WILLARD W. STEBBINS by Willard W. Stebbins

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Dec 22, 1868

WILLARD W. STEBBINS

By Willard W. Stebbins

From Bro. Stebbins.

Dear Brethren and Sisters: I feel to say to you through the Review that of late my love for the truth has been increased. I have felt as never before since the precious truths of the third angel greeted my ears, how truly solemn the time in which we live, and the great importance of having a deep abiding work wrought in my heart. How necessary that daily conversion be wrought within us. How stirring the thought that our individual cases will soon pass the solemn test. A few more days, perhaps, and then, O my soul! thy eternal destiny is sealed. Oh! then gird the armor around thee, shake off the stupor so fatal, and watch the door of thy heart, that the enemy break not in and make void thy solemn vows.

My confidence in this great work is unwavering. I dare not doubt that the hand of the Lord is in it. Brethren and sisters, it is very important that we live in harmony with the truth, and be in union with the body. Let us press together and be more compact in the Lord. We must get rid of this death stupor that has crept over us, and seek a more full conversion to the truth. In view of the great work yet to be accomplished within us, I say, we must quicken our pace and wake up our dormant energies, “lest coming suddenly he find us sleeping.” Satan is at work as never before to destroy, scatter, and divide the little flock. And most signally are his darts aimed at the faithful messengers of the cross. If, in the wisdom of God, a faithful one is rising to usefulness in the cause, his rage will be kindled against him.

How gladly in this hour of awakening to the church would he press fanaticism into our ranks. But, thank God, his time is short. Brethren, let us plead for heavenly wisdom, that we may successfully war against the powerful enemy. I mean, by God’s help, to be more thorough in the work of overcoming. Oh! the dangerous position of those that fail to arise with God’s people. My heart goes out after such. O sleeping brother or sister, awake from thy coldness, throw open thy heart to the softening, refining, and melting influences of God’s Holy Spirit, before thy name shall pass the final test in the court of Heaven. Oh! seek a full union with God’s people, share in their blessings here, and their reward hereafter. May God help us to be lights in the several communities where he has placed us. May our speech be such as shall administer grace to the hearers. And at last when the great Judge shall have decided our cases, may it be said of us, “Well done,” and I with you share in the glories of the new earth.

“O blessed Saviour! may we feel The full importance of this hour.”

WILLARD W. STEBBINS

Raymond, Pa.