Lewisburg, Va., July 31st, 1858.
My Dear Sabbath-School Class:—I have been intending to write you a short letter ever since leaving home, but have been so constantly engaged that I have not found an opportunity.
A great deal of interest has transpired since the commencement of my mountain trip, of which I should like to tell you, but must defer doing so until we meet, which, if God spares our lives, will be in a few weeks. I know you would like very much to leave the hot and dusty streets of Richmond, and come out and enjoy the pure mountain air and health-giving water. My own health has improved very much, and I do most earnestly pray that it and my life may be precious in the sight of God, and I may yet ere long enjoy the greatest of earthly privileges—preaching the mystery of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I have very often thought of and frequently remembered you at a throne of grace. Oh! you know not how much pleasure it would afford me to see youallprofessors of religion. You knowI told you before leaving, if any of you shouldperish—I feel sad to think of such a thing—I hoped it would not be my fault, for I had endeavored, feebly and imperfectly though it was, to lead your youthful feet in the ways of righteousness—the paths of peace.
I feel constrained to urge you once more tocome to Jesus. We may never meet again on earth, and I do so sincerely desire to meet my Sabbath-school class in heaven. Supposeoneof you should be missing, which will it be? May each one of you ask himself the question, “Lord, is it I?â€
And then, my dear young friends, we want ministers so badly. Where shall we get them? Do I not hear at leastoneof you say, “Here am I; Lord, send me?†Think of that shepherdless and sorrowing flock, that vacant pulpit, that newly made grave, in Amelia county! think how fearlessly and faithfully the lamentedS. Hamner Davisstood up for Jesus, and how triumphantly he died! My dear scholars, will notsomeof you, would it be too much to sayallof you, dedicate yourselves to the work of the blessed ministry? I know it has not a great many earthly attractions, but there is something cheering in the thought of living for the benefit of your fellow-men.I had rather be the humble instrument, in the hands of God, of saving one soul, than be worth all the riches or obtain all the honors which the world can furnish.
May the Lord abundantly bless and preserve you all, while we are absent from each other, is the prayer of
Your affectionate Teacher,
PHILIP BARRETT.