Truth Crushed Shall Rise and Shine
Bro. J. D. Hillis writes from Pleasantville, Marion Co., Iowa: “Pleasantville is 12 miles from Knoxville; but, thank God, we can have some happy seasons of communion and fellowship with our Knoxville brethren. Many of the brethren from this place attended the meeting at Knoxville when Bro. and sister White were there, and we praise the Lord for the powerful manifestations of his love on that occasion. Many were made to rejoice in the redeeming love of the Saviour, and such christian fellowship and unity as was manifested on that occasion is seldom witnessed upon earth. Several were added to the church at this meeting, notwithstanding Satan seemed to rage more than usual, and endeavored to bring his powers to bear in union with many professed Christians (for he has learned that in union there is strength) to break down the truth; but truth crushed beneath unhallowed feet will rise and shine with greater power. Babylon’s walls are tottering in this western region, so much so that she is obliged to bring all her powers to oppose and try to break down the truth; but God will sustain and uphold his own cause. Pride may cause some weak ones to fall away from the truth (as has been the case in Knoxville); but this only gives strength to the cause. As clogs on the wheels cause slow moving, so when those clogs fall off all moves on harmoniously. Brethren, let us try to keep ourselves free from clogs and burdens of iniquity, and trust in God alone for strength, and he will support us. “We have great reason to praise the Lord here in Pleasantville for his sustaining grace, and for his truth, which has been so clearly manifested to us, and for the steady advancement of his glorious cause, and for the love and union existing among the brethren here; there is more love and christian union prevailing among the Advent brethren than is common with other churches, as far as our observation leads us; but while they seem to love and respect each other as one common family, they try to obey the instructions of the Saviour where he says, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, pray for them which despisefully use you, and persecute you. They are willing to observe this rule, that they may be the children of their Father which is in heaven. “We are glad that we have a tent in which to have God’s truths preached in Western Iowa this coming season; for it is a truth that while the churches will open their doors for shows, lawsuits, and almost every kind of preaching, fairs and feastings, against the true word of God their doors are shut. But God has means by which he will work, and that to the pulling down of the strong-holds of iniquity. If it must be done in tents, so be it; if in groves, prairies, highways or barns, be it so; let the truth spread and go free. God can work and none can hinder. Brethren in the east, remember us out here in the far west in your prayers.”