The little paper which bears this name we believe was started for the support of the pure principles of Truth and is now on its fourteenth year, many know during that period some of its ardent supporters have been removed by death leaving the burden to fall heavier on those remaining.
We might say the paper in its pure purpose has no competitors, in that sense in which the design is to advocate only what Christ taught his disciples and which we have now in the promise he gave to them, saying, "If I go away I will send you another comforter, even the Spirit of Truth, which will guide you into all truth." [John 14:16.]
It is a peculiar time in the history of the world, a time when it may be too much true, "that men love darkness rather than light because their deeds are evil." [John 3:19.] Yet all are left without excuse for it is so plainly stated again in the Holy Scriptures, "The grace of God which bringeth salvation hath appeared unto all men, teaching them, that denying all ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously and godly in this present world, looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ." [Titus 2:11-14.]
Our Saviour committed these glorious truths unto twelve men, who have passed away but have left the valuable inspired record, and further than that the plain statement, "That which is to be known of God is manifest in man, for God hath shown it unto him." [Romans 1:19.] Here is a great responsibility which covers us all, for again we are assured that "The Lord is no respector of persons, but in every nation he that feareth God and worketh righteousness shall be accepted with him." And further Christ declares, "Behold I stand at the door and knock, if any man hear my voice and open the door I will come in unto him and sup with him and he with me." [Revelation 3:20.]
All this teaches us of the great importance that we yield to His quickening spirit that we may be promulgators also in our day, and become witnesses for Him in the world. This little paper, "Friendsville Current," is a witness and each of us who love the cause are called to assist in its faithful ministry, and this is to be done by seeking for that inspiration by which we may be enabled to speak with no uncertain sound.
I have traveled over much of the territory where Friends are located and not only among them but too among the people we see evidence all have been visited and called, but the cross is still the stumbling block; and keeps the way of the Paradise of God.
I would be willing to stir up by way of remembrance the pure mind, that we all seek to put forth the effort which Christ will give us, for the fields are white unto harvest and the laborers are few and in that we believe he still loves the world surely He will spare no pains to rouse and quicken the people that the government of their lives may be on His shoulders.
My beloved Friends everywhere, let us be alive unto our great privileges to be His witnesses now and here, and seek for an eye to see and a heart to understand, remembering again we have the command wih the positive promise, "Ask and it shall be given you, seek and ye shall find, knock and it shall be opened unto you." [Matthew 7:7.] So all are left without excuse, and "The spirit and the Bride say, come, let him that heareth say come, and let him that is athirst come, and whosoever will let him take of the water of life freely." [Revelation 22:17.]
As to the Current I hear people say, the articles are old, they can be read in Friend's writings, but are they? I met one woman who has a strenuous work taking care of an invalid in Pasadena, California, who said she had read all of Friend's Library in later years, who has done this, I have not fully.
But we must not forget there is talent for writing among the members of the Religious Society of Friends yet: it may be latent yea so latent that it is difficult to resurrect, but it can with the Lord's help yet be done, more like unto the first Friends who were so industrious with the pen to whom we owe so much. May each look to himself or herself, and see what may be required individually.
I have regretted on enquiry to find so many concerned ones who do not take the paper, there is but a paltry 200 or 250 on the list which will not support it, we have often taken one or two hundred to distribute personally, and I desire to stir us all up to greater attention, for I believe God would lead us to promote this practical instrument, it will not interfere with "The Friend" which I take and help in any way I can consistently. This I am sending was as a light in my mind, I hardly knew what till I took the pen, then it gradually opened up and I find peace in the effort.
With love to all, your friend,