p. 63 | Finding Hope in Christ by A. S. Hutchins

Publishing Committee · Rochester, N. Y. · Oct 3, 1854

Finding Hope in Christ

By A. S. Hutchins

From Bro. Hutchins.

DEAR BRO. WHITE:—The privilege of "suffering affliction with the people of God," remains a source of lively gratitude to me. Years in the past, I deeply felt the need of something more durable and precious, than the vanities and pleasures of this sinful world; for I was not only conscious that while living the life of a sinner, my ways were displeasing to God, and to his dear Son, who had groaned, and thirsted, and bled, and died upon the cross, and that I was destitute of real and substantial happiness, but I knew full well as I looked forward to the awful solemn hour of the judgment, that I had no preparation for that trying and heart-searching day.

While looking at myself in this poor wretched condition, I was deeply impressed by the Spirit of God, to give my heart to the Saviour, and to participate in the sufferings and trials and conflicts of the people of God. In rendering submission and obedience to the teachings of this blessed Spirit, I found to the joy and satisfaction of my soul, "him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets did write." From that time, onward to the present, my only hope of justification in the sight of God, and of being prepared for a home in glory with the redeemed, at the appearing of Jesus, has been based upon an effort to render strict obedience to every precept of the word of God, as light should shine forth from its sacred pages. "The path of the just is as a shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart."

Since embracing the message of the third angel, [Rev. xiv, 9-12,] additional light has been constantly shining upon my path from the blessed Bible. I can now clearly see that the commandments of God are all binding, the fourth not excepted. And that the personal coming of Christ is near, "EVEN AT THE DOORS." The love and christian affection which I have felt for the despised "remnant" of the people of God, for the last two years, I am confident is greater than at any previous time. "By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous."

Now is the time for the remnant to press together. Every one should feel that his help is greatly needed just now. I have no idea that the children of God are to be scattered and divided again. Notwithstanding trials and conflicts await us, yet in the name of our Master we can and must and will have a glorious and triumphant victory over the powers of darkness.

Let me say then, "Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you, but rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings, that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy."

There is a way through to the pilgrim's home; and trusting in God for sustaining grace in every time of need, let us unitedly arise and assert our liberty in the name of Jesus, and go on till glory shall complete what grace has begun.

I would not intimate that I have not shared with

God's people somewhat in their trials and discouragements; but I do firmly believe that by rendering strict and constant obedience to all the commandments of God, and by exercising lively faith in the Son of God, we shall soon receive a crown of glory, therefore I take courage.

May the Lord sustain you dear brother in every trial through which you are called to pass.

A. S. HUTCHINS.

Bangor, N. Y., Sept. 20th, 1854.