Letters | AdventAI

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Apr 14, 1859

Letters.

'Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another.'

From Bro. Goodwin.

DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: I have been thinking of late what I could say to you through the Review that might be encouraging or edifying unto you; and I thought possibly you might be glad to hear that I am still trying to be whole-hearted in the cause of God. I know (if I know my own heart) I have made no reserve, but have laid all on the altar of God; and by the grace of God, I mean to keep it there. I want the sacrifice bound with cords to the altar that it may never get loose again. How inconsistent to think that we can serve God and mammon, when Jesus has told us plainly that we cannot do it. Matt. vi, 24. And again, how inconsistent it is to call Jesus Lord, Lord, unless we are trying as much as in us lies, to do all his sayings. Luke vi, 46. Do we realize that we are Christ's representatives here on earth? Then how needful that we have his mind and his Spirit, that we may do the very things that he would have us do, were he with us here on the earth. It has often been remarked, (and perhaps with truth, too,) that it is a great thing to be a christian; but Jesus has said, Come unto me, all ye that labor, and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me: for I am meek and lowly in heart; and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Matt. xi, 28–30. It seems to me that if we can get the burden of the enemy off from our shoulders, and his yoke from off our neck, and the yoke be destroyed because of the anointing, [Isa. x, 27,] and be sure to get the yoke of Christ upon our necks, it will not be so hard work to be a christian, as it has many times appeared to be. He hath showed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God. Micah vi, 8. O let us believe God; and not think that he is a hard master. Let us lay all upon the altar, and then believe that it is accepted, and not make God a liar! 2 Cor. vi, 17, 18; 1 John v, 10. "Now the just shall live by faith." I mean by the help of God to live by faith, and not draw back unto perdition.

Yours, waiting till Jesus comes to be gathered home. E. GOODWIN.

Oswego, N. Y., March 20th, 1859.