Holding Fast to Present Truth
By Lydia Jane Shaw
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: While meditating upon the light we have in these last days, my heart rejoices that my eyes have been made to see, my ears to hear, and my heart to receive, the truths of the third angel’s message, also at the beautiful harmony in the law of God and the testimony of Jesus; though oftentimes I find a spirit of unbelief creeping into my heart at the thought that so many of our learned men, so many that we esteem as wise and good, can reject the truths that look so precious to me, and cast them aside as of no importance. But Jesus has said, “If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.” And it is written, “not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called;” “God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty.” One marked characteristic of these last days is, “men’s hearts have waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing.” Every avenue to their hearts is locked and barred. They have hedged themselves about with unbelief until nothing can disturb their security. But for all this, there is to-day a little flock who still walk the narrow way, holding forth the light of truth which “is as a lamp to their feet, and a light to their path.” Let us hold fast to the faith once delivered to the saints, hold fast to the profession of our faith without wavering, knowing that He is faithful that has promised. “Cast not away, therefore, your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward. For ye have great need of patience, that after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. For yet a little while, and He that shall come will come, and will not tarry.” Therefore, let us watch and be sober, knowing that the day of the Lord hasteth greatly. Yours, striving for eternal life.
LYDIA JANE SHAW.
Strykersville, N. Y.