Getting to Heaven by the Cross
By Margaret Hipkins
Bro. Smith: It is about eleven months since I first heard the Third Angel's Message through the preaching of Brn. Holt and Cornell. Since that time I have been trying to keep the Commandments of God and the Faith of Jesus. We find the road that leads to heaven is very rugged and thorny as well as strait and narrow; but brethren and sisters, let us not murmur nor complain of the straitness of the way; but let us remember what the faithful and true Witness says: "As many as I love I rebuke and chasten." May the Lord help us to bear his rebukes and chastenings as we ought, and be zealous and repent. I often think of our Saviour when he was here on earth. He was a man of sorrow and acquainted with grief. He has marked out the way for us. There is no other way to heaven but by the cross. Jesus says, If ye would reign with me ye must suffer with me. Hear also what Paul says [Heb. xii, 7, 8;] "If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not." I feel like trying to get to heaven by way of the cross. Pray for me brethren and sisters. Yours in hope of immortality and eternal life.
MARGARET HIPKINS.
Gilboa, O., Aug. 1858.