::R1088 : page 6::

GIRD UP YOUR LOINS

Grinnell, Iowa.

BROTHER RUSSELL:

I am discouraged, I am all alone here as far as I know. Can get no one to take any interest in these things. It is hard to hold fast when one stands all alone without one congenial spirit to cheer him on the thorny way. Were it not for the comfort and strength I get from the monthly visits of the TOWER, I think I would lose my grip. Yours in despondency.

W. C. P.

DEAR BROTHER P.:

Your prayer is heard, your desire for companionship and fellowship of a congenial spirit. We wish to introduce you to one who we know will prove a friend indeed, one with whom you may frequently have communion and counsel. We fear from the tone of your letter that you, though acquainted with him, had forgotten him—we refer to our Lord Jesus. Surely you could not feel lonely or discouraged

::R1088 : page 7::

if you had remembered, that “greater is he that is on our part than all they that be against us.” Better is the communion of this one, than the fellowship of all on earth beside.

Now, dear Brother, enter into your closet and hold communion with this friend more and more frequently. Advise with him. You will soon find that this, and the openings for communion which he will provide—the TOWER, DAWN, etc.,—will be a comforting and satisfying portion. Meantime of course be on the lookout for means of spreading the truth. Those who most love the truth, love most to serve it: and the appreciation and the service and the refreshment from it, go hand in hand. “Wherefore,” dear brother, “gird up the loins of your mind, be sober and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”—EDITOR.

====================

— December, 1888 —