DEAR BRO. WHITE:—Could you but realize the utter loneliness of some of the scattered brethren, situated far away from those of like faith, no one with whom they can converse upon the all-absorbing88subject of their afflictions; no one with whom they can confidently unite their voice in prayer; no enjoyment of social meetings of those whose hearts unite and burn within them as they meet and sing and pray, and tell of their joys, their hopes, their trials, talk of our Great High Priest, of the new heavens and the new earth, and the sweet peace afforded them in obeying all the commandments of God. Some never behold the messengers who bring the gospel of Christ at the door. But they suffer the reverse of much they love. Instead of prayer they hear God's name profaned. Instead of the Holy Sabbath-day being honored they witness its universal desecration. They love and practice those things that all around them hate; they hate those things that all around them practice.
I say if you could realize this condition of some of God's children, you would be enabled also to appreciate the joy with which they receive the Review, the only medium through which they learn the well-being of the faithful.
I wish to say to all the lonely scattered ones, I too am alone, but not discouraged. What reasons we have to rejoice. Though in trouble, yet not distressed; though perplexed, yet not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed. What though we are alone in all our sorrows, have we not a friend in heaven who knows how to enter into all our woes, feels for all our grief, and who will temper the winds to the shorn lamb.
I can say for one that I am determined with God's assistance, to set forward in the good cause, and though trials and temptations press sorely upon me, and though all the wicked men on earth were to rise in opposition, yet how securely can we go forward while the strong arm of God bears us up.
O my brethren I want to see heaven. I want to see our mother, the New Jerusalem, and the New Earth. I want, O I want to see Jesus, and the Patriarchs, and the Prophets, and the Apostles and that innumerable company of saints. I want to join with all of them in extolling the Lamb of God. O how I long to hear heaven's broad arches ring with Hallelujahs, when we all get home. Glory to God, the prospect is full of promise! Brethren be faithful the day will soon dawn.