Note to Sister Rice by John and Catharine Byington

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · May 19, 1859

Note to Sister Rice.

By John and Catharine Byington

DEAR SISTER RICE: In the Review of Apr. 28th, we were happy to read a letter from you; and in it you mention our names as though you would be glad to hear from us. Now we would say in the language of the chief butler of Egypt, we do this day remember our faults. Some seven months since, after having sold our home at Buck's Bridge, N. Y., where we had spent some twenty-five years of the vigor of life, we left that place to pitch our tent in the West. We found a stopping place in a cabin in the town of Newton, Calhoun Co., Mich. We found the place of our dwelling was too straight for us, and if we did not go to Jordan, we went to the woods to fell a beam to make a place for us. 2 Kings vi, 2. Now this move has not been made without care, labor and trials many. Yet we have no reason to complain. The kind hand of our heavenly Father has upheld us. We have left many dear brethren in the East, some, probably, we shall never see again in this mortal state. We have written to some, and should to many others, had not care prevented, or had we done all our duty. But we would say to all, our heart is with you to try to do our duty, and get ready for the end.

Your letter, sister, has reminded us of our feelings when Bro. J. N. Andrews moved to Iowa. For months, if not years, we looked in the Review for a few lines at least from this brother, which would tell us of his whereabouts. I presume he little thought how cheering it would be to have often a few lines from his pen. His poor health, with many trials and much care no doubt prevented. Not designing to place ourselves by the side of this brother, we can say with you, dear sister, we have felt much of the time that nothing could be acceptable from us. We would confess our faults, and try to do better.

JOHN & CATHARINE BYINGTON.

Ceresco, Mich., May 15th, 1859.