"Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another."
From Bro. Dorcas.
BRO. SMITH : Permit me to say to the dear brethren and sisters scattered abroad, that my hope is still in God, the living God, that made heaven and earth, whose righteousness shall not be abolished, though the heavens and earth shall vanish like smoke. And though we rarely see those of like precious faith, living some fifteen miles from the little flock at Lisbon, we do not feel discouraged. The Review come to us a more welcome visitor, if possible, than ever. We read the original matter, but especially the letters, over and over, till we could almost repeat them from memory. I believe that the Lord has enabled me to get one step higher, of late, for which I praise his holy name.
I would rejoice to see more being done to promote the present truth in this State; but am happy to see even as much interest taken in the work as there is on the part of those who do believe. But there is great reason for the exhortation, "Let us not sleep as do others." There are breakers ahead; trials come in strong, and many; but thank the Lord, our heavenly High Priest knows our frame.
It is now over four years since I was first permitted to hear the voice of the Third Angel's Message; and notwithstanding I have passed through some trials, and some chastenings from the Lord, yet I can say that there is abiding glory in it. And I feel persuaded that a faithful and scriptural understanding of this message, carried out in our daily practice, will soon end in immortal glory.
My soul is moved by the repeated calls for help. O that we may do our duty, that none of God's people "perish for lack of knowledge" on our account. It is the constant feeling of my heart, O that some one would come and help us. I have not yet made any visits, but to Lisbon ; there I found dear brethren and sisters who, I trust, are living epistles.
Yours truly,
JESSE DORCAS.
Red Oak, Iowa, Jan. 14th, 1859.