Sustained by Grace by W. S. Ernst

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Aug 18, 1868

Sustained by Grace

By W. S. Ernst

From Bro. Ernst.

DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: It has been some time since I have said anything in the Conference department of the REVIEW. It has not been because I have lost my love for the truth, or for my brethren; but because I have suffered myself to neglect this duty. I often feel as if I could not write anything that would benefit others. Then again I think how I have been encouraged by reading the testimonies of brethren and sisters, and especially those of the lonely. Brethren and sisters, I do rejoice to-day that my ears were ever saluted with the sound of the gospel, and I praise my Heavenly Father for his grace that has sustained me thus far. When I think what Jesus has done for me, as well as all mankind, it gives me fresh courage to press my way onward and upward till I obtain the prize. It is about two years and a half since I embraced the third angel's message, and to-day I can say that it is the truth of God's word made plain to our minds, and oh! that we might let the truth rule and reign over our every thought and action. How it rejoices my heart to hear the brethren of the ministry report the good work going on, and that souls are being brought into the truth;

and I pray that the Lord of the harvest will send more laborers into the field. My desire and determination is by the grace of God to live a Christian while I do live. And oh! how much of the grace of God I do need. But there is a never-failing fountain to draw from, and Jesus says, “Come unto me all that are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Glorious invitation! help me, blessed Jesus, to come. Brethren, let each one of us make an individual work of overcoming, and preparing for the coming of Christ, for signs daily thicken around us to admonish us that the day of the Lord is at hand. He says, Watch and pray that ye enter not into temptation, and that that day come upon you unawares.

May the Lord help us all, is the prayer of your unworthy brother in Christ. W. S. ERNST. Branch Co., Mich.