Confidence in the Prophetic Vision
By Eliza A. Miller
Dear Bro. White:—While I take a retrospective view of the past and the dealings of God with his people in former days, I am encouraged to believe that God will have a remnant that will stand in the final conflict with the beast and his image, shielded with truth, ready to meet the Lord when he shall return from the wedding. I love to call to remembrance the former days, in which, after being illuminated, we endured a great fight of afflictions. While we became a gazing stock, by reproaches and affliction, we took joyfully the spoiling of our goods; for we felt that our treasure was in heaven, from whence we looked for our Saviour. In the midst of our disappointment and trials, we are exhorted to "cast not away our confidence, which hath great recompense of reward." And to hold fast whereunto we have attained, lest any one take our crown. I do rejoice in God that his dear people are so soon to realize the consummation of their hope. For he that is to come will come and will not tarry. Now the just shall live by faith. The vision has been made plain upon tables. Many that have read it have run to and fro, and knowledge has been increased. I still retain a confidence that the vision has spoken and has not lied. I trust, brethren and sisters, we are not of them that draw back unto perdition, but of them that believe to the saving of the soul. What is it, but going back to perdition, to deny that we were influenced by the Spirit of God in giving the former messages. I do feel that the proclamation of the hour of God's judgment is come, and fall of Babylon, are waymarks in our advent history, that we all must admit, was accompanied by the Spirit and power of God. That there was, in some, a spirit aside from this, we will not deny. But the main principle, that moved the advent body, was pure love to God, a heart to know and do his will. O, that I could now see more of this heavenly principle, that then pervaded the advent ranks. But to the reverse of this, we see anarchy, and confusion in their midst; in consequence of which, God's people have been scattered in a cloudy and dark day. Truth has fallen in the streets, and equity cannot enter. This trouble some attribute to one cause, and some to another. Some would fain think, that those that are teaching the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, are the ones that are troubling Israel. But what says Elijah, that holy man of God when he was interrogated by one of the prophets of Baal, who said, Art thou he that troubleth Israel? Elijah answers: I have not troubled Israel, but thou, and thy father's house, in that ye have forsaken the commandments of the Lord. And thou hast followed Baalam. Forsaking the commandments of God, always has, and always will bring trouble upon Israel. But living in accordance with them, will secure peace and joy, and finally, eternal life. I believe truth is destined to triumph, though her enemies are apparently strong. But when brought to the test, they will fail as did the prophets of Baal, when Elijah called upon God to answer by fire. It was soon determined that Elijah's God was the only living and true God. The psalmist David, has said, Thy law is the truth. This standard is now being raised for God's people. The powers of darkness are receding, and the law is being sealed among the disciples. To the law and to the testimony, If they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them. But the path of the just is as the shining light that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. Brn. Edson and Loughborough have recently visited this place. It was truly refreshing to hear the word preached. We were strengthened and encouraged by the meat given in due season. I want to say, the way looks plain that leads to the kingdom. It is true (as the Saviour has said) a straight gate, and a narrow way that leadeth unto life, and few there are that find it. Keeping the commandments of God will ensure us a right to the tree of life, and an entrance through the pearly gates of the New Jerusalem. It is my desire that I may shun the broad road that so many love, for it is the way to death. To do as the multitude would dictate, is most congenial to the carnal heart that is not subject to the law of God. I often hear the expression, I would as quick keep the seventh day as any other, if all would do so. As though it was a matter of little consequence, to know and do as God requires. It is my prayer that we may all realize the importance of obeying God. Yours in the blessed hope,
ELIZA A. MILLER.
Laona, March 22d, 1853.