'Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another.'
From Bro. Wood.
BRO. SMITH: It has been about fifteen months since we had the privilege of hearing the third angel's message in this place, and we feel to thank God that he ever directed his messengers this way. I first went to hear with my heart filled with prejudice, and opposed the truth because I thought it was an erroneous doctrine; but the more I opposed, and sought Bible truths to withstand it, the more clearly the light shone in upon my mind, showing that it was the more sure word of prophecy whereunto I should do well to take heed; and truly it was as a light shining in a dark place. At length, unwilling to fight against God, I, together with my companion and some others, embraced the truth gladly. Some that started for mount Zion have fallen out by the way, the path being too straight and narrow for them to walk in; but the greater part remain unto the present, living epistles, known and read of all around them. One of our number (my companion) has been taken from us, but not as those that have no hope do I mourn. While I feel lonely in the family circle, and she is missed in our prayer-meetings also, I can look forward with an eye of faith to the time when God's promise shall be fulfilled, and rejoice that his children shall be brought back from the land of the enemy. Yes, praise the Lord; Jesus says, "And I will raise them up at the last day."
The cause seems to be on the rise here. Last First-day we had the privilege of seeing five buried with Christ by baptism, and we understand that three more were planted in the likeness of his death the next morning. The little church here seem to be waking up to a sense of their duty, and although they are somewhat involved in worldly matters, yet I think they are willing to take hold of the work and help push it forward, and would have done so long ago if there had been any one authorized to look after the wants of the cause. And is not this the great lack in the West? the want of organization? Do not brethren feel rather delicate about urging the necessity of contributing of our substance to the support of the ministry, the tent operations &c., for fear it may give offense, or some may think they are out of their place? Does it not need some one in every church to see to its wants? We have adopted the plan of systematic benevolence, and believe it to be a good one; have chosen a secretary and treasurer, and intend laying by on the first day of the week as God shall prosper us, something for the advancement of his cause. The object at present is mostly to help run a tent here this summer.
Two have put down 20 cents per week, eight, 10 cents, five sisters 5 cents, one three cents, one sister gives one dollar for the cause, and there are some others that I think will cast in their mites into the treasury. Although this is but a small sum and can easily be paid, yet in one year it will amount to $77,46. Brethren and sisters, is not all we have of this world's goods what the Lord has lent us? Truly it is. Then let us render unto Cæsar the things that are Cæsar's, and unto God the things that are God's. Let us remember there is a work for us to do. God would not destroy the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah until his people were led out of the city. Neither will the declaration go forth, "Let him that is righteous be righteous still; and let him that is filthy be filthy still," until the honest ones are brought out of the city of error and traditions of men, on to Bible ground, and into Bible truths. Let us act consistently, and seek for glory, honor, immortality and eternal life, by patient continuance in well doing.