CHARLESTON, MARCH 30, 1851
By Esther Maria Barrows
[Letter from Sister E. M. Barrows.] CHARLESTON, MARCH 30, 1851
Beloved Brother and Sister White:—I have felt for a few days past like writing to you, for the purpose of contributing a mite for the spread of the truth; have thus far neglected it, feeling my insufficiency and unworthiness to do so. You will please excuse me for the liberty I take. Never did I feel more the necessity of having my whole soul in this great and glorious truth than at the present. It seems to me that it is high time for all the children of the Lord to be awake, and alive to the cause, and to be rallying around the standard of the Lord. I am truly thankful to God that there are a few devoted, self-sacrificing brethren and sisters, who do not count even their own lives dear unto themselves, if they can be the means, in the hands of the Lord, of searching out a few precious "jewels." Oh, praise the Lord that the scattering time is past, and that God's people, that have been driven and torn by the wicked shepherds, are now being searched out. Bro. Andrews and Churchill were here with us a week ago last Friday and Sabbath. We had a sweet, refreshing season, while hearing the rich truths from the word of the Lord, which were presented in such a clear manner by Bro. Andrews, that it seemed that every honest soul must see; and I do believe that it will not be in vain that they came up hither. My dear parents and eldest sister were with us, strong in the truth; in all we were not a little comforted. But to look around and see the darkness that has covered the earth, and gross darkness the people, is painful. And still many are saying that they are rich, and have need of nothing; and know not that they are "wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked." Would to God that they would buy the truth, that they might be rich. There is no pleasure, there is no real enjoyment in any thing, but in keeping the commandments of the Lord. "More to be desired are they than gold; yea, than much fine gold. Sweeter also than honey, and the honey-comb." Oh, I do want to be wholly the Lord's, and to stand in that army before whom he will utter his voice, in the great day of the Lord. I sometimes feel so strong in the Lord, and in his truth, that it seems that nothing can separate me from his love and his truth. I have no fears as to the truth at any time, but I fear I shall not be counted worthy to stand. But I do want to go through. I feel that I must go through. And the Lord being my helper, I shall go through. Yes praise his name, the way is possible. In hope, Esther Maria Barrows.