Letters by A. C. Hudson.

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Nov 25, 1858

Letters.

By A. C. Hudson.

"Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another."

From Sister Hudson.

BRO. SMITH : Should I write you some of the conflicting thoughts and feelings that at times fill my heart and mind, it may be of no benefit. Yet a leaf from the hidden heart may give some knowledge of the book of life. At one time I love the commandments engraven on stone by the Holy One. I see that they are consistent with themselves, with our natures, with the other parts of the word of God, and with the character of God himself. And at such times I feel to rejoice in the law of God, and desire that it be not only my meditation day and night, but my practice, too. At other times I feel emotions unworthy of a christian. And when such feelings exist, can the meekness, mildness, sweetness and amiability of the Saviour be manifested? But I know that the slight expression I may make at such a time will probably produce the same emotions in the person with whom I converse, if I judge from results. This is the wrong. It seems like death to give up my stubborn will; to suffer evil imputations when I am scarcely to be blamed; to give up my tastes and conveniences to what seems to be others' freaks.

O, what is it to be dead to the world with its affections and lusts? We are, have beings, personalities, entities. What is it to have Christ formed within us the hope of glory? What is it to have all our words and actions what they would be if Christ's Spirit inhabited these identical bodies? We are told that love is the fulfilling of the law. O that intelligent love might take full possession of my heart.

I know that the hearts of men are in his hands, as are the rivers of water, and he turneth them whithersoever he will. O that he would turn mine to keep his commandments. He disposes the hearts of men toward each other. O that he would dispose mine to hear others' burdens, and cast my own on Christ. I feel that I am spiritually sick, nigh unto death, and

there is no human power that can help me. I want the great Physician. My knowledge of my sickness and its cure is of no more value, if I be not cured, than was the knowledge of the brazen serpent to the bitten Israelite who did not look upon it. I feel that I must be holy in thought and word, or I disgrace my profession, disgrace the truth. O, is there power in the atoning blood of Christ to cleanse from sin here on earth! Must we always bear about with us the body of this death?

O God, thou hast given us a pattern, one who pleased not himself, but became of no reputation, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief, who bore our sins and weaknesses. O mighty Saviour! help us to get a just view of thy character and perfections, and admire thee until we are assimilated to thee in character and being, till the world behold not us, but thy likeness. O be pleased in mercy to grant thy strength in time of temptation. We are beggars, pleading our own poverty, thy willingness, and the honor of thy great name. Let us have thy truth, thy law that thou didst keep, and thyself.

A. C. HUDSON.

Ganges, Mich., Nov. 9th, 1858,