LETTER FROM BRO. INGRAHAM.
By William S. Ingraham
DEAR BRO. SMITH: When I take into consideration the onward march of God's truth from the time Bro. Wm. Miller entered the field, the gospel trump to blow, I can but admire the wisdom and power of the great Head of the church in our redemption from much error and also our protection from the power of the Devil, who with untiring zeal has sought our destruction. Our path has been beset with evil, and marked with trials from the commencement up to the present time. But notwithstanding our trials have been great, we are prepared to say, the pathway of the just shines more and more. When the first angel's message was given, it had the glorious effect to bring out thousands whose hearts exulted in the expectation of soon seeing Jesus. Our whole beings were so enraptured and ravished with the glory of this message, we saw no chance for succeeding ones, until we were brought near the closing up of the loud cry of the message. When the line of distinction was made between those that loved the truth and those that rejected it, the second angel's voice was heard, saying, "Babylon is fallen." There was a response from the church of God to this great and solemn truth. Our disappointment came. The prophetic periods ended; but the long looked for Messiah had not come. Some said he had come spiritually, but this was not the coming for which we looked, and we could not believe it. The churches were scoffing at our hope, and joining hands with a wicked world in persecuting us. We were in trouble. And when God's messengers passed through the land from church to church, from many an anxious heart the cry was made, "Watchman, what of the night?" But none could unfold the mystery. We were sick certain days, (home-sick at least,) but none understood the vision. At length the third angel was seen coming from the east, having the seal of the living God. We heard his voice. We knew it, for it was the Shepherd's voice. (My sheep hear my voice and follow me.) We listened to the cry of the angel and followed him until we were conducted to the place where Jesus was. We found him in the most holy place; for the temple of God had been opened in heaven and206Jesus was standing before the ark. We had followed him there before; but like ancient Israel, when Moses went up to Sinai's top to receive the law of God they thought he tarried too long and forgot where he was. But honest ones found the truth in time to be saved if they will obey it. Brethren, can we doubt? The truth is onward. Opposition, strong, will meet us. The creeds of men will be thrown in our way, but the truth will bear off the victory. The future-age doctrine may wind its way among the western lakes, and spread its dark wings over the church of Christ, and leave devastation and death in its wake; but those that keep pace with the third angel, will live and sing when the theories of men are dead and buried in endless night. Bro. Smith, be encouraged in your toils in connection with the Review to advance the truth. I have no doubt that the Review will prove a savor of life unto life to thousands. It must be supported. Let me say to the church like one of old, "Men of Israel, help." When you are laboring for the things of this world, remember the just demands of the Third Angel's message, and bless the truth and those that are publishing it, with the means over which the Lord has made you stewards. What will our brethren do in a little from this with their good farms, worth from five to ten thousand dollars? What will they do with their money that is out at interest? Jesus says it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. Jesus probably refers to small gates in Jerusalem called the needle-eye gates, through which it was impossible for a camel to pass without having his burden removed and then bowing upon his knees. And history informs us that men had to throw off their burdens in order to pass. Brethren, do you expect to enter the kingdom with your riches? Battle Creek is an excellent place for you to roll off part of your burdens; and some of the poor messengers can assist a little; and in this way you can be relieved of your burdens, and the cause of truth advanced, God be glorified, and we, in the performance of this duty in connection with all others, may be prepared for that rest that remains for the children of God. Your brother in hope of eternal life,
WM. S. INGRAHAM. P. S. The cause is still prospering in our vicinity. About one year ago all that were keeping the Sabbath within 25 miles of Monroe, was Bro. Sanborn and wife with three others. Now within 15 miles we number over 60. Bro. Sanborn and myself are continually breaking into new fields. I trust we have the prayers of the church.
W. S. I.