Going Forward by E. M. Gorton

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · May 15, 1866

Going Forward.

By E. M. Gorton

DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: As I have gathered strength and been greatly encouraged by reading the cheering testimonies in the Review, I feel as if I would like, through the columns of this dear paper, to tell you something of my experience since I embraced the present truth. I commenced to obey the solemn warning of the third angel's message last summer, while Elders Van Horn and Canright were preaching in this place; and I have not been sorry for one moment that I ever sought diligently the true plan of salvation; but I feel to praise my heavenly Father continually for his goodness in sending his messengers here, inspired by his Spirit, to preach the word of God in its purity and beauty. I am determined to live out the present truth, be an overcomer, and be ready when Christ comes to make up his jewels, to meet him with joy and not with grief.

I can say that I never enjoyed myself so well in all my life, as I have since I resolved to renounce the vanities of this world, and try and live a Bible Christian. Although I have no friends now except the Adventists, yet I feel to rejoice that I have the privilege of being numbered with that poor despised company who are trying to keep all the commandments of God. I believe the time is near when the loud cry will go forth to close the third angel's message. Signs are fast fulfilling. There is not a day passes but what we can see something that portends the near approach of our heavenly King. Oh what a solemn time in which we are living! just on the verge of the closing up of this world's history. In view of these facts I think it is high time to awake out of sleep, for the night is far spent and the day is at hand.

Dear brethren and sisters, cheer up, and let the sweet sunshine of hope come in and take possession of your souls, for your redemption draweth nigh. Let us not despair whatever may betide. God's people and his cause are safe. He that sends the storm prepares the refuge. Let us put on the whole armor of God and be prepared to go through the time of trouble that is just before us, and be able to stand upon the sea of glass, and sing the song of Moses and the Lamb. May each and every one of us realize the solemn and awful time in which we are living, put our whole trust in God, and at last be gathered home. Pray for me. Pray for us in Watrousville, that we may go through with the remnant to Mount Zion.

Yours seeking a home in the earth made new.

E. M. GORTON.

Watrousville, Mich.