A Letter from Rockford, Illinois
BRO. J. Leland writes from Rockford, Ills.: Oh that we may feel the responsibility that rests upon those who have the light. We embraced the present truth under the preaching of Brn. Loughborough and Sanborn, near Harrison, Ills., July, 1861, and have been constant readers of the Review and Instructor since. We rejoice greatly in the light which these have reflected upon our pathway. We are striving hard for the immortal kingdom. Our feeble prayers go up daily for those who are publishing and proclaiming this truth; and we ask the brethren to pray for us that we may endure to the end. We will try to meet you and all God's dear people with his ancient worthies in the kingdom that never shall end. I praise the Lord that he ever enabled me to see the light of present truth. I have read many of the publications from the Office, together with Spiritual Gifts. I love them all and pray that they may have a sanctifying influence upon my heart and life. I pray God to abundantly bless those who are publishing and proclaiming the present truth, that they may have clearness of intellect, and the love of God in their hearts, to so present the truth that all the honest hearted may see and embrace it, and "flee from the wrath to come;" and may the folly of those who oppose be made manifest. There is a little company in Rockton, who are striving to overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony, and to pray always that they may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that are coming upon the earth. I love to meet with them from one Sabbath to another to worship; and I hope to endure to the end and then go up from one Sabbath to another, with all God's Israel, to worship the king, the Lord of hosts, in the New Jerusalem. Sister P. M. Lamson writes from Hamlin, N. Y.: Permit me to say that my love for God increases. He sets my feet in a large place. He leads me in a plain path; cleanses my heart, and renews in me a right disposition, does not cast me away from his holy presence, but restores unto my soul the joys of his salvation; gives me to feel that I am his, and he is mine. While Jesus is absent from his children, preparing mansions for those that open their hearts to receive his word, they are left not comfortless but the Spirit of truth is given to abide with us, to guide us by its counsels, and afterward receive us to glory. Bro. M. S. Kellogg writes from Lake, Ind.: We have been made to rejoice of late by having two more added to our numbers. We feel like pressing forward in the cause of truth. We feel anxious that some messengers should come this way and set things in order. There are some waiting for an opportunity to go forward in the ordinance of baptism, and we would like to be organized. There appears to be a good field for labor in this vicinity.