p. 86 | SAMUEL J. HERSUM by Samuel J. Hersum

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Sep 7, 1869

SAMUEL J. HERSUM

By Samuel J. Hersum

From Bro. Hersum.

DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: Since reading Bro. Butler’s report from Iowa, I feel like confessing that “the death-like stupor” which has come over the minds of some in that State, has been experienced by myself within a few months past.

There never has been a time in my religious experience when it was so hard to keep the mind fixed upon the truth and upon Heaven as it is at the present. And why is it? The only reason I can give, is: We are in the morning watch, and Satan is beginning to work with great power, knowing that he has but a short time, and he is using this power in putting the people of God to sleep. Now the Saviour commands us to watch, lest coming suddenly he find us sleeping. The Saviour knew what his people would have to encounter in the last days, hence the admonition, “Watch.” I believe we shall experience more drowsiness as we come nearer the end than we have ever yet experienced, when we shall have to strain every nerve, so to speak, to keep awake.

This drowsy, stupid feeling is an evidence, to my mind, that we are very near the end. The apostle Paul says, “This know also that in the last days perilous times shall come.” Did the apostle mean what he said? I think he did, and he has pointed out the sins which the people of God are in danger of falling into. Read 2 Tim. iii, 1–5. Now our only safety is to trust in the Lord; be watchful and prayerful lest we enter into temptation. Let us hold on a little longer and the battle will be over.

Pray for me. Yours in hope.

SAMUEL J. HERSUM

West Hampstead, N. H.