Systematic Benevolence and Christian Unity
By J. B. Merritt
BRO. SMITH: After receiving the Review again, and hearing from the dear saints scattered abroad, and learning that the cause is onward, my heart leaps for joy to think that in a few days more, if we are faithful, all will be well. I was much gratified to hear that you had a happy time at the conference at Battle Creek, and that the watchmen on Zion's walls are not asleep. I am well pleased that the subject of systematic benevolence is being investigated, and that action is being taken on that long neglected enterprise. With me it is a fact that cannot be successfully controverted that the cause is one, and God's people should be one, and that we should be co-workers together in reclaiming our fellow men from impending vengeance. Various ways have been, and are being tried by the children of men to effect this desirable object. Much labor and money is expended in sounding out (not the unadulterated word, but) the word adulterated by the traditions of men, as the prophet has said, every one in his own way; but we that have professedly come86out from the world should not be like them. We should not in our caution to shun the precipice on the right, fall into the ditch on the left; but keep the strait path, if we would enter the strait gate. And in order to do this, we must, as Peter has said, take heed to the light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day-star arise in our hearts. The prophecies of the Scriptures are not dark and mysterious, and of some private interpretation; but they contain God's will to the human family. Now, as Paul says, the gospel is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth, we must try by every laudable means to get the gospel before the people. And certainly until the Lord of the harvest, in answer to the prayers of the faithful, sends more laborers into his harvest, we must sustain those already in the field, and patronize the Review Office, and those connected with it, to enable them to get those sacred truths which it advocates before the people. I have ever since I embraced the present truth (which was in Gilboa, Sept., 1857, under the preaching of Brn. Cornell and Holt) felt a desire to do something for the cause. But as my means were limited, and having a large family to support, I could not see the way open until of late. Relying on the promise that all things shall work together for good to them that love the Lord, and are the called according to his purpose, I offered my little farm for sale, and got a purchaser. The impression on my mind was to go West and do the best I could. I am in Dewitt Co., Ills., and as each individual is best acquainted with the situation and circumstances that surround him, I would give it as my opinion that a good work might be done in the cause of present truth here, as the inhabitants are entirely ignorant of it. There is not a Sabbath-keeper within my knowledge. I have spoken of the principles of present truth to some, and lent what books I had to be read, and have not yet heard any objections. But, say they, why don't you send for some of your preachers to come here and preach for us. Now, brethren, I propose that you send a suitable brother here to give a course of lectures, and that they bring a quantity of books, as the sale of them may help to keep down expenses, and I will pay the ballance, as I am very anxious that the truth should be presented to the people in this place. I will also state that if it is necessary I will meet the messenger at Bloomington with a buggy, and convey him here, if I can have notice of the time. If you should write, direct to Santa Anna P. O., Dewitt Co., Illinois. Mount Pleasant, Dewitt Co., twenty-five miles south-east of Bloomington, or the same distance north-west from Urbana, Ills., is the place. Yours in hope,
Santa Anna, Dewitt Co., Ills.
J. B. MERRITT.