Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 1 (1844 - 1868)

1851

Letters

Lt 1, 1851

Preston, Brother and Sister

Saratoga Springs, New York

October 19, 1851

Portions of this letter are published in 5MR 226-227; 8MR 223-224. See also Annotations.

Dear Brother and Sister Preston:

We received a letter a few days since from Brethren [Ira] Abbey and [Wm.] Hyatt. 1LtMs, Lt 1, 1851, par. 1

The letter stated that the little band in your vicinity were rising, it also stated that Brother William Wakefield wanted the paper. We have sent the papers to him, all the while James has never erased his name from our list. If he has not received the papers it must be in the office now, [for] he has sent his paper regularly ever since last winter to McConnellsville, [near] Vienna, N. Y. Brn. should not be so heedless whom we send the papers to as to let them lie in the office. 1LtMs, Lt 1, 1851, par. 2

Our meeting yesterday was interesting; especially in the evening the Spirit of God settled upon us like the dew upon the mown grass and our hearts were made joyful in God. We feel the need of being fully prepared and fitted to stand in the battle in the day of the Lord. We are doing up work for Eternity, and may the Lord help us that we may have it done and well done that we may receive the refreshing and latter rain that is soon to come from God upon all those who are zealous of good works. 1LtMs, Lt 1, 1851, par. 3

It becomes us to search our hearts carefully and have every wrong purged away from us that we may be pure and holy, and stand in the clear light of God where we can shed a holy influence. 1LtMs, Lt 1, 1851, par. 4

We love you as we ever have; should be pleased to hear from you but much more pleased to see you. I hope and pray that the enemy may make no more inroads. Strive hard to preserve union among you, where there is union there is strength, and God will work among you, by you, and through you, if you will only strive to be wholly consecrated to God and be at peace among yourselves, and each one strive with all their might to keep the victory over self and over every besetment, every wrong word and action. 1LtMs, Lt 1, 1851, par. 5

We do not think that we shall be able to attend the conference at Camden, or I might say, it is impossible for us to attend it unless we give up the paper entirely. We shall start next Thursday for the east to be gone three weeks and the paper must be delayed. The flock of God need the paper and must have it. 1LtMs, Lt 1, 1851, par. 6

Aunt Rachel [Cushing] sends her love to you both and Jennetta and Gilbert and Sister [Nelson] Curtis. Tell Sister Curtis for me to keep up good courage to hope in God. He will not leave nor forsake her. Sister Clarissa [Bonfoey] is better than she has been for months. Aunt Rachel’s health is good; the spring water does her good. Sarah and Stephen [Belden] enjoy health. The spring water agrees with us all but Clarissa. Edson is smart and well; he talks very plain. James’ health is quite good for him. We are striving for eternal life and we know that Heaven will be cheap enough if we have to go through suffering and afflictions to get there. 1LtMs, Lt 1, 1851, par. 7

Much love to Sister Almiry Preston and Bro. and Sister Prior, Brother and Sister [Elmer] Waters, Brother Alonzo [Abby] and wife and Brother Ira and wife and Brother Hyatt and accept much yourselves. Love to your children. Tell them to be faithful and of good courage. 1LtMs, Lt 1, 1851, par. 8

In love. 1LtMs, Lt 1, 1851, par. 9

We have some good times, we love to have Aunt Rachel with us. She is of our company and we could not part with her anyway. 1LtMs, Lt 1, 1851, par. 10

Much love to Lucinda [Abbey] and all the children. 1LtMs, Lt 1, 1851, par. 11