| 516 January 22, Elder Ebenezer Robinson wrote from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, testifying that the Spirit of God was with the Reorganization as it was with the church in the beginning. He states:-
The witness of the gospel borne to us becomes a testimony against us, whether for good or for condemnation, as it is written, "it is a savor of life unto life, or of death unto death."
Who then desiring to bear witness of the truth, if willing that the testimony which he bears shall be the one by which he is to receive his honor when the Judge rewards the children of men, after the judgment, must depart from evil, not only in name but in fact.
For us, brethren, let me assure you as an ambassador from a far land, there can be neither rest nor safety till the Master of the field sends out his servant to tell us that the harvest is over.
And if, when these stewards shall find us reaping, they so report, as of those found worthy their testimony will prevail over the testimony of those who have idly waited the call to cease from labor.
So then, let our profession of faith be the practice of the gospel teachings.
The liberty of the gospel is the liberty of children of God who fear not the law, neither of carnal commandments nor good works; because by it are the children of God on the earth made coequal with the children of God in heaven, for they shall see God, and have companionship with the angels.
He then that is wise will seek not to abuse this liberty of the gospel to the perversion of the pure in heart but weak in the faith; nor yet for the purpose of excelling in word. But will, accounting it as the grace of God, be content to do all that lies in his power for the good of man, to the glory of God; leaving the height of his exaltation and the excellency of his honor to the mercy and the justice of God, who doeth all things well. Herein is an exceeding great faith exemplified.
If in the exercise of faith we please God; it is being without the works of faith we please the adversary of all righteousness; which, when he is pleased, delighteth to torment the spirit which is in us, if haply he may enter in and destroy us
From this the Savior-teacher, whose teachings we do well to heed, sayeth, "In patience possess your souls."
The hope of eternal life being begotten in us, let us press on in the free exercise of good works which cometh from the indwelling of that Spirit by which we are made alive in Christ; for we have been baptized in Christ with one baptism into one hope and one calling; therefore unto one working of the selfsame good deed, whether in England, or in America, or in Wales.
Be of good comfort, children of light. Your Father who delighteth in the good of all his creatures, feels for your present afflictions, and will soon send healing for all your ills.
But death must reign until his power is broken by the lamb who taketh away the sins of the world; and this he will not do until his work upon the earth is perfected.
And a people prepared for his coming, who shall be pure in heart, clean in appearance, robed with the garments of peace, and sanctified by the love which has been shed abroad for all his saints.
Be watchful, be prayerful, be sober.
JOSEPH SMITH.
The Restorer, vol. 3, pp. 213, 214.
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