To all the scattered saints in Christ Jesus I send greeting—
God is at the present time most manifestly gathering his people into the unity of the faith, and to a more perfect understanding of his revealed will to man, and this is to be brought about under the sounding of the third angel's message. Rev. xiv, 9—12. Never did the holy scriptures shine with that light and beauty as they do now, and more especially the book of Revelation is unfolding its glorious light as never since Jesus sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John, on the Isle of Patmos; saying, blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein, for the time is at hand. Write the things which shall be hereafter.
God in his providence brought out a people from their spiritual bondage, and led them step by step through the first and then the second angel's messages, and now is giving them the third and last message to fit them to pass through the "time of trouble such as never was." Oh, my dear brothers and sisters, my whole soul cries out, Praise the Lord for his wonderful goodness to the children of men.
I want to tell you a little of what I have seen of late in Connecticut. I have for weeks thought much of the scattered flock of God in this state; and last first-day morning I started east in company with Bro. Belden, to try to fulfill Jer. xvi, 16, last part, and I think God has been glorified in our tour through Windham, Tolland and Hartford counties. We labored hard for six days, searching for the "hidden jewels," and I can say to the praise of God, that in almost every town we found one or more that had an "ear to hear." God did grant unto us much of the power of the truth. Never did I feel its weight and importance as now. I have felt in some instances as did Isaiah when he said, "cry aloud and spare not," &c.
I see the gross darkness that prevails among the professed Advent people. But thanks be to God, the third angel's message, that is sounding louder and louder, will bring to light every honest jewel, and they will be polished up for the "second casket." Truth is mighty to the pulling down of the strong holds of Satan. Nothing, I think, that has gone before, has had half that effect to arouse the Israel of God, as will soon be felt by the third angel's message. This follows the two that have preceded it in our experience. How simple, natural and plain. All that are truly honest at heart must see and understand the third angel, who declares with a loud voice, "If any man worship the beast and his image," &c. How important to understand this message. This message will wax louder and louder until the 144,000 are sealed with the seal of the living God. Amen.
My Brothers and Sisters, we are just about entering upon the "time of trouble such as never was." And seeing these tremendous scenes are just before us, "what manner of persons ought we to be in all holy conversation and godliness," looking and praying for the "latter rain" to fall upon us, to ripen us for the garner of the Lord. I exhort you, as did Paul, "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord. Prove all things, hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil, and the very God of peace sanctify you wholly, and I pray God your whole spirit, and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
From your unworthy brother, expecting to come up through great tribulation,
E. L. H. CHAMBERLAIN.