Hold Fast Your Confidence
By Electa Richmond
DEAR BRO. WHITE: We read your paper with much pleasure, and feel to praise the Lord for his goodness, and tender mercy to the children of men. I would say to the dear brethren and sisters scattered abroad, especially those who went forth to meet the Bridegroom, and have since borne the reproach that our hope has brought upon us, let us hold fast the beginning of our confidence firm unto the end, that no one take our crown. Let none be discouraged, for we soon shall reap, if we faint not. I feel to praise the Lord that so many are turning their feet from the Sabbath, and repairing the breach in God's holy law, that they may be prepared to stand in the battle of the Lord. And while they are coming in at the eleventh hour, and receiving their penny, let us not murmur because we have borne the heat and burden of the day, but rejoice that we are counted worthy to suffer for Christ's sake. I believe the Lord has been leading us out from71the churches, and trying us, to see if we would keep his commandments, or no. And while we were scattered, and felt the need of something to unite us, he has given us the third angel's message, which is bringing the people of God into the unity of the faith and Spirit. O, may we be very humble, and seek meekness, it may be we may be hid in the day of the Lord's anger. I mean to strive to be more like our blessed Master, who for the joy that was set before him, endured the cross, despising the shame, and has got the victory over death and the grave. I would be more consecrated to God and sink deeper into his will. What manner of persons ought we to be, in all holy conversation and godliness, looking for and hasting unto the day of God. When I see the wicked doing wickedly, and many departing from the faith, and going back, I often feel to say,
"Why was I made to hear Thy voice,
And enter while there's room;
While others make a wretched choice,
And rather starve than come." I thank and praise the name of the Lord, for that blessed hope of soon entering the Holy City, "where the wicked cease from troubling, and the weary are at rest." Though we pass through many severe trials on our way, let us say with Paul, "that none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto me." Let us leave the things that are behind, and press forward to the kingdom. In hope of soon seeing Jesus,
ELECTA RICHMOND.
Ashfield, Mass., Aug. 18th, 1852.