THOS. J. CROSS by Thos. J. Cross.

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jun 21, 1870

THOS. J. CROSS

By Thos. J. Cross.

From Bro. Cross.

Jesus says, “If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you.” “The servant is not greater than his Lord.” From these words it is evident that those who truly follow him, and have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, need not think it strange, nor marvel, if the world should not speak well of them. If they were of the world, the world would love its own. If any are seeking after the honors, applause, and popularity, of the world, they must conform to its spirit, fashions, and usages. The world and Satan have no objections to a form of godliness, a mere outside show. Such is the most ready and easy way to perdition. Much of the preaching in these latter days consists in glittering generalities, cold, dry logic, or, more frequently, lack of all logic. There is neither point nor edge. No one is disturbed in his carnal security. But let one present the plain, unvarnished truth, his soul all imbued with the love of God and the spirit of his calling, let the thunders from Sinai sound louder and louder; and the light of divine truth begin to blaze before the guilty and awakened conscience; present the claims of God, the dignity and perpetuity of his law; and there is a commotion. Now Satan comes to the rescue. For those that turn the world upside down are come hither also.

To those of like precious faith, though few comparatively, scattered, and sometimes feeling lonely, I feel to say, Be of good cheer. There never was a time when I felt that I had greater cause for gratitude than now. How precious the truth now appears. I ask no higher position here on earth than to be of that number that shall be found keeping the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. The pathway grows brighter, and I feel an anxiety to be up and doing while the day lasts; for I see that the night is approaching when no man can work.

But to those that sleep in Jesus, there is a bright and glorious morning. For John heard a voice from Heaven, saying unto him, “Write, Blessed are the dead that die in the Lord.” Says Jesus, I am the resurrection and the life.” This dispels the darkness that gathers around the entrance to the tomb. How I long to see that day, “when the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion, with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads.” May it be our happy portion at last, to find an abundant entrance into the everlasting kingdom.

THOS. J. CROSS

Blue Earth Co., Minn.