LETTERS by S. Whitney

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Feb 16, 1860

LETTERS.

By S. Whitney

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

From Sister Whitney.

Bro. Smith: As the Review comes to us from week to week as welcome as water to a thirsty soul, we look eagerly into the department of correspondence; for there we feel that we are personally addressed; and when we hear from one who is struggling on alone, or with some members of their family, our sympathies are all awakened and we feel a strong desire, and raise a fervent prayer to Him who bears us when we pray, that it may be with that family, as well as ours, as it was with Noah's, that the entire family may be saved. Then various queries arise in my mind respecting that ancient and renowned family.

Query. 1. Did all the family believe the word of the Lord, or were they only saved by obedience to the father? 2. If Noah had refused to build the ark through unbelief or obstinacy, could his wife and children have built it and saved themselves, when God has ordained that wives shall be subject unto their husbands in everything? If not, is there not an awful, a fearful responsibility resting upon the husband and father?

When I hear from those who have numbers around them of like precious faith, so that they can assemble together and exhort one another as they see the day approaching, I feel a hope springing up in my soul that the light will shine and some will see their error and hear the last message, though as yet they put it far away.

It is about six months since I finished counting the cost of hearing the "sayings of Christ and doing them not;" and I testify that the "work of righteousness is peace" in the midst of war, and calmness on "tumult's wheel;" and I trust the "effect shall be quietness and assurance for ever."

I thank God that four of six children feel that it is their duty to keep all God's commandments, and are striving to turn their feet into his testimonies. We feel that we have a little church in our house, but we do feel much the need of instruction from the messengers. God has graciously sent a few this way to encourage and instruct us in our own home, and we have felt that it was indeed a blessing to us, and have believed that the Lord would return it a hundred fold into their bosoms. God grant they may come unto us again, especially Bro. Taylor, if he feels that this is God's order, I am sure he will make an effort to come. If it is not God's will we cheerfully resign it all. The truth shines clearer every day, and my attachment to it grows stronger. I feel that it would be easier to part with life here than to yield my right to the tree of life in the city of God. My soul is full of glory. O, I long to see Jesus, that I may be like him. God bless all the dear ones who love him, and keep his commandments is the prayer of your humble sister in Christ.

S. WHITNEY.