A. M. LINDSLEY by A. M. Lindsley

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jun 16, 1859

A. M. LINDSLEY

By A. M. Lindsley

From Sister Lindsley.

DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS; For some time past I have desired to speak to you through the Review of the goodness of God to me. But I have been something at a loss what to write. Shall I speak of trials through which he has brought me, or can I praise him sufficiently without? As I read of the sorrows of others, it touches a tender chord of sympathy in my heart; for truly the billows of sorrow have again and again gone over me, so that they threatened to swallow me quite up. In the bitterness of my soul I exclaimed, Whose grief is like unto mine? and the enemy said to me There is no help for thee in God. But verily he hath helped me, he hath been with me in six troubles and in the seventh he has not left me.

Discouragement had weighed me down for a long time previous to the general conference at Roosevelt in Oct. last, which I attended. Then I began to feel there was hope in my case, and was much strengthened and encouraged. I had the evidence that the Lord still loved me, and soon he gave me another token of his love. The first of Nov. he laid his chastening hand upon me and permitted sickness to lay me low and helpless. At first it seemed to me the work of the enemy and that it was my privilege to be made whole. Now I think the Lord knew best what was for my good. He as the kind physician of my poor soul, watched with all a father's care the effects of this strict discipline. Often when almost sinking under the violent attacks of disease in my throat and lungs, some cordial from his blessed word would be applied and I was enabled to say, "Though he slay me yet will I trust in him." As he gently led me step by step he assured me that I should not be tempted above that I was able to bear. He sent his angels as ministering spirits around my couch, and as a sister whose communications were a great comfort to me at that time, wrote in the Review, "Angels have heard me praise him." Sometimes I thought I had learned the lessons of patience so perfectly that I needed such severe corrections no further. Then he would show me the weakness of my heart, and even yet he does not pronounce my convalescence perfect, nor altogether withdraw his chastening hand. But thanks to his name, I am trying to learn wisdom from the things which I have suffered, and hope at last to be counted worthy to overcome.

And here I would express my gratitude to the dear brethren and sisters who have ministered to my wants both temporal and spiritual, and whose prayers for me have not been few nor faithless. The Lord reward them.

Blessed be God even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. 2 Cor. i, 3, 4.

The work of the Third Message still lies near my heart; and although it is eight years this month since I embraced its truths I have never for a moment doubted its application to the present time. I realize in some degree the counsel to the Laodicean church, and see that we must all have an experience for ourselves in buying the tried gold, white raiment and eye salve. I love the communications in the Review from the scattered ones. I have wondered why we do not hear a word of encouragement from Bro. Rhodes under whose preaching I received the first message.

A. M. LINDSLEY

New Haven, N. Y. June 2nd, 1859.