LETTERS by L. B. Abbey

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jan 14, 1858

LETTERS.

By L. B. Abbey

"Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another."

From Sister Abbey.

DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: When I look back thirty years and bring to mind how christians then used to live, how much praying, what watchfulness, what humility was manifest, how careful they were of each other's reputation, what separation from the world in dress; and look abroad now over the land, and see the contrast, my very soul is sick, and cries out, The walls of Zion are broken down, and the watchmen, where are they? O, for a trumpet voice to awaken the world to a sense of their danger. Ought not we who have the light on the prophecies, and profess to be looking for the second coming of our Lord and Saviour, to be more awake? O how fearful is our condition, if we do not arouse ourselves from this lukewarm state. The prayer of Habakkuk is surely applicable now, "O Lord, revive thy work in the midst of the years, in the midst of the years make known; in wrath remember mercy." Let the cry go forth from every heart, Lord revive us: all our help must come from thee.

Jesus says, "I am the vine, ye are the branches." According to Nahum, the branches have been marred. How? By pride, covetousness, love of the world, self-esteem, until the professed followers of Christ have forgotten what God requires of them: viz., to come out from the world and be separate from them. But there are a few who sigh and cry for the abominations that are done in the land. The angel was told to set a mark upon the foreheads of such. What is it? Surely it must be the seal of the living God. I am still hoping that soon deliverance will come to all the dear saints of God. Surely the Lord will avenge his elect, and that speedily.

Yours hoping for an inheritance upon the new earth. L. B. ABBEY. Hubbard's Corners, N. Y.