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Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Mar 12, 1861

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 17, No. 17.

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LETTERS.

By A. S. Hutchins

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

From Bro. Hutchins.

DEAR BRO. SMITH : I have just read Testimony for the Church, No. 6, and I hope not altogether without profit. I have asked, Shall the Lord speak and not be heard and obeyed? Shall such reproofs, warnings and admonitions, pass unheeded? Does the Lord stretch out his hand to save poor, feeble, erring man, and we regard it not? God forbid. May it be said of none of us, "They would none of my counsel; they despised all my reproofs."
God's word abounds with warnings and instructions for these perilous times. It holds out life, eternal life to the overcomer; but death to the unbelieving and disobedient. How inconceivably great the contrast! "I know thy works," says the faithful and true Witness. He stands at the door and knocks. His counsel is affectionate, but alarming and final!
"O, wake and open wide the door, Bid thy Beloved wait no more."
Admonition after admonition has also been given us through the gifts, but how have they been slighted and neglected! How have the hearts of some of God's dear servants, upon whom heavy burdens have long rested, been wounded and their spirits crushed in consequence of this!
O that that the remnant church might arise to the position that it is our duty and privilege to occupy. O that we might all possess more of the Holy Spirit, and have more fellowship and love one for another.
"Union is strength," is an old and truthful adage. Love cements our hearts together. It unites our faith and action in the service of God. A lack of this principle scatters and divides the flock, and leaves us weak, and hence an easy prey to the enemy.
My heart beats with sympathy for Bro. and sister White. I feel deeply for them in their afflictions and trials. I am glad that every sorrow and grief of their afflicted hearts is known unto the Lord. I am glad he knows each groan and sigh. "For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil." 1 Pet. iii, 12.
To Bro. and sister White, I would say, May the Lord help you still to cheerfully partake of the sufferings of Christ, that, when his glory shall be revealed, you may be glad also with exceeding joy.
Your brother, in hope of eternal life, A. S. HUTCHINS.