"Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another."
From Bro. Treadwell.
Bro. Smith: I feel a deep interest in the truths advocated through the Review, especially those that point out the duty of the church at the present time. I feel thankful for the admonitions I have received from faithful brethren who have not feared nor shunned to declare the whole counsel of God. My heart beats in unison with yours in trying to advance those truths upon which the destiny of the church is pending, and I rejoice for the evidence we have that the cause of truth is rising. The Lord has set his hand the second time to recover the remnant of his people; and who is he that may turn it back? But brethren and sisters, we have a work to do individually; that we cannot do one for another, neither can God consistently do it for us. The great work that should engage our attention at this time is to heed the counsel of the faithful and true Witness.
Perhaps we have for years believed this testimony applied to Sabbath-keeping Adventists; but how has it affected our lives? Has it produced that deep heart-felt repentance for our errors and wrongs that has brought us to consecrate ourselves a living sacrifice to God? If it has not, we have great reason to fear that the design of the testimony is not accomplished. That repentance that does not produce a change in our lives and purposes is to my mind of little use. But says one who wishes to excuse himself from coming up immediately to the help of the Lord, I do not think the time has fully come to heed this message: as we have been several years backsliding from God it will require time to return. I consider this a deception of the enemy to still keep us in our lukewarm state, and by thus doing hinder the work of God.
Real labor is required at some one's hands, and upon whom does this labor devolve? Surely not wholly upon God's ministers, although they may have the oversight of the work. There is a part for each one of us to perform in this work in order to have it move on harmoniously. God's messengers may preach the truth, but it is for us to practice as well as they, or it will be like water spilt upon the ground. But says another, It is an individual work to heed this message; the work is between God and our own souls. This is true. Repenting of, and confessing our own sins is a work no other one can do for us; but the idea that we have no right to exhort one another to diligence and faithfulness in seeking for the gold, &c., I understand to be an unscriptural idea; for we are commanded to exhort one another, and so much the more as we see the day approaching. Now if in exhortation we ourselves are led by the Spirit of God we shall be led to point out the most imminent dangers to which the church or individuals may be exposed, whether it be lukewarmness, worldly-mindedness, covetousness, or any other sin. The Apostle commands to exhort, admonish and reprove with all long suffering and doctrine, and I think we need no better evidence that a brother or sister is rich and increased in goods than to see them in a position where they are not willing to be admonished at proper times, and with a right Spirit.
But I am satisfied the church is rising, and though the conflict may be severe it will not be long. Satan well knows his time is short, and no marvel that he brings in his last reserve to oppose the work of God. Be faithful, brethren and sisters, and be sure to gain the evidence for yourselves that your ways please God. Lean not upon any mortal arm, for it will be too weak to save you in the trying time of which the prophet says, "Though Noah, Job or Daniel were in the land he could save neither son nor daughter; but deliver his own soul by his own righteousness."
Though there may be a mighty shaking not one grain of wheat will fall to the ground. If we have hold by faith of the arm of Jesus he will sustain us, while every false hope or sandy foundation will fail. I praise God that there is a spirit that accompanies the message to the Laodiceans that does something for the receiver of the testimony. Yes, it kills him to self and the world, and fills him with joy unspeakable.
Yours in hope,
WM. TREADWELL.
Gilbert's Mills, N. Y., March 16th, 1858.