narrow, but none too strait. It is just right. I want to be remembered by the dear people of God in my loneliness here. I feel very thankful to my kind Father in heaven, and also to his children, that I can have the Review to read, which is a great comfort to me, and I prize it very highly. As to myself, I have nothing that I can call my own. I sometimes feel very lonely, but I keep hoping on that the Lord will send some of his faithful servants this way to give the last message of mercy to this people. There are precious souls here that need the truth, and there are those that want to hear. We are twelve miles east of Fond du lac. Yours in hope of eternal life at the resurrection of the just. LOVISA HORR. Forest, Wis., March 4th, 1858.