A Communication from Bro. and Sr. Treat
By S. & L. Treat.
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: As we have no other means of communicating in our loneliness, and as our hearts are refreshed from week to week by reading the stirring epistles and communications from the brethren and sisters in the Review, we thought it might be right to send in our mite to that department of our valuable paper. Although we have not yet so much victory as is our daily prayer to obtain, yet we can say from the heart we love the present truth, and also the strait testimonies from the corresponding brethren. We mean by the grace of God to hold on our way and never give back, but to fight the good fight of faith; not with carnal weapons, but by putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet the hope of salvation. To our joy and satisfaction we had a visit from Bro. Calvin Monroe, of Waldo, some six or seven weeks ago. He gave us four discourses on the Sabbath, the signs of the times, and Spiritualism. We were very much edified and strengthened. The Lord bless and sustain that dear brother while laboring under severe trials and privations, is our earnest prayer to God, who is able to overrule all for his good. The people in this place are so well satisfied with their orthodox teachers and creeds that they have no ears to hear nor hearts to receive the present truth; consequently, but very few besides a few children and youth were out to hear; but notwithstanding, there was interest enough excited to call forth two sermons on the Sabbath question in this neighborhood. The speaker acknowledged that the Sabbath, as well as marriage, was instituted before the fall, and that the one was as binding at the present day as the other. He also said that God required the observance of the Sabbath in remembrance of the six days' work of creation. He afterwards said that as God enjoined one seventh part of time under the former dispensation, so he does in the gospel dispensation; then tried to prove the change from the seventh to the first day of the week. I need not proceed any further in detailing his evidences. Suffice it to say, he brought just such evidence as his case would afford him in the absence of truth. It was what has been handed out to the world time after time. The man did the best he could to satisfy his people, and it worked like a charm upon them. Poor souls! it reminds me of the Prophet's language. "The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means, and my people love to have it so, and what will they do in the end thereof?" Now let us exhort you, brethren and sisters, in the language of an Apostle, "Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil. And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is he that calleth you who also will do it. Brethren, pray for us." From your brother and sister in hope of eternal life.
S., & L. TREAT.
Searsport, Me., April 17th, 1859.