LETTER FROM MR. ANDERSON.
September 9th, 1851.
Dear Brother Thomas:
In addressing you I wish also to be considered as addressing the brethren generally. We can all benefit one another. There is, most assuredly, room for benefit.
In the first place, the disciples need it, individually, socially, and congregationally. In view of the abounding testimonies of prophets and apostles, are the brethren exercising a correspondent faith, a faith correspondent to the abundant testimonies? Are we not obliged to answer this question in the negative? How long shall this be the case? The apostle Peter was able to write to them who had obtained a like precious faith with the apostles. And he could fitly exhort them, that, giving all diligence, they should add to their faith, virtue, and knowledge, and temperance, and patience, and godliness, and brotherly kindness, and love. He urged that these should be in them, and abound, and thus they would become neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. He assured them that thus they should make their calling and election certain, and that they should never fall, but obtain an abundant entrance into the everlasting kingdom of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
Now, I repeat emphatically that, under God, we can all help one another. And here I take occasion to offer thanks to God, that has enabled brother Thomas to labor much, very much, for the edification of the disciples, in private and in public, in words spoken, and in words written. I have read his “Elpis Israel,” and can recommend the book as admirably calculated to help us to be built up in the faith. I would respectfully and affectionately urge the beloved disciples to read this book. It constantly refers us to the bible, and aids our understandings. I would also urge that we endeavour to increase the circulation of the Herald of the Kingdom. Need I remind the brethren that we have but a short time for the work? and that we have hosts of opponents?
Let us be animated by the joyful news of the good things to come; by the hope of being made partakers in the good things. If we be counted worthy, we shall, assuredly, sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and with many others in the kingdom. We shall enjoy paradise more than restored! Shall we not then strive to enter in?
I wish to state that I was gratified with my visit amongst the Lunenburg brethren and friends; they are certainly disposed to hear and to examine for themselves. At Leadbetter some came to the determination to assemble themselves regularly, for the sake of mutual edification. One was immersed into the faith of the gospel of the kingdom. I humbly trust that they will be fully confirmed in their good determination, being animated by the hope of joys and of glory to come.
At “Good Hope” the disciples, some of them, have (I understand) maintained their ground in keeping the ordinances of the Lord.
Altogether, the brothers and sisters of Lunenburg have a great deal to comfort and encourage them. They are possessed of some excellent materials, men and women of sound minds, and able to accomplish a great amount of good. I had large congregations at both houses, and I ascribe this, in some good degree, to the moral influence of the brotherhood.
I can truly say, that I enjoyed myself much, very much, amongst friends so kind. May the good Lord bless them, and make them abound in faith, in hope, in love, and enable them to sound out the word of the glorious gospel of Christ.
Accept, brother Thomas, this communication, as a token of my love for yourself and the brethren, and believe me,
Yours as ever,
In the bonds of the truth,
ALBERT ANDERSON.