Battle Creek, Mich., Sept. 13, 1870 by J. G. Cheal

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Sep 20, 1870

Battle Creek, Mich., Sept. 13, 1870

By J. G. Cheal

From Bro. Cheal.

DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: I feel greatly encouraged by the cheering testimonies of others, and have often felt impressed with the duty of contributing mine. The past year has been one of a sad, yet I trust a profitable, experience with me, and God be praised for it. While I have been endeavoring to prepare for the glorious coming of our Lord, he has taught me the blessedness of living near to him.

Although I am sadly afflicted in various ways, my afflictions serve to wean me from the world, and help me to “seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness,” trusting God for the addition of all else. I daily lament my unworthiness, and pray for requisite grace to purify my soul, and fortify it against the many temptations which come in so unawares. How blessed the assurance of the apostle, that “tribulation worketh patience, and patience, experience, and experience, hope; and hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.” Rom. 5: 3-5.

However, there is a volume of instruction in the counsel of the apostle to “hold fast the profession of our faith;” and I am daily seeking to put away sin, and draw near to God. Praise him for the blessed hope. It is of more value than aught of this world's perishable treasures. May God help us all to keep our eyes upon “the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Phil. 3: 14.

Pray for us; and God help me and mine to appreciate your many acts of kindness in our behalf.

Yours in the blessed hope, J. G. CHEAL.