“Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another.”
From Bro. & Sr. Avery.
Bro. SMITH: We have too long omitted to acknowledge the mercies and long-suffering of God toward us. We feel thankful as we realize that he still loves, and is mindful of us as a little church. We believe the Laodicean message is having its designed effect in this place. The line is being drawn, and the precious are separating from the vile. We have received much strength and encouragement from the recent visit of Bro. S. W. Rhodes, and we are truly thankful for the straight, plain testimony given by him, directed as we fully believe by the Spirit of God. He faithfully set before us from the word the condition of the children of Israel, after their deliverance from Egyptian bondage, their murmurings and complaints against Moses, the servant of God, and also the fearful judgments that befell them, and that "these71things happened unto them for ensamples: and were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come."
The plain, cutting truth seemed more than some could bear, and caused them immediately to manifest the manner of spirit they were of. O that we may faithfully heed the admonitions that we have heard, live up to the light we have received, and never be left (as others have been) to reject the counsel or testimony of one of God's servants. When we find ourselves in the fearful condition that we cannot bear reproof or rebuke from them or the church, we may settle it in our hearts that we are far from God. And if the straight testimony which God's servants may at times deem necessary to give, is met by us with a spirit of self-justification, a desire to retaliate, have our own will, &c., we are then indeed in a state soon to be spued from the mouth of the true Witness.
Some that have been with us formerly, seem to have departed from the advice of Paul, “We beseech you, brethren, to know them which labor among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; and to esteem them very highly in love for their works' sake, and be at peace among yourselves.”
We have the blessed assurance in the word, that if we endure chastening, God dealeth with us as with sons. O then, if we receive chastening, let us with patience endure, that we may finally come forth as tried gold, and as we are going through the purifying process, we may rejoice if we endure, inasmuch as we know thereby, that we are the children (or sons) of God.
Our numbers are now but few, yet we mean to overcome. The truth is indeed precious to our souls. We want to so run that we may obtain the glorious prize that awaits the faithful at the end of the race. May we all, dear brethren and sisters, fully realize the solemnity of these passing moments, and be preparing ourselves and our children to stand in the judgment approved of God.
Yours hoping for redemption.
J. M., & M. S. AVERY.
Locke, Mich., Dec. 27th, 1858.