Communication from Bro. Nelson.
By Francis Nelson
Bro. White: I have often, during the past year, been encouraged by reading communications from the brethren and sisters in different parts of the land. I would be glad if the Letter Department of the Review was better filled, and we could hear from all the churches often. I have often thought of writing, but excused myself on the ground that I am not a "ready writer." The church at Alma, which was established through the instrumentality of Brn. Van Horn and Canright, is prospering, and "takes delight in the law of the Lord, and in his law meditates day and night." Our Sabbath meetings increase in interest. Most of the members take an active part in prayer, exhortation, and in bearing loving testimony for Jesus. I think there have been but few instances of absence from our meetings without good cause. There are a number who do not belong to our church, some of whom have lately started, that take an interest in our meetings, and testify in favor of the Sabbath of the Lord; but we have our trials in common with the people of God. We are surrounded by scoffers in high places, and would heed the exhortation in 1 Peter, fourth chapter, commencing with the twelfth verse: "Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trials which are to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you. But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's suffering, that when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy." I have experienced of late a feeling of loneliness. We, in this new country of Gratiot, are isolated from the busy scenes of the world in general, which perhaps may be favorable to the development of thought in a contemplative mind; and no doubt we would be as ready to lay hold of the truth as though differently situated. But we feel that we are young in present truth, and it requires discretion to move amidst the jeers of popular theology. Could we have some of the messengers labor with us, beyond their visits which we expect quarterly, I think it would result in much good. We are thankful for past labors. Bro. Frisbie made us a visit five years ago last spring. His preaching led us to search after truth. I wish Bro. Frisbie would come and see us this fall. The tent meetings last summer, and the preaching of the word last winter, accomplished much, and I doubt not will be remembered beyond this gloomy world. But there is room, or rather great necessity, for more labor. Truly, the harvest is plenteous, and the laborers are few. Who will heed our cry, and "come over and help us?" Alma, Mich., Aug. 30, 1865.