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L E T T E R S

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

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 15, No. 5.

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L E T T E R S.

By Francis Gould

"Then they that feared the Lord, spake often one to another."
From Bro. Gould.
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: It has been about six years since I embraced the Sabbath, and identified myself with those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. I have thought I knew something about the trials of the way, but within a year past they have deepened, and I have become more than ever satisfied that as we journey down the stream of time to the end our trials will increase. God's people are to be a tried people. Says the prophet, "Many shall be purified, made white and tried," and they have the blessed and cheering promise that they shall have strength equal to their day.
For some over a year past I have been prostrated under the power of disease. I have not been able to walk but a few rods without help, and some of the time but a few steps. My distress at times has been severe. There have been many fervent prayers from brethren and sisters offered up in my behalf. Those prayers I highly appreciate, and I have oftentimes been strengthened and encouraged. How good the Lord is! He has promised to be our strength and our shield, and will not forsake those that put their trust in him.
But at the present time while my bodily health and strength seem gradually wasting away, I have been led more fully to appreciate the language of the apostle, "For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened; not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life." But I pray for patience. May it have its perfect work.
Dear brethren and sisters, let us with sweet submission sink into the will of God. Are any of you passing through severe trials? Remember, it is through much tribulation we enter the kingdom of God. Are any prostrated with disease? Remember that Christ has borne our sicknesses, and though we fall, yet shall we rise again. Are any tempted? Remember that God has provided a way of escape. Are any seeking to be holy, and to have all the mind of Christ? "Faithful is he that calleth you who also will do it." May the God of peace sanctify you wholly and preserve us all blameless unto his heavenly kingdom.
FRANCIS GOULD.
East Brookfield, Vt.