Words to Those in Advanced Years
205
I am thankful that Elder [J. N.] Loughborough can still use his
abilities and his gifts in God’s work. He has stood faithful amid storm
and trial. With Elder Smith, my husband, Brother Butler, who joined
us at a later period, and yourself [S. N. Haskell], he can say, “That
[226]
which was from the beginning, ... that which we have seen and heard
declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and
truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ”
(
1 John 1:1-3
).
Elder Butler a Most Valuable Laborer
It is with feelings of satisfaction and of gratitude to God that we
see Elder [G. I.] Butler again in active service. His gray hairs testify
that he understands what trials are. We welcome him into our ranks
once more, and regard him as one of our most valuable laborers.
May the Lord help the brethren who have borne their testimony in
the early days of the message, to be wise in regard to the preservation
of their physical, mental, and spiritual powers. I have been instructed
by the Lord to say that He has endowed you with the power of reason,
and He desires you to understand the laws that affect the health of
the being, and to resolve to obey them. These laws are God’s laws.
He desires every pioneer worker to stand in his lot and place, that he
may do his part in saving the people from being swept downward to
destruction by the mighty current of evil—of physical, mental, and
spiritual declension. My brethren, He desires you to keep your armor
on to the very close of the conflict. Do not be imprudent; do not
overwork. Take periods of rest.
The church militant is not the church triumphant. The Lord desires
His tried servants, as long as they live, to advocate temperance reform.
Unfurl the temperance banner. Teach the people to practice strict
temperance in all things, and to be champions in favor of obedience to
physical laws. Stand firmly to God’s truth. Exalt before the people the
banner bearing the inscription, “Here is the patience of the saints: here
are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus”
(
Revelation 14:12
)....