Letters by E. Goodrich

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Sep 22, 1859

Letters.

By E. Goodrich

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

From Bro. Goodrich.

DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: For every opportunity I have been and am permitted to enjoy of expressing my faith in God’s word, and of communing with those of like precious faith, I am truly thankful, as well I may be; for the privilege is by far greater than we are apt to think unless we are deprived of it. This I think I can fully realize, separated as I am from all who sympathize with commandment keepers. But my heart has been comforted and greatly strengthened by the many exhortations and admonitions that are constantly given through the Review. This is just as it should be. Exhort one another. Warn them that are unruly. Comfort the feeble minded. And these things should we do so much the more as we see the day approaching.

I feel just as though I wanted to say through the Review that I most heartily respond to the effort that is being made to exalt the standard of Christianity, to get the church right, and to warn the world of its coming doom.

I attended the B. C. conference last spring, and was much pleased with the harmony and system that characterized the entire meeting. And, as I there said, the theory is right. Let the world see the truth lived out and then they will believe there is some reality in the religion of the Bible. I do not wonder that people generally are no more interested in Adventism; for as it stands represented by those who reject present truth, the gifts and graces of the church, there is nothing (I am here speaking from my own observations and convictions) interesting in it. First, if we turn our attention to those thus preaching and believing, we find (generally speaking) very little interest manifested in the coming of Christ. Secondly, if we inquire what is taught, the answer is, almost everything, while at the same time all the expirations of the prophetic periods and the events that are to transpire at their end have proved a total failure. And if we descend from these and come down to the church here, we find neither union of thought, feeling or action. There is neither order nor brotherly kindness nor vital piety lived out before the world. These things ought not so to be with a people professing to be looking for the immediate return of their Saviour. Such a people should have all the gifts and graces of Christ’s church, and be in constant readiness, having on the wedding garment, and with lamps trimmed and burning, and vessels filled with oil.

The reference that I here make to those preaching the coming of Christ, and yet do not believe that the prophetic periods have ended, or that the law is binding, is not through any unkind feelings entertained towards any one. It is the same that I have said both privately and publicly to them. The only object for referring to these things is that they may serve as admonition to us that we be more engaged and united, and more careful to live out before the world that which we profess. Consistency is indeed a jewel. And how can we expect to see those on the outside interested, unless those on the inside are interested? And if we have not love for one another, where is the evidence that we are Christ’s disciples.

And if our lives do not correspond with our profession, how can we inspire confidence in the minds of those who do not believe? But I shall be tedious.

May the Lord revive his work in all our hearts, and fully prepare us for all our duties, and for an abundant entrance into his everlasting kingdom. Your brother in tribulation.

E. GOODRICH.

Edinboro, Pa.