Untitled article by Josiah Hebner

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · January 7, 1868

From Bro. Hebner.

By Josiah Hebner

BRO. SMITH: My heart swells with gratitude to God for his goodness to me in showing me the truth of the third angel's message, the last proclamation that the world will ever receive. But how saddening to see such carelessness manifested by the people, even those who profess to be the followers of the meek Saviour. It is true that we are living in perilous times, when iniquity abounds, and the love of many is waxing cold.

God is surely sending his judgments abroad in the land, and shall not his people learn wisdom? Shall we not brighten our armor, dear brethren and sisters, and relinquish our hold upon earthly things, and lay aside every weight, and the sin that doth so easily beset us, and run with patience the race set before us, looking to Jesus, the author and the finisher of our faith?

I am still striving to be an overcomer and go through to the end with the tried people of God. It is only by constant prayer and watching that we can overcome our evil ways. I know that our Father has promised to help in time of need. I know he has helped me to overcome much that is sinful in his sight, and hurtful to my health. I feel like a stranger and pilgrim on the earth, having no continuing city, but I seek one to come, whose builder and maker is God.

The Review is a welcome messenger to me. It comes laden with the truth. I prize it much, especially the Sermon Department. It is all the preaching I have. I also love the Conference Department; for it often brings brethren and sisters fresh to mind with whom I have taken sweet counsel. My prayer is that I may stand at last with God's dear people in the earth made new. Thank God for the light of present truth! Your unworthy brother seeking for a home in Heaven.

JOSIAH HEBNER. St. Clair Co., Mich.