JOEL L. LOCKE by Joel L. Locke

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Oct 15, 1861

JOEL L. LOCKE

By Joel L. Locke

From Bro. Locke.

DEAR BRO. WHITE: I sit down to write a few lines for the encouragement of the brethren. We, a little few here in Salem, have been striving to serve the Lord for over eight years, and some of the time it has seemed doubtful whether we should ever have any more of our neighbors to go with us. We had not had any preaching here for over two years, until our dear Bro. and sister Byington came to visit us, and we were truly blest and edified and strengthened. They were here over two Sabbaths, and three made a start for mount Zion. Since they left here, the good begun work has been going on. We have had meetings twice a week and the interest is increasing. This morning the brethren and sisters came together at half past ten o'clock, and continued till half past four. The interest was good all the time. Parents confessed to their children, and children to their parents. We felt truly that the hearts of the fathers were being turned to the children and the hearts of the children turned to the fathers. We praise the Lord for condescending to bless us with his Spirit. Four arose for the first time to tell their determination to serve the Lord. Since Bro. and sister Byington were here twelve have signified their determination to serve the Lord. We do feel encouraged to still keep striving through the midst of opposition to keep all the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, that we may stand entire at last.

Your brother striving to overcome.

JOEL L. LOCKE

Salem, Ind.