J. L. BAKER by J. L. Baker

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jan 13, 1863

J. L. BAKER

By J. L. Baker

From Bro. Baker.

BRO. WHITE: I am not preaching this winter as I intended, but hard at work at my trade. The way may open some time so that I may have a chance to go out into the field to labor for souls.

My heart is with those who are at the head of the work. I had a chance to see a report of the anti-organization conference of Marion. I have no fellowship for them. It is a drain opened for those that oppose the strait testimony to go by themselves. Five hundred, well united, are better than five thousand gift-hating and idol-loving people. Alas! how many will fall in the wilderness with unbelief! When so much precious fruit has been brought back, like so many clusters of grapes from the goodly land, it seems as though all might believe; but blind unbelief always has a handle.

Satan does not like to have the gifts brought back into the church. He knows that error and discord will cease when the gifts stand where they should in the church. God's people will come together, a perfect house, a habitation of God through the Spirit. "Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good." 1 Thess. v, 20, 21. It seems as though some really despised prophesying, because it does not come in their own way, or just to suit them. I am glad a testimony is ripening in the church that will bring God's people into the unity of the faith. Paul says, "Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts." 1 Cor. xiv, 1. It seems to be just as necessary to desire spiritual gifts as it is to desire charity. Both go together.

I am glad God is so favoring his people as to correct their faults, and fit them to stand before the Son of man.

J. L. BAKER

Alba, Pa.