HOW THE TRUTH IS RECEIVED.
By R. S. Owen
To us who have learned to love present truth, there is beauty and harmony in it. It is as clear as the light of the noon-day sun. This gives us faith, hope, and courage, to cheer us on our way. It buoys our spirits up when without it we should almost sink into despair. It gives us pleasure, also, to notice the joy others express in hearing and obeying the truth. Of late I have heard many such expressions as the following from those who have seen the light on Rev. 14, and the truths connected therewith: “I feel as though we had something to live for now.” Another says, “Many times have I thrown that book [the Bible] down, resolving never to look into it again; but now I can say, Oh, how I love it!” Another says, “I am so glad that I have learned to keep God’s Sabbath;” and another, “How thankful we ought to be that we had a chance to hear the truth.” Yes, God has given us a truth that will do people good; and there are many who are hungering and thirsting for it. If we hide the light under a bushel, we shall be held accountable. Our books are read with interest in Canada. Many persons are known to sit up half the night to read them. I will mention one case in particular. A lady promised to read our work on the third angel’s message, which I lent to her. When I afterward called on her, she had read it through four times, had lent it to one of her neighbors, who had read it also, and it was then being read by a third family. The lady who first took the book is now keeping the Sabbath with part of her family, and the others are favorable to the truth; and those to whom she lent the book have embraced the truth. She has a brother in California who there commenced to keep the Sabbath last summer. Thus, though separated by thousands of miles, they have become united in the truth. If it gives pleasure to see souls receiving God’s truth, and loving to keep his commandments here, what will be the joy to see them enter through the pearly gates into the heavenly city, there to enjoy the everlasting inheritance? R. S. OWEN.