The Need of Daily Experience
By ANNA H. HALE
DEAR BRN. AND SISTERS: Without an experience from day to day, in divine things, how can we write with acceptance, or to edification, in the Review? Is it not necessary, if we would speak to others in a way to do them good, to have our hearts burning with love to God, and the cause of present truth? And should not this be our condition, as we come from the presence chamber of our King—from holding sweet communion with our blessed Redeemer, who has redeemed us from the dreadful slavery of sin, and made us fellow-citizens with the saints, and heirs to an inheritance, incorruptible, undefiled, and which fadeth not away? Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God. We had fallen low, but to what a dignity he raiseth us. Jesus stooped low to save us; died for us while we were yet his enemies. We have spurned his authority, and his love, ranging ourselves on the side of his enemy and ours. We grieved his Holy Spirit; but he did not leave us to our fate. He saw the misery and shame we were bringing upon ourselves, and the terrible death which would end the scene. He sent us warning after warning, and entreated us to flee from the wrath to come. He set his truth before us so plainly that we could not evade its force. He sent his Holy Spirit to impress upon us our duty, and our danger, if we refuse to obey. He held up before us the glorious rewards of obedience. He showed us the beautiful city with its many mansions, the crowns and harps of gold that might be ours, not for a day, but forever. He told us what he had endured to purchase this inheritance for us, and the love that had sent him to suffer our death, that through him we might be saved. And when our hard hearts were softened, and we turned to him from whom we had revolted, how quickly his arms were opened to receive us, and how readily he forgave all the cruel past. How he encourages us to come to him, and meets us often in secret places. How, when the powers of darkness gathered around us, and strove with cruel hate to press us back into their service, and our feeble strength had well nigh yielded in the struggle, he appeared for our deliverance. He never forgets nor forsakes us; though we often grieve him by coldness and neglect. In view of these things we love him, and are willing, yea, count it joy, to suffer for his sake. The world looks at us with pity, or scorn, as we turn from them, to walk the narrow way, but we heed them not. Our Beloved leads us on in the path he trod before; and how safe we feel as we follow. “Wisdom’s ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.” The light that shines from the heavenly sanctuary upon our path is sweet. Over two and a half years I have been trying to walk in the light. Sometimes I have felt lonely and sad, for the want of the sympathy of earthly friends; but not for a moment have I regretted turning my feet into this path, or wished to retrace my way. I have found that the promise to those who forsake all to follow Christ, is sure, and I feel, as I hear you, dear brethren and sisters, speaking, from week to week, in the Review, that I should not be silent. Bless the Lord, we can live out the truth in any place. If we are willing to do right, He will open up a way, and make a way of escape out of all our temptations. Let us then press on, with our eye fixed on the mark, and our hearts warm with the love of Christ—happy even to suffer reproach for his name; for soon his glory will be revealed, then we shall be glad with exceeding joy. Oh! then how small will the trials of earth appear. I feel that God is leading this people in great kindness and mercy. I am thankful that he condescends to instruct us by the gift of prophecy. My dear young friends, let us heed the warnings that have been given us, and make sure work for the kingdom. I am trying. Pray for me. ANNA H. HALE.