TO THE MESSENGERS

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Dec 16, 1858

TO THE MESSENGERS.

Dearly Beloved Brethren: With great desire have I longed to express my feelings of union and sympathy with you and all the interests of our common cause. My heart overflows with gratitude for the settled confidence I have this day in the great work in which we are engaged.

Since the manifestation and separation of "false brethren"

there seems to be a closer union among those that remain. A test has passed upon us which has caused those "not of us" to "go out from us," leaving those who prefer the Third Angel's Message above their own wills, still united in the work. Because some have turned out to be hypocrites, shall we now distrust each other? God forbid. We have grounds for increasing confidence. O then may brotherly love not only continue, but greatly increase.

The past and present history of the cause is known to us all. The trials and blessings, the perils and victories of the past have, I trust, only increased our anxiety for final deliverance. Let us then look about us and see where we are in the great ocean of time; take our soundings, longitude and latitude, and know if we are nearing port. The signs are ominous and speak with the greatest certainty. The various lines of prophecy with their corresponding facts show unmistakably that we have already entered the narrows of the last days. Perils are now on every side. The "old ship Zion," though now tossed with angry waves is yet destined to carry all that remain on board, quickly and safely into the harbor of eternal repose.

"We've looked astern, and many toils The Lord has brought us through; We're looking now ahead, and lo! The land appears in view."

When we consider that the Present Truth has steadily advanced notwithstanding all the combined opposition of the World, the Church, the Nominal Adventists, the Messenger party, and the Devil, we have reason to believe "our Father's at the helm." The fruit of the "No-law" and "Age-to-Come" heresies are now fully manifested, and the honest are fast being delivered from their darkening, withering influence.

The reasons for our present encouragement are various and weighty. The means of publishing the truth are greatly augmented. Engraving, stereotyping, translating, and printing in several languages, are all done in good order among us.

The Advent Review has not only survived the storm, but is established upon a permanent basis. All connected with the Office appear to be devoted to the cause, and labor harmoniously and faithfully. The steam power press works complete and is all ready to run night and day when necessary. Those who have the means and wish to do good by circulating books can now be furnished at a low rate. There is no excuse.

Another very encouraging feature in the present aspect of the cause is the disposition so generally manifested to drop little differences and unite on the Third Angel's Message. Union is strength. At the last General Conference we were permitted to "Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity." What is most needed now is living faith to bring the good works, the power, and the victory.

Dear brethren, may we still strive together for the unity of the faith, and enjoy each other's sympathy and prayers, in all our trials and conflicts; and may great gratitude be returned by us, and the whole church, for what the Lord has already done in this our day. Truly "His work is honorable and glorious." Bless the Lord, O my soul! and all that is within me praise his holy name. I assure you dear brethren, I am far from being discouraged, or having any disposition to draw back. No: the way grows brighter and brighter, and sooner than leave the cause, I will sacrifice every particle of my own feeble judgment on unsettled questions. Yes, let me surrender my views on particular points for the sake of union, and the success of the "great things" of God's law, on which we are all agreed; believing that in due time these less important and more difficult matters will all be harmonized. "Here is the patience of the saints."

Dear brethren, let us thank God and take courage. We have battles yet to fight, but with the armor on we are sure to conquer. By the grace of God I mean to stand with you till the war is over, and "abundance of peace" declared forever and ever. Amen.