Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 2 (1869 - 1875)

Lt 42, 1875

Johnson, Sister

Sparta Campground

July 4, 1875

Portions of this letter are published in TDG 194.

Dear Sister Johnson:

In looking over my husband’s letters I find one from you, which I eagerly perused. Among his multiplicity of letters received upon the campground yours came remailed from Battle Creek. I was in meeting when it was received and amid preaching and business meetings, your letter did not come to my notice. While my husband is preaching I will write a few lines to you. You see, I wrote the enclosed long ago, but your address was lost, so I could not send it. I send now. 2LtMs, Lt 42, 1875, par. 1

We deeply sympathize with you. My dear afflicted sister, you sorrow not as those who have no hope. You may look forward to the morning of the resurrection when the Lifegiver shall come and call forth the dead from their prison houses. I believe that you and we shall meet your husband again—not that poor body that went into the grave, but an immortal, glorious body. 2LtMs, Lt 42, 1875, par. 2

My husband is now examining candidates for baptism. Eight came forward for prayers. Yesterday afternoon I spoke to a crowd of about five hundred, and then called forward sinners and backsliders. Quite a number presented themselves for the ordinance of baptism. About thirty go forth in obedience of baptism. About thirty go forth in obedience to Christ, to be buried with Him in baptism. 2LtMs, Lt 42, 1875, par. 3

My heart yearns over you. I point you to the only sure and unfailing protection. Ask God for Christ's sake to watch over and bless you and your dear children. He will do it; sure is the promise. God, your heavenly Father, will be your husband at hand to counsel, to direct and comfort as you need. Oh! ever seek for help in the Mighty One; His outstretched arm will save. 2LtMs, Lt 42, 1875, par. 4

Trying as your case may be, do not yield to despondency. Guard yourself here. Your heart may ache near to breaking, but trust on, hope on. He doth not willingly afflict or grieve the children of men. Never allow yourself to mourn. Be hopeful, be ever cheerful in God, and brighter morning will yet arrive. 2LtMs, Lt 42, 1875, par. 5

Patient continuance in well-doing will lead you through this world of sorrow and strife to glory and honor and eternal life. Have God within and God overhead and you have nothing to fear. The Bible is a light to those who are in darkness. In the prospect of a blissful immortality held out to those who endure unto the end, you will find an elevating power, a strength which you will need to resist evil. Be steadfast in the hour of trial, and you will gain at last a crown which will never fade away. 2LtMs, Lt 42, 1875, par. 6

You need guidance from above. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and He will never betray your trust. If you will ask help of God you need not ask in vain. In order to encourage us to have confidence and trust He comes near us by His holy Word and Spirit, and seeks in a thousand ways to win our confidence. But in nothing does He take more delight than in receiving the weak who come to Him for strength. If we will find heart and voice to pray, He will be sure to find an ear to hear and an arm to save. 2LtMs, Lt 42, 1875, par. 7

There is not a single instance in which God has hidden His face from the supplication of His people. When every other resource failed He was a present help in every emergency. God bless you, poor, stricken, wounded soul. Cling to His hand; hold fast. He will take you, your children, and all your griefs and burdens if you will only cast them all upon Him. Connect your prayers with the mercy seat and you will surely have success in all the battles with life’s stern realities. 2LtMs, Lt 42, 1875, par. 8

We will send you publications as soon as we return to Battle Creek, which will be this week. Write us again. Direct to Battle Creek and it will be forwarded to us. I will say now, farewell for the present, with the silent prayer that God will bless the widow and the fatherless. 2LtMs, Lt 42, 1875, par. 9

Your sister in Christ. 2LtMs, Lt 42, 1875, par. 10

P.S. My husband tenders to you his sympathy and his respect in your sorrow too sacred to be handled carelessly. I must go upon the stand to talk to the large crowd. 2LtMs, Lt 42, 1875, par. 11