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Publishing Committee · Rochester, N. Y. · Nov 22, 1853

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 4, No. 20.

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COMMUNICATIONS.

By Bethiah N. Snow

From Sister Snow.

DEAR BRO. WHITE:—Being so situated that I seldom have the privilege of meeting with any one of like precious faith, I truly hail the Review as a welcome messenger. It does rejoice me to hear of the prosperity of the cause of Zion. It lies near my heart. I am glad I am identified with the remnant here, and trust I shall, with them, sing redemption’s song on Zion’s heights forever. I have given all for Christ: he’s my all. I do praise the Lord for the plan of life and salvation. It is glorious, yet how plain—rich, yet how free. It cost the death of the Son of God, yet the poorest can come and partake of the water of life freely. The fountain is inexhaustible, and how willing is our heavenly Father to lead us, by his Spirit into all truth, if we only give up self, and sink unreservedly into his will; become as little children, willing to be taught of God; willing to become anything for Christ’s sake; choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; esteeming the reproach of Christ, greater riches than the treasures of Egypt; presenting our bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is our reasonable service; being transformed by the renewing of our minds; proving what is that good, acceptable and perfect will of God. But how can they believe, which receive honor one of another, and seek not the honor that cometh from God only. We cannot serve God and mammon. There is no half way for the Christian. Says our blessed Saviour, “He that is not with me, is against me; and he that gathereth not with me, scattereth abroad.” Matt. xii, 30. If we are lukewarm, neither cold or hot, God will certainly spue us out of his mouth. He will have a peculiar people upon this earth, zealous of good works. If we will live godly in Christ Jesus, we shall suffer persecution. The world will not love us: it hated Christ; and we should not desire to be above our master. He taught his disciples that in him they might have peace; but in the world they should have tribulation. The apostles proclaimed to their followers, that they must enter into the kingdom of God, through much tribulation. Shall we enter the haven of eternal rest on flowery beds of ease? Surely we must fight if we would win. Increase our courage Lord. We see just before us, when Michael shall stand up, a time of trouble such as never was since there was a nation. Let us put on the whole armor of God, that we may be able to stand against the wiles of the Devil; for we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore let us take the whole armor of God, that we may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Then we shall have nothing to fear. Fear not, says Christ, ye little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. The fearful and unbelieving, are among those who will have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone. We have nothing to fear whilst onour journey through this world of woe: having the promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come. Our dear Saviour says, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel’s, but he shall receive an hundred fold: in the world to come, eternal life. Eternal life in Christ’s everlasting kingdom, is worth bearing all the scorn and sarcasm which an ungodly world can heap upon us; is worth all our sufferings here. St. Paul thought that the sufferings of this present time were not worthy to be compared with the glory that shall be revealed in us. Whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If we suffer with Christ, we shall also reign with him. Reign with Christ! such sinful worms of the dust, so prone to wander from the God we love; subject to sickness, sorrow, pain and death, and all the misery sin brought into this world;—yet we have the promise of redemption; we are bought with a price; life and immortality are brought to light through the gospel. Peace on earth, good will to men. Surely it is no vain thing to serve God. Now is the day of his preparation. Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision; for the day of the Lord is near in the valley of decision. Soon, very soon probation will be ended. Soon he that is filthy, will be filthy still: he that is holy, will be holy still. O that all might decide now, to be on the side of truth. Choose ye this day whom ye will serve. Happy indeed is that man who can say, As for me and my house we will serve the Lord.
From your sister waiting for redemption, BETHIAH N. SNOW.
Orrington, Me., Nov. 8th, 1853.