A. LANPHEAR by A. Lanphear

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Feb 17, 1859

A. LANPHEAR

By A. Lanphear

From Bro. Lanphear.

DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS : In reviewing the transactions and labor of the past, it may be well for us to examine closely and see what we have accomplished in the cause of our blessed Redeemer. The question first should be, Have I done all that I could for the advancement of the truth? Have I been faithful in the discharge of all the duties of religion? Have I been often at the throne of grace? Have I agonized in prayer for the salvation of sinners? Have I day by day endeavored to increase in holiness, and grow in grace and the knowledge of the truth? Have my aspirations been to exemplify the character of the Lord Jesus in my own? Have I followed his example in going about doing good? Have I fed the poor, and clothed the naked? Has my deportment before the world been such as to admonish them of sin, of righteousness, and of a judgment to come? Have I studied the word of God faithfully and prayerfully, to know what he would have me do? Have I carefully examined the predictions of Christ, concerning his coming and kingdom? Have I in any manner paid homage to the beast or his image?

O, my brethren and sisters, I tremble in view of my own short comings; of my unfaithfulness and guiltiness. Were it not that our God is a God of mercy, and tender compassion, and willing to forgive those that repent, all my hopes would perish. If I am saved, it will be by the grace of God, and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. And may we all have that living faith, that will bring forth works of righteousness; that faith that works by love and purifies the heart.

If we have this faith, it will shield us from the wrath of God, that will shortly be poured out upon the wicked.

There are a few in this vicinity looking for that blessed hope, the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ. We hope to be of that number that shall be redeemed from all iniquity, and be caught up to meet the Lord in the air. Let us comfort one another with these soul-cheering words, and patiently wait and pray, Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, as in heaven so in earth.

We were blessed with the labors of Bro. R. F. Cottrell for a few days last month, who preached to us the words of eternal life. We humbly trust his labors were not in vain. Some have believed the truth, and confessed faith in the soon coming of the holy One. Others are investigating and searching the Scriptures to see whether these things are so. My earnest prayer is that God would raise up a people here.

In hope of life eternal.

A. LANPHEAR

Nile, N. Y.