Note to the Church at Buck's Bridge.
By John Byington
DEAR BRETHREN : I can but reflect on past seasons with you. I well remember when but two or three came out on the commandments of God and faith of Jesus, and began to pray together. The number increased to about forty. We felt we were of one mind. Trial came. This was necessary, as our faith must be tested. Some began to think in view of some points of our faith "these are hard sayings." John vi, 60, 66. I hope none have gone back to walk no more with Him. And if the Master should say to us as he said to the twelve, "will ye also go away," would not our inquiry be, "Lord, to whom shall we go?" Many have removed to other places, which has reduced your number. In this also you are tested whether you will still hold on to the promise made to the little flock. I have sometimes queried, was I in the way of duty in removing from you to the west? Well, probably in coming west I have had an experience that I could not otherwise have had, and had I remained there, with the experience I then had, I could have done you but little good. Dear brethren, if you persevere, and endure your present trial, I fully believe God will come to your help, and you will rise, and the honest-hearted around you will acknowledge this is the Lord's work. I feel that my poverty is great, but I will look to Him who offers the "gold, white raiment and eye-salve," to those who overcome. JOHN BYINGTON. Ceresco, Mich., July, 1859.