L E T T E R S by S. W. Rhodes

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

L E T T E R S.

By S. W. Rhodes

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

From Bro. Rhodes.

DEAR BRN. SMITH AND WHITE; Please accept my thanks for permitting my last letter to appear in the Review. I feel a satisfaction in the acknowledgment of facts contained in said letter, that I do not remember of having experienced in any previously-made effort to overcome the wicked one. But I do not think of stopping here, when the work is only begun. I hope to have light upon further duty, and carefully move forward in the fear and love of God, faithfully discharging my every duty, till all wrong influences of mine shall be thoroughly counteracted. I wish to humble myself fully, and anything you may suggest to me that will help in this good work, shall be received thankfully, and prized highly. I expect it will be a hard struggle for me to gain a victory over my besetments, but I believe it is possible. I prayed much that God would guide your judgment relative to the publishing my letter. I believe he has answered my prayer in the matter.

Since Review No. 10 came to hand, and my letter was read by myself, a great burden has left my mind, and a sweet, humble, rejoicing spirit and feeling came over my whole being. I gave God praise. I still feel there is much before me to do in order that the door of my heart can be fully opened, and Jesus in his fullness come in.

Dear brethren, had I not the utmost confidence in your integrity, and that the great object of your labor is to advance the cause of God, I could not so confidently leave my letters at your disposal, opening my whole heart to you. I wish to commit myself strongly upon the position and course I am taking to glorify God, and expose the works of Satan. Therefore you are at liberty to use, as you may think best, whatever you may find in my imperfect letters to accomplish a good work in the church. I feel like casting myself as I am with all my present and eternal interests, upon Christ and his church, praying that I may be able by the help of God, to act well my part in this fearful conflict with the world, the flesh and the Devil, in this laborious work of the church in her rising from her lukewarmness. Rev. iii, 16. Especially would I feel after every fault of mine, and when found, bring it with a broken heart and contrite spirit to the feet of Jesus, that all may be washed away by virtue of his precious blood.

Those who may have a desire to know the language of my heart more or less during some years, and especially months past, may turn and read Ps. xxxviii, 1–6; li, 1–12; v, 1–3; vi, 1–4, and especially for weeks past have I had great sympathy with the spirit of Ps. xiii, 1–4. God's word is my light and comfort.

S. W. RHODES.

Mannaville, N. Y.