Preparing for the Coming Trial
By Ellen E. Walsworth
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: I have felt for the past few weeks, as never before, the great necessity of being thoroughly prepared, and wholly given to the Lord, and all that I have placed upon the altar, that I may have a hiding place beneath his pavilion when his wrath is poured out upon the inhabitants of the earth. It will require a firm faith in God and his promises, and a pure heart, to live upon the earth when there is no mediator between the wrath of God and fallen man, and unless our faith is in daily exercise now, I fear it will not stand the test. Oh! for a drawing near to God, and drinking of that fountain of which Jesus says, whosoever drinks it, it shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life. Time is short, and what we do must be done quickly, for the night cometh wherein no man can work. Our Saviour tells us to take heed to ourselves lest at any time our hearts are overcharged with surfeiting and drunkenness, and the cares of this life, and so that day come upon us unawares. How important then, that we lay aside our worldly cares, and spend a while in reading, meditation, and prayer. And even while our hands are engaged in the business of life, should not our hearts be lifted up to God for strength to resist the enemy who is constantly upon our track? May the Lord help us to seek the kingdom of Heaven first, and let the things of this world come in secondarily. Through his love for us, the Lord has given us light upon the health reform, that we may know how to cleanse our bodies and have them in as healthy condition as possible, that we may glorify him in our bodies and spirits which are his. If we wish to escape the plagues that are surely coming, we must not make light of the counsel given us in God's word, to cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. But after we have done all that is in our power to get right, it will be a miracle that the saints are kept in that fearful time. Solemn events are just before us, and the question arises, Shall I stand the test? I know I cannot in my lukewarm state, and therefore must be more in earnest. As I read in Testimony No. 13, that but a small portion who now profess the truth will be sanctified by it and be saved, my heart sunk within me. Ah, thought I, shall I be left behind? I could not endure the thought. I want to be saved when Jesus comes to gather home his faithful and tried ones; and have been trying to seek the Lord more earnestly, and believing that he is the rewarder of all those who diligently seek him. And I have found him precious to my soul. Many times do I feel the sweet influence of his Holy Spirit, and it serves to strengthen me in the divine path; and my prayer is that I may see all my faults, that I may repent and have forgiveness through Jesus' atoning blood. Oh! for a closer walk with God; a continual draught from the fountain of life. Oh! for more of a thirsting after righteousness, as the hart panteth after the water brooks. I feel to say in the words of David, “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my Redeemer.” Heaven has greater attractions for me than this poor, dark world. Oh! for more meekness and humbleness of heart, that I may be more like my blessed Master. I am decided to share the trials, endure the toil, with the people of God, and I will leave my future welfare in the hands of the Lord, believing, as it is written, that it has not entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. Your sister, in hope of eternal life at the coming of Jesus. ELLEN E. WALSWORTH.