Des Moines, Iowa, May 11, 1897.
My dear Brother:
The old blind sister, who has made her home with us during the last 16 or 17 months, has been called home, after a fourteen weeks’ illness from a broken leg. She was over 80, when she fell and broke the thigh bone, and was never able to be up again. We all felt it was the Lord’s mercy that He took her to Himself, to rest from her weary path here. Another old sister, 78 years old, was called home the same week, after much suffering, accompanied by a sweet testimony. These were the two oldest in the gathering, and now rest in the Lord’s presence, till the moment of our gathering to Him at His coming. And surely it will not be long till we all see Him face to face. What a moment that will be! And what joy to our hearts — a joy that will only be enhanced by having known trial and sorrow here — joy after sorrow, rest after toil!
As we get nearer the end, we learn more and more how complete is the ruin of all that is here: no hope for the Church but the coming of the Lord. Of course we have long known this, but what we have been passing through enables us to realize it more than we otherwise would. Even among those who have been preserved from following after men, what feebleness we find in many places. The tendency is to discouragement, and to letting things fall into decay. Often my own heart has been encouraged by Paul’s word to Timothy in his second letter. When all is falling into decay is no time to give up: it is then there is more need than ever to be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. Men admire a regiment of soldiers that stand till the last man is cut down. How blessed, if through grace, we thus stand in the spiritual warfare we are called to wage!
... We are looking forward to having a Conference at Pella, 47 miles from here, at the end of June, if the Lord will.
In various ways the winter has been a time of much pressure and care, but the Lord has cheered us through some dear women being brought into the knowledge of their acceptance and eternal security in Christ through grace.. Our love to all the dear brethren.
Your affectionate brother in the Lord,