Epistles of Faith

Letter XXXII

William Huntington (1745-1813)

Beloved,

THE Doctor wishes grace, mercy, and peace to the old soldiers who are creeping into winter quarters. It is written in our laws, that there was a commandment which went forth from the King of kings and Lord of lords eighteen hundred years ago, that the poor, the halt, the lame, and the blind were to be invited, compelled, yea brought in to be present, and to be guests at the marriage supper of the Lamb. This command has never been recalled; this law has never been repealed; but stands in full force to this day, like the laws of the Medes and Persians, which alter not. It is also appointed and decreed by an unalterable statute, that all old soldiers or invalids who have been engaged on the Lord's side against the world, the flesh, and the devil, that these upon being dismissed from service, shall have a pension settled upon them, and shall be free from war for ever after. And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, that in case these soldiers have continued, and appeared staunch to his Majesty's interest, and have not been finally overcome by the King's enemies, namely, the world, the flesh, and the devil, so as to be drawn away from his Majesty's service, and to engage with the rebels against the King and his forces as aforesaid; it is decreed, ordained, and immutably fixed by an eternal mandate, that such shall wear a crown, in token of royalty, loyalty, and victory; and that they shall have a branch of palm in their hands, an emblem of peace, of conquest, and of eternal triumph; and shall shout among all the King's worthies, "Salvation to him that sits upon the throne, and to the Lamb, for ever avid ever." Long live the King, long live the King.

W. H. S. S.

William Huntington