Letters by Patrick Mongan

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Sep 29, 1859

Letters.

By Patrick Mongan

“Then they that feared the Lord, spake often one to another.”

From Bro. Mongan.

BRO. SMITH: For the first time I endeavor to let my dear brethren and sisters know what great things the Lord has done for me, notwithstanding my great unworthiness.

I have been heretofore a Roman Catholic, much established in that corrupt and superstitious doctrine. I do truly feel to praise my heavenly Father for his loving kindness in permitting me to hear this last message of mercy, and also these fearful warnings against the worshiping of the beast. Now I can plainly discern the position wherein I stood, and the danger that surrounded me on every side. I was involved in, and held fast by, strong delusions, deceptions and traditions, groping my way in darkness in the midst of danger, but nevertheless the Lord delivered me. I cried unto the Lord and he heard my supplication. He extended his holy arm to my assistance; he stretched forth a Father's loving hand and finally severed the strong cords that bound me, and brought me up out of the pit of miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock. And I believe he has washed my sins away, not through the priests or pope, but through the merits of his only begotten Son, in whom he is well pleased. Yes, praise God, he applied the atoning blood, and it proved sufficient to wash away my guilt. And I do not guess at it by any means. I know it. I know when God opened the flood-gates of heaven and poured me down a blessing. I know when I first rejoiced in a Saviour's love. O what joy, what love, what peace, unspeakable and full of glory! How thick and dark the veil that tradition had woven over my vision! But thank God, who tore it away! Then I could see free salvation, and go unto the Lord penitent, with a contrite heart, and obtain forgiveness of sins through the merits of a Saviour's blood, and have nothing to pay subsequently.

I do truly rejoice in the present truth. I behold the light of it. Truly it is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. O what a contrast to compare it to Roman Catholic traditions, such as Sunday-keeping, purgatory, invocation of saints, prayers for the dead, and a host of other simple notions, which I do not deem it consistent to weary you with. I apprehend that all my connections are Catholics. Consequently I can plainly perceive their imminent danger from the coming storm, but they will not listen to me nor to God's warning voice, I fear, until great Babylon comes in remembrance before God, to give unto her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of his wrath.

Brethren and sisters, I do thank the Lord that I am on his side, and that I hold no allegiance or connection with Babylon the great, the mother of harlots, the abomination of the earth. But nevertheless I have many conflicts, and also many trials and afflictions to encounter. My Catholic friends have risen up in opposition to me, and not only Catholics, but Protestants also. Still I am determined by the grace of God to fight my way through, fearless of reproach and regardless of consequences. I do hereby acknowledge that I do love the people of God, and feel to sympathize and participate with them in all their afflictions. O let it be mainly and chiefly our object to glorify God amid the adverse winds and currents of temptation. Let us be faithful, cheerful and submissive, pressing forward, reaching forth, bearing manfully, wisely and courageously, ever standing at our post of duty. Although at times trials may press heavily, still look up. Doubt not the goodness of God; he will surely carry us through. All his promises are sure. I feel truly that I am a pilgrim and a stranger wandering here. Pray for me that I may not get weary in well doing. May I be active in the service of God, and always prove a faithful servant.

There are about twenty-five of us here who keep the Sabbath, and are trying to live to the honor and glory of God. It is about fourteen months since I commenced, in my feeble way, to keep all the commandments of God. I delight to do his will. I feel willing to deny self, sacrifice any thing, or do any thing, that God requires, that I may have eternal life.

Yours, by the grace of God, trying to overcome and be one of the hundred and forty-four thousand that will stand redeemed on mount Zion, to sing the song of Moses and the Lamb.

PATRICK MORGAN.

Mackford, Wis., Aug., 1859.